(Last Updated On: April 16, 2022)

lake pueblo state parkLake Pueblo State Park is a state park in Colorado located in Pueblo, and is about 50 miles south of the city of Colorado Springs. The park offers fishing, biking, boating, and hiking with great views of Lake Pueblo.

Activities

There are a large variety of activities available to Lake Pueblo State Park explorers.

Here are just a few of the many things to do at Lake Pueblo park:

Boating At Lake Pueblo State Park

With more than 4,600 surface acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Lake Pueblo State Park is a boating and fishing hotspot. This state park is home to several full-service marinas and is open to sailing, motor-boating, waterskiing, river tubing, and more. Boaters can choose from two different boat ramps when looking to launch into the pristine waters of Lake Pueblo.

Boaters as young as 14 and 15 can pilot their own craft, so long as they have completed a boat safety course and can operate a motorized boat. All other boaters must be at least 16 years old, and all boaters must have the proper registration documents for their crafts.

Whitewater rafting is also available during the summer months, although the speed of the river varies. Those looking to whitewater raft can do so below the dam in the Arkansas River, however all safety precautions should be followed before setting out on your next whitewater rafting journey.

Swimming At Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park is home to the Rock Canyon swim beach, which is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. A day or annual pass is required to swim at the beach, however, it is worth noting there is no lifeguard on duty, and that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed on the swim beach.

Rock Canyon swim beach also has a pavilion that is available on a first-come-first-serve basis that is great for escaping the sun for a few minutes or hosting a beach picnic. If you’re looking to swim in one of Colorado’s many gorgeous lakes, this swim beach is sure to be a must-visit destination on your next trip.

Hiking At Lake Pueblo State Park

While Lake Pueblo State Park is best known for the titular lake, there are plenty of hiking trails throughout the park for you to explore once your fishing adventure is done for the day. With a combination of walking trails that loop along the shoreline, as well as trails that cut through the more natural areas of the park, you’re sure to find a hiking trail that suits your needs.

Here are some of the trails at Lake Pueblo State Park:

  • Arkansas Point Trail – This trail brings hikers up to an incredible vista where they can look out over the reservoir. Keep in mind there are some steeper inclines on this trail, so hikers should be prepared in advance. Degree of Difficulty: varies
  • Pueblo Reservoir Trail – This trail loops through a majority of the park, and takes visitors along the shoreline toward several campsites. This trail can be explored in part, or taken as a whole for an intense day of walking. For those looking to add even more to their workout, there are several branching loops that break off from the Pueblo Reservoir Trail and lead to other areas of the park. Degree of Difficulty: varies

Biking At Lake Pueblo State Park

Biking through Lake Pueblo State Park is a unique and wonderful experience that allows you to view the shoreline as well as travel deeper into the park. Bikes are allowed on most of the trails throughout the park, though it is a good idea to check to make sure before heading down a specific trail. A combination of paved roadways and mountain biking trails makes this park a hotspot for bikers of all skill levels. For more information about the various trails throughout the park, check out the state park website.

Fishing At Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park is a premier fishing location, with over 4,600 surface acres of water to fish in. Visitors can use the CPW fishing app to help plan their fishing trip, or check out the park website for more information on fishing conditions throughout the park. Keep in mind that all fishing licenses and permits are still required, and check individual bag limits before starting your trip.

Picnicking At Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park is a picnickers paradise. With several group pavilions to choose from, as well as individual picnicking areas scattered throughout the park, enjoying the sights and sounds of the great outdoors has never been easier.

The various picnicking pavilions can be reserved in advance, and many have electricity, barbeques, fire pits, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Depending on the pavilion, visitors are within walking distance of the playground, as well as boat launches and other attractions. If you’re looking to reserve one of the many picnicking pavilions at Lake Pueblo State Park, check out their website for more information.

Horseback Riding At Lake Pueblo State Park

Horseback riding is allowed on the Arkansas Point Trail System, with parking available in the Arkansas Point Campground. Keep in mind that while horses are welcome along this trail system, they are not allowed on the paved trails or the trails along the north shore, and overnight stays with horses are prohibited, especially in the various campgrounds in the park.

Pets At Lake Pueblo State Park

Dogs are welcome at Lake Pueblo State Park, so long as they are kept on a six-foot or shorter leash, and their waste is properly disposed of.

Horses are allowed along the Arkansas Point Trail System, however, they are not allowed on any paved trails through the park, nor are they allowed in the campsites.

Camping At Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park has several campsites available by reservation only. These sites include a variety of amenities that vary from site to site, with three distinct campsites to choose from: Arkansas Point Campground, Juniper Breaks Campground, and Northern Plains Campground. Pay attention to the nearby amenities before choosing your campground, as the presence of RV hookups and more can change depending on the location.

While there is no dedicated group camping location at Lake Pueblo State Park, there are a few sites within Eagle View that are large enough to accommodate small groups. Be sure to check out their website for more information and to make a reservation today.

Park Location

Lake Pueblo State Park
640 Pueblo Reservoir Road
Pueblo CO 81005
Phone: 719.561.9320
Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a brief video showing several attractions at Lake Pueblo State Park: