Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Recreation – San Carlos Ranger District

Lake Isabel South Side Parking and Day Use Area

Click for a Larger Picture of South Side Day Use picnic area.

Click here for another picture of the South Side Day Use picnic area

Click here for a picture of trail leading to Lake Isabel.

South Side Parking and Day Use Area: This area is usually open April to October, depending on snow conditions.

Location: From Pueblo, go 25 miles south on interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Hwy 165. Turn into the south entrance at Lake Isabel, go about .1 mile and look for the parking area.

Weather: Weather in the summer is generally mild with warm days and cool nights; highs in the 80's and lows in the 40's. Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. Spring and fall weather is usually dry and sunny with highs in the 60’s and lows in the 30's.

Attractions: Picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating. At Lake Isabel, non-motorized boating, and fishing. Access to motorized and non-motorized trails including Cisneros, St. Charles, and Snowslide. Access to a paved trail that travels along the lake shore. (This trail does not completely circle the lake)

Facilities: 40 scattered picnic sites with tables and fire pedestals. Accessible single vault toilets. Road and parking areas are paved.

Special User Fee: A fee station is located 100 yards from the entrance. During the summer, the site receives heavy use on the weekends and holidays.

Other Important Information: Be Bear Aware. It is prohibited to Possess or leave unattended any food, refuse or other bear attractants unless it is; A. stored in a bear resistant method or, B. being eaten, prepared for eating or being transported. 36 CFR 261.58(cc).

PSICC Special Orders