Lake Colorado City

Lake Colorado City SP https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-colorado-city Lake Colorado City State Park is located southwest of Colorado City, Texas. The park is in the Mesquite Plains, a subdivision of the western Rolling Plains. This area was originally an open grassland with scattered woody plants. Now mesquite dominates these plains.

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Lake Colorado City State Park TexasStateParks.org/App #TexasStateParks TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia #BetterOutside LEGEND CR 258 CR 262 To I-20 CR 252 Headquarters To I-20 CR 254 Restrooms CR 248 CR 256 Lake Colorado City State Park PLEASE NOTE Showers FM 2836 • All vehicles must be parked in designated areas only. Water Only Sites Lak rad • A maximum of eight people permitted per campsite. Guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. Quiet time from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. TEXAS • GRAY WATER AND BLACK WATER MUST BE DISCHARGED ONLY AT DUMP STATIONS. oC ity CR 307 Mor g Pow an Cre er P ek lant 163 To C olora do C ity CR 317 olo CR 319 N • Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited. eC 1 CR 31 • CHECK OUT time is 12 p.m. or renew permit by 9 a.m. (pending site availability). FM 1229 Water and Electric Sites Dump Station 1 Recreation Hall Interpretive Trail • Only one unit per site is permitted to hook up to utilities. • Pets must be kept on leash. Please pick up after them. Gate Closes at 10 p.m. Picnic Area • Gathering of firewood is prohibited. • Campfires are permitted only in fire rings provided at each site. Group Picnic Pavilion Cabin 11 Area WATER ACTIVITIES • Swim at your own risk. NO LIFEGUARD on duty. & Colorado City Residence Maintenance 97 98 95 99 96 78 Sites with 50 AMP Hookups Lake Colorado City FM 2836 4582 F.M. 2836 Colorado City, TX 79512 (325) 728-3931 TEXAS 163 2.1 miles Playground ke • Stop the spread of invasive species. CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat. hing 102 101 100 6 Fishing Pier Wa 103 • Personal watercraft are not allowed in the swimming area and must observe the No Wake rules, particularly in the boat-launch area. Personal watercraft are not allowed to tie up in boat-launch area. 3 4 5 Boat Ramp is re F • If your vessel will not start, clear the ramp area. Mesquite Circle Camping Area 2 No • Have your vessel ready to launch before getting to ramp area. Launch your vessel and clear the ramp area. Do not block ramp area. No boat clean-up or swimming are allowed in the ramp area. Parking Sho BOAT LAUNCH PROTOCOL 9 60 67 64 62 8 7 66 58 615956 68 57 70 63 48 54 72 50 51 47 65 74 55 76 75 69 44 78 53 71 46 1 49 4 0 52 77 73 3 1 45 126 37 33 5 35 42 41 43 125123 127 31 39 86 4 2 7 121 10 29 36 38 34 9 119 7 128 0 12 14 32 11 24 12 118 27 28 1 11 115 16 30 Rolling Hills 1m 116 4 ile 122 18 113 25 1 1 20 26 Camping Area 111 2 1 1 22 13 109 110 15 8 0 1 1719 23 107 06 1 21 24 Lakeview 105 Camping Area 104 ke Wa • Children must be supervised by an adult who can swim. Designated Swimming Area 10 No • No pets or glass containers are allowed in swimming area. TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © 2023 TPWD PWD MP P4506-096E (2/23) Cabins This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/ PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900 Proud Sponsor of Texas State Parks 

For assistance using this map, contact the park. For a web version of the map text, visit our Trails Information page. For information on #TexasStateParks, visit texasstateparks.org Sign up today for free email updates: texasstateparks.org/email /TexasStateParks @TPWDparks @TexasStateParks Sponsor: Whole Earth Provision Co. 

LESLIE MCGUIGAN INTERPRETIVE GUIDE LAKE COLORADO CITY Scaled quail WELCOME TO LAKE COLORADO CITY STATE PARK! THIS OASIS ON THE WEST TEXAS PLAINS PROVIDES UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES TO APPRECIATE THE O U T D O O R S . E N J O Y A STAY IN ONE OF THE LAKE-SIDE M I N I CABINS, SEE WILDLIFE AND VIEWS OF THE LANDSCAPE O N THE HIKING TRAILS, OR SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AT ONE OF THE MANY PICNIC SITES. SEASONALLY, YOU MAY PARTICIPATE IN A PUBLIC HUNT OR FISHING AT THE Today, Lake Colorado City State Park provides a safe and diverse location for visitors to recreate on the West Texas Plains. Plants and wildlife benefit from the fluctuating water of the lake, while the grasslands and mesquite forests are a home for many species. Texas Parks and Wildlife staff practice conservation to preserve the ecosystem, such as prescribed burns and chemical and mechanical removal of invasive species. While you are here: • Check with park staff for the best way to enjoy the park seasonally. • Leave No Trace of your visit. Throw away all trash and observe the wildlife without disturbing. • Leave any artifacts where they are found, and alert park staff to their presence. • Ask about volunteer opportunities, special events, or conservation efforts at the site. • Please keep all pets on leashes no more than six feet and clean up pet waste. • Be kind and respectful of other visitors. Lake Colorado City State Park 4582 FM 2836, Colorado City, TX 79512 (325) 728-3931 • www.tpwd.texas.gov/lakecoloradocity LAKE. THE NIGHT SKIES ARE PARTICULARLY STUNNING AT THIS SITE. © 2023 TPWD. PWD BR P4506-0096H (7/23) TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas. gov/nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email lep@tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528. This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/park-pubs STATE PARK C O L O R A D O C I T Y S T A T E LESLIE MCGUIGAN L A K E P A R K UNPREDICTABLE WATER Lake Colorado City was created in 1949 when the Texas Electric Service Company constructed a dam across Morgan Creek just before it joins the Colorado River. The original purpose of the dam was to provide a municipal water supply for Colorado City and cooling water for condensers to produce electricity. At the time, it was the largest body of water in the West Texas/Midland-Odessa area. In 1971, 500 acres along the lake’s southwestern side was leased to the state to develop a park. Lake Colorado City State Park opened the following year. AN OASIS IN THE BASIN Water conservation is especially important in West Texas for people and wildlife. Today, Lake Colorado City’s water comes only from rainfall. In years of drought, lake levels are low. When weather conditions are favorable for golden algae blooms, fish can die off in large numbers. While not harmful to humans, pets, or livestock, golden algae can sometimes be toxic to fish. Lake Colorado City State Park lies within the rolling mesquite plains of the Permian Basin. The area contains some of the most diverse plants and wildlife of the state, as well as providing economic benefits such as farming, wind energy, and oil and gas production. The state park is one of the few areas where this habitat is conserved. A LIFELINE ON THE PLAINS T he water of Morgan Creek and the Colorado River have been important to life for many years. Prior to colonization, the land surrounding Lake Colorado City State Park was roamed by mammoth, followed by bison and pronghorn. Evidence of Native American use, such as dart and arrow points, stone tools, and piles of mussel shells, have been found in the area. If you find an artifact, please leave it where it lies and alert park staff. In the 19th century, Colorado City was a popular spot for buffalo hunters, who sold the hides and bones. This led to the nickname “The Mother City of West Texas,” as the bustling town became a center for railway commerce. The fruits of bison hunts, agriculture and ranching were shipped east and west from Colorado City. The site falls within the Central Migratory Flyway, where many birds find shelter and water during migration. In fact, over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park.

-Official- FACILITIES Get the Mobile App: MAPS ACTIVITIES TexasStateParks.org/app 2025 Toyota Tacoma From scenic trails to serene lake shores, the Toyota Tacoma is your ultimate companion for exploring the untamed beauty of Texas wildlife. With its redesigned interior and powerful performance, you’ll be ready for any excursion. Adventure. It’s what we share. | toyota.com/tacoma Options shown. Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation 8 Places to Stay 10 Recreational Vehicles 12 Tips for Time in Nature 14 Visitor Fees & Passes DIRECTORY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 52 68 20 38 60 30 84 20 Big Bend Country 60 Pineywoods 48 State Parks Map David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Mischelle Diaz Communications Director TPW COMMISSION Jeffery D. Hildebrand, Chairman Houston Oliver J. Bell, Vice-Chairman Cleveland James E. Abell Kilgore Wm. Leslie Doggett Houston Paul L. Foster El Paso Anna B. Galo Laredo Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas Dick Scott Wimberley Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Cover Photo: Galveston Island State Park, Chase Fountain Texas State Parks Official Guide, Twenty-first Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (4/25) TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas.gov/ nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD through Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email lep@ tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. WELCOME from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director I am excited about the future for Texas State Parks. I am glad we have been able to highlight past successes like our 100-year anniversary and our Gold Medal win, but it is important that we build on that success moving forward. For 2025, thanks to your support, we embark on a new era for Texas State Parks, and we should all be proud of what we have built and where we are headed. As more and more Texans are discovering the beauty of state parks, it is exciting to have the opportunity to grow our system of parks through the Centennial Parks Fund. This is a huge legacy that will impact outdoor recreation and conservation for years to come and work has begun to identify beautiful properties that will become the next great state park. Adding new state parks will allow Texans to explore new, special wild places in a variety of ways. That said, we will continue to protect and improve existing parks that have served Texans so well. Texas is a big state with lots for our team to steward and visitors to enjoy. Our teams across the state remain eager to welcome outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike, to discover what our parks have to offer. Since 1923, our mission has been to help connect our visitors with the outdoors. As we honor those who have come before us, I invite a new generation to be a part of the story of the heritage that connects us all. You and your family should be a part of the next chapter of Texas State Parks as there is more to enjoy than you may realize. I hope you’ll visit soon and often and bring your friends and family along. Parks are for everyone and we’re looking forward to embarking on the new golden age of Texas State Parks along with you. WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS Balmorhea State Park is fully reopened with renovations to the San Solomon Motor Courts, campsites and historic spring-fed swimming pool. In addition, South Llano River State Park has a new visitor center, amphitheater and river bridge. The Devils River Dan A. Hughes Unit is set to open in 2025, offering new opportunities for camping, hiking and paddling along 10 miles of pristine river frontage. Improvements include Indian Lodge’s renovations, repair and road construction at Garner State Park, and updates at Eisenhower, Lake Corpus Christi, Bonham, Pedernales Falls and several other state parks. 3 PARKS NEAR YOU Where do you want to go? You’ll find many state parks nearby. Dallas/Fort Worth >>

Guía de Parques INSTALACIONES Descarga la Aplicacíon Móvil MAPAS ACTIVIDADES texasstateparks.org/app ¡Los niños entran gratis! La entrada es gratis para los niños de 12 años y menores. Encuentra un parque: parquesdetexas.org Contenido Estero Llano Grande SP 2 Actividades y Programas 4 Parques Cercanos 6 Lugares para Quedarse 8 Tarifas y Pases 9 Directorio 10 Mapa de Parques 18 Instalaciones y Actividades BIENVENIDO Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes, los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias! Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a nuestra manera. Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales, explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos. ¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre! Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain © 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21) TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas. ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS ¿Qué puedo hacer en los parques estatales? ¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico o elige entre muchas otras opciones! Bicicletas Pedalea a lo largo de los parques a cualquier velocidad, en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona de confort. Caminatas Empieza con un circuito más corto, avanza a terrenos más difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada. Pescar Puedes pescar sin licencia en tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen equipo para pescar a manera de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar. Barcos Renta canoas y kayacs y explora uno de los senderos acuáticos en Texas. Nadar Animales Silvestres Acampar Descubre aves, mamíferos y plantas que tienen su hogar en Texas. Muchos parques tienen señalamientos y listados que te ayudan a aprender más. Encuentra un lugar que cumpla con lo que quieres. Prueba nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de las estrellas. 2 Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org Escape del calor en arroyos, ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas y playas del mar. Tu seguridad en el agua es muy importante. Lleva el chaleco salvavidas. Aprende a nadar. Guarda a los niños. (512) 389-8900 ¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles están disponibles! Los niños de 12 años y menores entran GRATIS Cielos Estrellados Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada. Familias en la Naturaleza Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario tener experiencia. participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque. Mochilas para Exploradores Soldados Búfalo de Texas Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más. Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas. ! Seguridad en el Parque Ten cuidado con el agua Pre