Is the park open to the public?

Currently a small, 1000-acre portion of Fishers Peak State Park is now open to the public. This initial public access is just a small piece of the 19,200-acre park, with more development to come in the future. The park is currently open for day use only, no camping is permitted at this time . No dogs are permitted on the property at this time. Bicycles are allowed on designated trails. Please observe the posted signage for each trail.

Where can I access the park?

You may access Fishers Peak State Park using Exit 11 off I-25. Head South along CR 69.3 (the frontage road along the east side of the interstate) until you see the entrance gate and sign on the left. Click here for a detailed map.

What activities are currently allowed at Fishers Peak State Park?

Fishers Peak State Park currently has over 13 miles of trails open for hiking and biking. View the trail descriptions provided below, or click [here] for a map.

From December 15th through July 15th, all visitors must remain outside of the ½ -mile buffer established for Golden Eagle nests as posted.
From March 15 through July 31st, all visitors must remain outside of the ½ -mile buffer established for Peregrine Falcon nests as posted.

Discovery Loop Trail: (250 feet) - Hiking only. The short and easy trail is the perfect place for a quiet picnic not far from the parking lot. An easy loop around a small meadow is lined with interpretive signs that encourage visitors to learn about the habitat around them through the five senses.

Challenge Hill Section: (1.4 miles) - Hiking only. Following an abandoned ranch road, this steep, difficult trail quickly climbs the ridgeline to meet the mid-mountain trail hub (top of the Challenge Hill Section) and surrounding views.

Osita Ridge Section: (2.3 miles) - Open to hikers and mountain bikes in both directions. From the mid-mountain trail hub this trail continues up the ridge, snaking through oak communities, dramatic rock outcrops, and towering ponderosa pines to reach the upper saddle below Osita Point, with views of Fishers Peak towering overhead.

Osita Point Trail: (0.3 miles) - Hiking only. A short, rocky trail reaches Osita Point (8,125’), which provides commanding, panoramic views of the entire park, the open plains to the east, and the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo range to the west.

Poison Canyon Mountain Bike Downhill Trail: (1.7 miles) - Bikes only, downhill-only. For mountain bikers, this trail provides an exciting and playful descent that flows through pinon juniper forests and rocky canyons back down to the trailhead. Built with early-intermediate riders in mind, this trail provides opportunities for fun and challenge as they hone their skills on advanced optional features. Bikers will access this trail from Lower Lone Cub Trail.

Lower Lone Cub Trail: (1.6 miles) - Open to hikers and mountain bikes in both directions. Serving as the gateway into the trail system, this trail gently meanders through a series of canyons and forested slopes to reach the crest of the first ridge south of the trailhead.

Upper Lone Cub Trail: (1.2 miles) - Open to hikers and mountain bikes in both directions. Following the south ridge, this rugged and twisty trail explores the rocky, south-facing cliffs, passing through a dramatic notch to reach the mid-mountain trail hub.

Goldenrod Trail: (4.7 miles) - Hiking only. This trail explores the long ridgeline south of the trailhead, through a series of tight twists and turns to reach the expansive views of Trinidad and the eastern plains. This long route circles the crest of the valley, connecting back to the mid-mountain trail hub.

Stone Guard Trail: (.7 miles) - Hiking only. CLOSED March 15th-July 31st for Peregrine Falcon Nesting.

Peak Approach Trail: (.8 miles) - Hiking only. CLOSED March 15th-July 31st for Peregrine Falcon Nesting.

Summit Loop Trail: (.5 miles) - Hiking only. CLOSED March 15th-July 31st for Peregrine Falcon Nesting.

*Visitors can also enjoy a scenic drive-in picnic area easily accessed from the parking lot. Services are located at the Fishers Peak Trailhead on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is just off the new parking lot and near the two vault restrooms. Picknicking is also permitted at the Discovery Trail Loop. During the master planning phase, several additional outdoor recreation opportunities will be considered.

Can I climb to the top of Fishers Peak?

Yes, BUT the Peak Approach, Stone Guard, and Summit Loop trails are CLOSED from March 15th through July 31st for Peregrine Nesting.

From December 15th through July 15th, all visitors must remain outside of the ½ -mile buffer established for Golden Eagle nests as posted.

Please note the calendar when planning and schedule these hikes accordingly.

Why are dogs not allowed at the park?

While most Colorado state parks allow dogs, each park is evaluated independently to understand the impact dogs will have on wildlife in the park. During the ongoing research, biological inventory and planning phases over the next few years at Fishers Peak State Park, it is important that we do not bring dogs onto the landscape. Dogs are curious by nature, and a natural predator to many other species. Their presence on the property can influence the success of wildlife and their use of habitat on the property, negatively affecting our efforts to gather baseline data. Once all the studies have been completed, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will reevaluate dog restrictions in the park.

Are there admission fees to the park?

Yes. A state parks Vehicle Pass is required for every vehicle that enters the park at a cost of $9 per day or $80 for an annual pass. Individuals who walk or bike onto the park need to purchase an Individual Pass, or need to show proof that they have purchased an Annual Vehicle Pass or Hangtag Pass. Daily and annual walk-in passes are available at CPW offices, kiosk locations, and online. There is a kiosk located in the parking lot at Fishers Peak State Park.

The Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass is also available through Colorado Vehicle Registrations Only. Visitors must have a valid Colorado motor vehicle registration card displaying a CPW logo available for inspection upon request.

How long is the Master Plan going to take?

We anticipate the master plan will be completed during the first quarter of 2022.

What surveys are being completed as part of the Master Plan?

Several surveys are being conducted, the results of which will be used to help inform the master planning process. These studies include but are not limited to:

• Biological Surveys
• Archaeological Surveys
• Wildlife Inventories
• Vegetation Mapping
• Economic Impact Studies
• Climbing Analysis

Why are certain recreational features not being considered as part of the initial master planning effort? How are these decisions made?

CPW has considered all reasonable suggestions for recreational uses and features within the park. Suggestions are evaluated based on their compatibility with the landscape, resource values, CPW policies, stakeholder input, and the guiding Vision Focus Areas for the Park Master Plan. Two of the primary Vision Focus Areas are ensuring “Natural Systems and Wildlife are Maintained, Conserved, and Protected” and that “Nature-Based Outdoor Recreation Activities Enhance the Visitor Experience.” The public engagement process that included interest groups representing many different viewpoints provided additional feedback about specific recreational activities. While the Fishers Peak State Park Master Plan accommodates a wide range of outdoor recreation experiences, the park will not include everything that has been suggested.

Will there be OHV trails in Fishers Peak?

The use of OHVs/ATVs/UTVs is NOT permitted.

CPW has considered OHV recreation in Fishers Peak State Park but is not planning OHV recreational access to the Park as part of the Master Plan.

The public and stakeholders have overwhelmingly identified the desire to “ensure the long-term protection of Fishers Peak’s natural resources and beauty.” This desire, coupled with the ongoing biological evaluation of the unique environments at the Park, has led to the development of a park theme that is about providing a backcountry experience. Fishers Peak State Park provides an opportunity for a backcountry experience that is not readily available at other state parks in the area.

Will e-bikes be allowed in Fishers Peak?

In keeping with CPW regulations, “Class 1 and 2 e-bikes will be allowed on roadways and designated bike lanes and on multi-use trails and other areas (e.g., campgrounds) that are open to non-motorized biking.”

Has there been any engagement or consultation with Native American tribes?

At this time, CPW has reached out to 48 Native American tribes to engage them in the Master Planning effort. Of the 48 tribes, 4 with very close historical ties to the Fishers Peak area provided input and visited the park with the project team’s cultural resource specialists. These tribes included the Jicarilla Apache, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Arapaho. This engagement is ongoing, and a full report will be provided upon completion of tribal consultations.

Will there be other connections into the park outside of the entry road at Exit 11?

Many state parks have a primary entrance for visitors and provide other local/neighborhood entrances at other locations around the park. At this time, CPW is focused on planning the primary entrance of the park south of I-25 Exit 11 as it is the only access area that is within the public right-of-way. CPW is also considering a trail connection to New Mexico’s Sugarite Canyon State Park on the southern border of Fishers Peak. Additional entrances may be considered in the future with coordinated planning and outreach with local neighborhoods and private property owners.

How are trail corridors being planned?

Trail corridors are planned to provide access to park features, avoid and protect sensitive resources, maintain long-term sustainability, and provide a meaningful and rewarding experience for park visitors. Each trail corridor identified in this master plan has been evaluated in the field to ensure that they meet these objectives and overall park management goals. During the implementation process, trail corridors are further reviewed for biological and cultural resources, refined, and ultimately constructed before they are enjoyed by park visitors.

Will hunting be allowed in the park?

Hunting is currently allowed on a permitted basis only. These permits are granted by the park manager through a special application and drawing process. As additional wildlife surveys are completed, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will evaluate the number of permits available to hunters. For more information regarding hunting opportunities on the park, please visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/FishersPeak

Can you fly drones in Fishers Peak State Park?

No. Colorado State Parks Regulation #100-c.24 (2018) makes it illegal to fly drones and other UAS in all Colorado State parks. The only exceptions are those parks that have designated areas for drone operations which only include Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks.

Are there currently volunteer opportunities available? Where can I learn about future volunteer opportunities?

There are no current volunteer opportunities, although there may be a number of volunteer projects available in 2024. More information will be made available at fisherspeakstatepark.com.

How can I donate to the Park?

Please click here to access the donations page.