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Trinidad Lake State Park

Trip

Hiking – Reilly and Levsa Canyons

Reilly and Levsa Canyon Trail is a moderate 8-1/2 mile in-and-out trail with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The trail travels along ridges overlooking Trinidad State Park and Trinidad Lake, through canyons, and out again. The trail starts at Carpios Ridge Campground. Pace will be casual. Enjoy the views. Take the pictures. This is a no drop hike.

Contacts

Marsha Littau
Marsha Littau
Primary Leader
  • Sat, May 18, 2024
  • El Pueblo Group
  • Hiking
  • Families, Adults
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,500 ft
  • Pace: 2.0

1st meetup:  7:30AM   To carpool from Pueblo:  Meet at the parking lot west of the Loaf n’ Jug off of Pueblo Blvd and I-25 (1283 W Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo, CO   81004). 

2nd meetup:  8:50AM  Carpios Ridge Campground Vistors Center, Trinidad Lake State Park, 32610 Colorado 12, Trinidad, CO   81082

I have confirmed that we can park at the visitors’ center.  Those who purchased a Keep Colorado Wild Pass with their vehicle license renewal will not need to buy an additional pass, otherwise, a day pass is $10.00.  The visitors center will not be open, however, the restrooms on the back of the building, across from site #62, will be. 

The trail leaving the campground is shown as Levsa Nature Trail.  This leg is less than ½ mile long.  The trail then joins Reilly Canyon Trail.  We'll stop at the turn around point for a snack.  This is an exploratory hike.  I have not hiked this trail before. 

The weather is normally much like Pueblo and Canon City’s.  Please check the weather when preparing your gear for the trip.  Weather.gov is a good source of up-to-date information.  Use zip code is 81082.

Wonderful House Chinese Restaurant in Trinidad comes highly recommended.  If the group wants to, we’ll stop in after the hike for a late lunch.

Dogs are welcome on this trip.  Please be prepared to hike with your dog on leash, and to pick up and carry out their poop (poop bags and an old PB jar to put the full bag in before putting it back in your pack work well for this).  Bring water, treats and first aid for your pup.

Sources for maps, directions and other information:

AllTrails:  Reilly and Levsa Canyons

CoTrex: Levsa/Reilly Traihead

Google map:  Carpios Ridge Campground

https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/TrinidadLake/Pages/MapsDirections.aspx

CMC trips begin and end at the trail head. 

Route/Place

Trinidad Lake State Park

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring the ten essentials including water, food, 1st aid, rain gear, sun protection, light, fire, emergency shelter, and navigation.  Dress in layers.  Trekking poles are recommended due to lose rock/shell on sections of the trail.  If wet, the trail can be muddy.

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