A major trail expansion is now open at southern Colorado’s Fishers Peak State Park, providing hikers and mountain bikers with nine additional miles to explore across one of the state’s newest state parks.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened the three newly constructed trails on Saturday, August 15th. Storyteller, First Spring, and Chaquaqua add new loops to the growing trail network while connecting with Fishers Peak Trail, the primary route toward the summit. The new trails also provide additional hiking and biking opportunities during the annual peregrine falcon closure that restricts access to the summit between March 15th and the end of July.
New Trails Showcase Colorado Landscape
The three new trails were named to honor features of the landscape and history of the state park. First Spring takes its name from a landmark on the property, while Caquaqua was named for the Chaquaqua Plateau that’s visible from the trail. Storyteller, meanwhile, highlights the natural and cultural history that visitors can find along the route, including lightning scared trees and evidence of past human use.
The trails move through a variety of ecosystems, from grasslands and piñon-juniper landscapes into the higher elevation forests with changing scenery and views along the way.
Goldenrod Trail Now Open to Mountain Bikes
The August 15th opening also changed access rules on Goldenrod Trail, opening the 4.7 mile route that was previously designated for hikers only to both mountain bikers and hikers. Cyclists are only permitted to travel uphill on the route. Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff tested the new routes on mountain bikes before they opened to the public.
Fishers Peak Adds New Options for Visitors
Fisher Peak State Park is currently open daily from 5am to 10pm. Visitors should prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather, should carry sufficient water and food, and should always stay on designated trails. Leaving the established routes can quickly leave visitors in steep and rugged terrain that may require a search and rescue response.
A valid CPW parks pass or Keep Colorado Wild Pass is required for entry. Pets are currently not permitted in the park.