🌤 Weather at Lathrop State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–72 °F | 52–87 °F | 28–79 °F | 20–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Walsenburg 1 NW, 3 mi away, elevation 6,292 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lathrop State Park is a Colorado Park located in Walsenburg, and is around 52 miles south of the city of Pueblo. The park offers biking, boating, birding, and archery with scenic views of Spanish Peaks.
Activities
There are a number of things to do available to Lathrop State Park explorers. Here are some highlights of the many amusements at Lathrop park:
Archery At Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park is home to an archery range that is open to the public and free to use. In fact, unlike many other state parks, a park pass is not required to use the range. The park managers do ask that all patrons work together to preserve the range, and make sure to pick up any trash before they leave. The archery range is located to the west of the main entrance, nearby Hwy 160.
Boating At Lathrop State Park
With two lakes to choose from, Lathrop State Park is a boater’s dream. Powerboating is more than welcome on the lake, as well as jet skiing, sailing, and canoeing. Keep in mind that from October 15th to March 15th, the lake is restricted to hand-launched boats, unless otherwise noted. One of the things that make Lathrop State Park a boating paradise is the two lakes tend to stay warmer than many other mountain lakes, meaning that the lake is both a haven for fish and fishermen alike.
Swimming At Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park has a swim beach that is open to the public during the warmer months. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards at Colorado State Parks, so plan accordingly. Also, all children must be supervised by an adult, especially when in or near water. For those looking to spend a day in the sun, there are plenty of nearby picnicking spots to enjoy your lunch while you lounge at the swim beach. Scubaing is also allowed in the lake with the proper gear and permitting.
Hiking At Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park is home to three main hiking trails, running the gamut from a leisure walking trail to a more intense hiking experience. Visitors can appreciate the scenery as they make their way through the park, and the Cuerno Verde Trail is also ADA-accessible, making more of the park available to visitors of all walks of life. Here are some of the trails at Lathrop State Park:
- Cuerno Verde Trail – This fully-paved trail follows the edge of Martin Lake. Both bikers and pedestrians can enjoy the incredible views as they make their way around the shoreline. This trail is ADA-accessible and has easy access to restrooms. Length: 3 miles Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Hogback Nature Trail – This trail takes hikers by standstone formations as they ascend the Hogback Ridge at the northern end of the park. Hikers can glimpse the Spanish Peaks, Sangre de Cristo, and Wet Mountain Ranges. There is also a self-guided tour throughout the trail, allowing visitors to learn more about the local history, as well as flora and fauna. Length: 2 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- William Henry Jackson Trail – This trail is open to pedestrians, bikers, and pets. Attached to the Hogback Trail, this hiking path takes visitors to the original site of the photo that would later inspire the founding of Lathrop State park. Length: 1.2 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
Biking At Lathrop State Park
Bikes are welcome on Cuerno Verde Trail but are not allowed on the Hogback Trail. However, the 3-mile loop that circles around Martin Lake is incredibly popular with bikers, and has easy access to amenities throughout the park, allowing you to explore Lathrop State Park at your own pace while you ride.
Horseback Riding At Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park has a newly built horseback riding trail to the west of Horseshoe Lake. There is an adjacent parking area for horse trailers, and clear signs that direct to the trail. As always, visitors should clean up after their horses and be sure to not leave them unattended.
Fishing At Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park offers fishers an incredible experience that’s sure to please. With two lakes open to boating and miles of shoreline, fishers of all skill levels can try their hand at catching trout, saugeye, catfish, northern pike, and tiger muskie. As always, be sure to check local and state fishing requirements, as well as bag limits, before setting out on your trip.
Birding, Golfing, Picnicking, and More At Lathrop State Park
With so many amenities to discover, it’s hard to summarize everything there is to do at Lathrop State Park! The park is home to several species of birds and has incredible walking trails that allow birding enthusiasts to venture deeper into the great outdoors in hopes of spotting that rare bird. Those looking for a fun activity in the park can check out the golf course on-site, or go more natural and try their hand at geocaching. No matter the activity of choice, group and individual picnic locations throughout the park make finding a place to stop for lunch a snap. Group picnic sites can be reserved in advance, while other picnic locations are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Pets At Lathrop State Park
Dogs are welcome at Lathrop State Park, as long as they are on a 6-foot or shorter leash, and have their waste properly picked up and removed. However, dogs are not allowed at the swim beach and may be restricted from some of the hiking trails. Horses are welcome for horseback riding at the newly established Horseshoe Lake trail. However, all waste should be properly disposed of, and riders should stick to the approved trail and parking area.
Camping At Lathrop State Park
With 103 campsites and 3 group camping locations, Lathrop State Park is a camping paradise. With various sites open to RV hookups, as well as more rural camping locations, there are plenty of options to choose from when planning your next camping trip. Keep in mind that all campsites must be reserved in advance and that each site has different access to amenities, so be sure to double-check your camping site before arriving.
Park Location
Lathrop State Park 70 County Road 502 Walsenburg CO 81089 Phone: 719.738.2376 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Below is a brief video showing different activities at Lathrop State Park:
Colorado’s First State Park
Lathrop was Colorado’s first state park (1962), featuring two lakes for fishing and water sports with Spanish Peaks views. A high-altitude gem in southern Colorado.
Camping
| Type | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 42 | 30/50 amp |
| Non-Electric | 48 | Scenic views |
| Yurts | 2 | Year-round |
Reserve: cpwshop.com or (800) 244-5613.
Fishing
Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake offer trout, bass, and catfish. Boat ramps available.
Wildlife & Nature
Lathrop SP — Colorado’s first state park (1962). The park’s two lakes, prairie, and views of the Spanish Peaks support mule deer, pronghorn, and bald eagles. Features a 9-hole golf course with mountain views.
Nearby Attractions
Walsenburg — adjacent. Spanish Peaks — visible — sacred to the Ute and Comanche peoples.
Is this Colorado’s oldest state park?
Yes! Lathrop was established in 1962 as Colorado’s first state park.
Explore More Colorado State Parks
Lathrop State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Colorado. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Colorado guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Spanish Peaks views: Lathrop offers dramatic views of the Spanish Peaks — twin volcanic mountains rising above the Great Plains. Pro tip: The park has two lakes — Martin Lake (swimming) and Horseshoe Lake (fishing). Golf: The Walsenburg Golf Course adjacent to the park offers mountain-view golf.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming and fishing. Fall: Spanish Peaks with golden aspens. Spring: Trout fishing. Winter: Snow-covered peaks — stunning photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Spanish Peaks?
The Spanish Peaks are twin volcanic mountains in southern Colorado — West Spanish Peak (13,626 feet) and East Spanish Peak (12,683 feet). They’re not part of the main Rocky Mountain chain but stand alone on the edge of the Great Plains, creating dramatic views. The Ute people called them “Wahatoya” — Breasts of the Earth.
More parks in Colorado: Trinidad Lake State Park and Fishers Peak State Park. See the full Colorado state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Lathrop State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 103 sites — 103 sites across 2 campgrounds: Yucca Campground basic non-electric tent sites; Pinon Campground full hook-up RV sites, pull-through or back-in paved, up to 50-amp electric. RV length limit not stated. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Leashed pets, max 6-ft leash, not left unattended, owner must clean up. |
| Reservations | cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613; bookable up to 6 months in advance. |
| Special sites | Group camping sites accommodate 30-50 people each; horses permitted in park. |
| Season notes | Open year-round; winter amenities limited to toilets only; campgrounds typically full daily May-Aug; weekend reservations recommended Mar-Oct; max 14-day stay within 28 days. |
Camping questions about Lathrop State Park
Can you camp at Lathrop State Park?
Yes. Lathrop State Park has 103 campsites. 103 sites across 2 campgrounds: Yucca Campground basic non-electric tent sites; Pinon Campground full hook-up RV sites, pull-through or back-in paved, up to 50-amp electric. RV length limit not stated.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lathrop State Park?
cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613; bookable up to 6 months in advance.
Are pets allowed at the Lathrop State Park campground?
Leashed pets, max 6-ft leash, not left unattended, owner must clean up.
Source: cpw.state.co.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lathrop State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 6 feet required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- It is unlawful to allow a dog or other pet within any area used as a swimming or water-ski beach.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Some parks offer pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Golden Gate Canyon, State Forest, Mancos and Ridgway yurts) for a $10 per night pet fee.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $10 per night pet fee in participating pet-friendly cabins/yurts.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash dog areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks (registration/fee applies).
Are dogs allowed at Lathrop State Park?
Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us. More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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