Peaceful Single-Track Trail Running In Southern Colorado: Trinidad Lake State Park

On our way back from New Mexico we wanted to get in another long trail run in the beautiful southern Rockies desert environment. We know of several good spots just north of Las Vegas New Mexico that we have run, but we were looking for a new spot. Because of the snow cover, and an incredible fog that prevented you from seeing more then 10 feet, we ended up driving all the way to Colorado before the fog lifted and we could see where we were going. As a result, we decided to hit up Trinidad Lake State Park.
In the summer I can picture this place, like many other state parks, overrun with campers, boaters, fishers, hikers, and families trying to enjoy a little bit of the beauty that Colorado has to offer. In the winter, however, the place is empty. With the lake frozen and the camp ground closed, hardly a sole visits the Park during the colder months. Perfect for us, as we were seeking a long single-track trail run - and that is exactly what we found.
We ran the Reilly Trail, which is a ~4.5 mile one-way single-track trail that follows the contours of Trinidad Lake as it winds along the northern side towards the west. I say ~4.5 because the trail has different mile markings depending on where you start, and how far you go. If you do the entire out-and-back, you will have run ~10 miles on glorious single-track through the juniper and scrub oaks. You can tack on the Levsa Trail at the end or beginning to get in a nice 13 mile run at ~6,400 feet.
I say that this trail is quiet because we had to break trail the entire time, and it was a Saturday with no evidence of tracks over the course of the previous week+ (it had not snowed in two weeks, so there would have been evidence of previous travel). The trail has a few minor climbs, but most of the running is on gently rolling terrain of soft desert dirt through beautiful valleys, meadows, and trees with views of Trinidad Lake along the way.
If you are passing through the area, stop and take a run. You won't see anyone, and the air will clear the lungs and mind.

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