Fishers Peak, standing at an elevation of 9,633 feet, is an iconic landmark in southern Colorado, serving as a majestic backdrop to the City of Trinidad. In September 2019, the vast 19,200-acre expanse known as the Crazy French Ranch was transformed into Fishers Peak State Park (FPSP), marking Colorado’s 42nd State Park. This ambitious endeavor was made possible through a collaborative effort involving key partners, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and the City of Trinidad. Right from the outset, the project was guided by two fundamental pillars:

The Fishers Peak State Park Master Plan, meticulously crafted by THK Associates, Inc. and ERO Resources, serves as a comprehensive blueprint for infrastructure development. It outlines the envisioned future state of the park and aids in determining its long-term physical development. The Master Plan was developed through a collaborative and interactive process, informed by both scientific expertise and the sentiments of the public. Engaging over 300 stakeholders, including local Native American Tribes, the plan adeptly strikes a balance between the imperative of safeguarding the park and the opportunity for meaningful human access and recreational activities.

Furthermore, the Master Plan establishes overarching management objectives and strategies. It identifies various management zones within the park, each tailored to the existing natural resource conditions. These zones range from enhancing and managing development areas to conserving and preserving the park’s natural resources. The Master Plan envisions a diverse range of uses, encompassing recreational activities, wildlife and habitat conservation, the protection of natural resources, trailheads, parking facilities, and the creation of a visitor’s center.

The Fishers Peak State Park Master Plan was finalized in the fall of 2020, marking a significant milestone. Subsequently, the THK Team designed an initial trailhead and unveiled twelve miles of trails in conjunction with the completion of the Master Plan. In 2023, an additional six miles of trails were added. Currently, construction is underway for a one-mile trail leading to the summit of Fishers Peak. This ongoing work is part of the broader vision outlined in the Master Plan, which seeks to make Fishers Peak State Park a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike, while safeguarding its ecological integrity.