Lake Pueblo, rated a fishing “hot spot,” provides over 4,600 surface acres of water, 60 miles of shoreline and almost 10,000 acres of land. Along with the sunny days and a mild year-round climate, visitors quickly learn that one day is not enough.
Biking
A paved trail follows all of the main roads in the park. If you catch the trail in Rock Canyon, you can bike along the river to the Nature Center and catch trails that go throughout Pueblo. The extensive trail system behind Arkansas Point Campground offers several degrees of difficulty, for mountain bikers of all ages. For your safety, we do ask that bikes remain on the trails.
Boating
Lake Pueblo State Park Boat Safety Classes
Anyone operating a motorboat, including a personal watercraft (PWC) or sailboat in Colorado must be at least 16 years old.
Individuals who are 14 and 15 and have successfully completed a state approved boating safely course can operate a motorized vessel in Colorado.
Lake Pueblo State Park offers Boat Safety Classes on:
No classes scheduled at this time
All classes are at Lake Pueblo State Park Auditorium located in the Visitor Center.
All classes are from 5-8pm
Camping
Winter camping at the park:
All sites in Arkansas Point (electrical) and Juniper Breaks (basic) are open.
We are NOT taking reservations for camping through the winter. All sites are first-come-first-served. You must be present and be able to occupy the site immediately to purchase a site.
The maximum stay for camping in any Colorado State Park is 14 days in a 45 day period.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
their waste is properly disposed of
Fishing
With the weather changing and moving from late fall into early winter, fishing at Lake Pueblo changes dramatically. Fish move into deeper water and become increasingly more difficult to catch. A fish's metabolism slows in cold water and they do not eat as frequently as they would in warmer water. This is especially the case with the warmwater species in the lake. However, fish can still be caught in the winter. Anglers will need to focus on fishing deeper water and slowing down their presentations. Jigs fished slow and deep can produce bites from both bass and walleye in the winter months. Trout fishing at Lake Pueblo can be good during the winter, as trout are a coldwater fish and function well in water that is as cold as forty degrees. A variety of techniques will work for trout in the winter such as spoons and bait.
The Arkansas river tailwater below Lake Pueblo is a popular venue to wet a line in the winter. Flows out of the reservoir are the lowest of the year and the river runs clear. Fly fishing and spin fishing are both effective on this stretch of river. There are special regulations in place from the Valco Bridge down to the Nature Center, and anglers should familiarize themselves with these special regulations. Midges are the most prolific and important hatch during the coldest winter months. Be prepared for crowds on the weekends as this tailwater sees lots of angling pressure during the winter months.
Hiking
Take the paved trail around the park or along the Arkansas River, or get a spectacular view on the top of Arkansas Point trail. A trail map is located at the kiosk at Arkansas Point Campground.
There is also a trail over on the north side, trail head at West Fishing Road. This trail follows the shore and can go beyond.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed on the Arkansas Point Trail System. Park in the lot at Arkansas Point Campground and ride up into the bluffs for a bird's-eye view. Please note that while horses are welcomed and encouraged on the Arkansas Point Trails, they are not permitted on the paved trails or the north shore trails. Horses are welcome for day-trips, but not allowed in the campgrounds for over-night stays.
Hunting
Small game and waterfowl hunting is permitted in designed hunting areas during legal seasons after Labor Day through the Thursday before Memorial Weekend.
Jet Skiing
Jet Skiing is a must at Lake Pueblo. You're ready for fun when you launch at the North Marina or South Marina. Peak loading and launching hours are 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months.
Picnicking
Lake Pueblo provides perfect picnic spots. Pack your cooler and some picnic gear and head to one of the 348 sites located throughout the park. Rock Canyon Day-Use Area offers the most popular sites. Anticline Pond (also known as Rock Canyon Pond) provides fun and easy day fishing from a stocked fishing pond and is close to a playground. Osprey is a shady, quiet area nestled along the river. Picnic sites over-looking the reservoir are at the South Marina, North Picnic, and West Fishing areas.
Sailboarding
A steady breeze is common at Lake Pueblo and makes for a great boarding experience. Just launch at the area named just for this sport: Sailboard!
Water Skiing
Plenty of room to move. Just make sure you have your observer, your flag, and your sense of adventure!
Whitewater rafting
Throughout the summer, rivers will vary and swift flows may be present. Always use common sense and keep safety in mind when participating in river activities. The Arkansas River below the dam provides the adventurer an opportunity for kayaking and rafting.
Winter Activities
It’s not uncommon to enjoy sunny days that reach into the 60’s throughout the winter season at the park. With a little extra caution and some warm clothes, visitors can boat, fish, camp, hike, or bike all winter long.
Winter Camping
All sites in Arkansas Point (electrical) and Juniper Breaks (basic) are open. We are NOT taking reservations for camping through the winter. All sites are first-come-first-served. You must be present and be able to occupy the site immediately to purchase a site. The maximum stay for camping in any Colorado State Park is 14 days in a 45 day period.
