Spinney Mountain State Park - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Spinney Mountain State Park is home to a variety of outdoor activities sure to please any visitor. The park features two large reservoirs perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as miles of hiking and biking trails. campgrounds provide the perfect basecamp for a weekend of exploration, and picnicking areas offer a great spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views. In the winter, the park's trails are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the reservoirs offer opportunities for ice fishing. There are also numerous opportunities for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds having been spotted in the park.

Spinney Mountain State Park is located in Park County, Colorado, and is situated at the base of the fourteen thousand foot tall South Park mountain range. The area was first inhabited by the Ute Native Americans, who used it as a hunting ground. The first Europeans to settle in the area were trappers, who came in the early 1800s in search of beaver pelts. In the late 1800s, homesteaders began moving into the area, drawn by the promise of free land. However, life was difficult on the frontier, and many of the homesteaders soon left. The area wasn't truly developed until the construction of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad in 1879. The railroad brought miners and tourists to the area, and helped to spur economic growth. Today, Spinney Mountain State Park is a popular recreation spot, with camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Visitors can also learn about the area's rich history at the park's visitor center.

The best time to visit Spinney Mountain State Park is between the months of May and September. During these months, the weather is mild and the landscape is lush and green. The park is also less crowded during these months, making it easier to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

1. Pack your hiking boots! There are miles of trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
2. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and water, as there is little shade on the trails.
3. If you're visiting in the summer, be aware that thunderstorms can pop up quickly in the afternoons. It's best to start your hike early in the day.
4. Remember that this is a state park, not a national park - so there are no Ranger-led programs or services available. However, there are plenty of brochures and maps available at the Visitor Center.
5. Overnight camping is allowed in designated areas only - please check with the Visitor Center for more information. Campfires are permitted in provided fire rings only.
6. Leave your valuables at home. There are no locker rentals available in the park, so it’s best not to bring anything that you wouldn’t want to lose if it got lost or stolen.
7. Pets are welcome in the park, but must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed in public buildings or on designated swim beaches.

1. The park covers an area of 5,935 acres and it is named after Spinney Mountain, which has an elevation of 12,707 feet.
2. There are two lakes in the park: Antero Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir.
3. In 2018, Spinney Mountain State Park was ranked as the second-best state park in Colorado by USA Today readers.
4. There are more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) of trails in the park for hiking and horseback riding.
5. Spinney Mountain State Park is one of the busiest state parks in Colorado, with over 1 million visitors each year.
6. The park offers a variety of amenities, including camping sites, picnicking areas, hiking trails, and boat ramps.
    

If you want to explore the park at a leisurely pace, plan on spending two or three days. This will give you plenty of time to hike the trails, fish in the lakes, and relax in the meadows. 

The easiest way to reach the park is by car. From Denver, take I-70 west to US Highway 24. Turn south on Highway 24 and follow it for about 35 miles. The park entrance will be on the right side of the road. 

The entrance fee for Spinney Mountain State Park is $7 per vehicle or $4 per person for those arriving on foot or by bike.

The park is open year-round, and hours vary depending on the season. During the summer months, the park is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while in the winter it is open from 8:00 AM. to 5:00 PM.