All of the rain and flooding last week occurred in the north-central part of Colorado, primarily around Boulder and north west of it. Utilizing the big advantage of living in the Tank, mobility, I slid south of the weather front to Lathrop State Park near Walsenburg for a four day stay. Lathrop SP lies on 1594 acres of high plains grassland dotted with pinion pine and juniper that is typical of southeastern Colorado. To the south of the park lie the Spanish Peaks, 13,610 and 12,699 feet respectively.
The Indians named the Spanish Peaks Huajatolla which means "Breasts of the World"
There are two small lakes within Lathrop, Martin and Horseshoe Lakes, that are stocked with trout, catfish, bass, walleye and bluegill. Fishing is year round and each lake has a boat ramp.
Martin Dam which creates Martin Lake.
Swimming is permitted in Martin Lake's 180 surface acres but only off the day use area's sandy beach.
The Martin Lake beach area.
There are two main trail systems within Lathrop, Hogback and Cuerno trails, I explored the two mile Hogback trail which winds you through sandstone formations then climbs the Hogback Ridge along the northern boundary of the park.
There's a informative self-guided brochure that you take on the trail.
In addition to the two main trails there are paved walking trails that circle the two lakes with occasional picnic areas along the walking paths.
Walking/biking trail around Martin Lake.
It's $20 per night to stay at one of the 83 electric-only Pinion Campsites. There are bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station in each of the three sections in Pinion. Verizon 3 G came in at 2 bars and Millenicom Internet also came in at 2 bars.
Lathrop SP is a much smaller park then the others I've stayed in but the weather was perfect and the park was only lightly occupied. If you were driving up from Texas Lathrop SP would be a worthy initial stop-off for campers and fisherman.