Fishers Peak State Park grows trail network, shaping local health and access

Fishers Peak State Park, the 19,000-plus acre public-lands anchor just south of Trinidad, continues to shape recreation, conservation and community well-being across northern Las Animas County. Since opening in 2020, the park has phased in new trail segments and visitor facilities while protecting the Fishers Peak massif, surrounding mesas, grasslands and piñon-juniper habitat that residents value for both outdoor life and wildlife.

The park’s multi-use trail network supports hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding with several trailheads and loop options of varied difficulty. People who use the park should check the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Fishers Peak webpage or contact CPW region staff for current trail access, permitted uses and seasonal closures. Parking is primitive on site and services are limited, so visitors are advised to carry water, dress for variable high-desert weather and follow Leave No Trace practices. Cell service can be spotty on the mountain and mesas, which has implications for safety and emergency response.

Conservation work at Fishers Peak protects important habitat for pronghorn, mule deer and raptors, and the park supports habitat restoration projects and public-education opportunities. Those efforts boost local biodiversity and create outdoor classrooms for schools and conservation groups, but they also raise questions about who can access those benefits. Limited parking, the need to travel from Trinidad, and minimal on-site services can restrict access for people without reliable transportation, families with young children, older adults and residents with mobility challenges.

Public health and safety are central to how the park affects daily life in the county. Access to open space supports physical activity and mental health, offering a low-cost option for exercise and stress relief in a rural county that faces health disparities. At the same time, the combination of primitive roads, limited services and intermittent cell coverage can delay assistance when injuries or medical emergencies occur. Strengthening coordination between park managers, county emergency services and public health officials, and improving signage and first-aid resources at trailheads, would reduce risk and expand equitable access.

Economic and social impacts are already visible. The park draws visitors who support Trinidad businesses and local outfitters, and restoration projects create volunteer and education roles that connect residents to land stewardship. Still, ensuring these opportunities reach historically underserved groups requires intentional outreach, reliable transit options and affordable programming.

The takeaway? Fishers Peak is a powerful community asset that improves health and quality of life for many, but realizing its full promise will require attention to safety, equity and local infrastructure. When you head out, plan ahead, carry essentials and check CPW for current trail and gate information. Our two cents? Treat the mountain like family: prepare, respect the land and look out for your neighbors out on the trail.