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SWA · 2026-27 seasons
North Lake State Wildlife Area, a guide for Colorado hunters
State wildlife area in Las Animas County; 840 acres.
Photo: Jesse James (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to North Lake State Wildlife Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near North Lake State Wildlife Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.1 mi from the centreDirections
Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.
North Lake SWA: size, game and management
840 acres is the figure the CPW SWA page gives for North Lake SWA. The mapped CPW parcels measure 1,253 acres in GIS, so the outline and the listed figure do not match exactly. Rank by area: 111th of the 224 state wildlife areas we cover. It is one of 7 state wildlife areas inside Las Animas County. It falls in CPW Area 11, Southeast Region, where the Trinidad W district wildlife manager patrols. For North Lake SWA, the page gives 719-561-5300 at the Area CPW Office, Pueblo office. CPW printed deer, elk, turkey, bear under hunting for North Lake SWA in the 2026 brochure. Fishing line in the brochure: cold-water lake and stream. Recreation entry: picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing. No camping icon appears on the North Lake SWA page.
Species the agency lists here: Deer, Elk, Black bear, Wild turkey.
Activity icons: Hunting, Fishing, Picnicking, Hiking and Walking, Nature Viewing Facilities Restrooms, Boat Ramp.
From the agency page, 2026 Recreation Lands brochure, p. 21 (Colorado Parks and Wildlife); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around North Lake State Wildlife Area
Access rules on North Lake SWA
Like every SWA, North Lake SWA asks people 16 and older for a Colorado hunting or fishing license or the wildlife area pass. Off-road driving is out, and so is camping outside authorized sites. The stand rule is portable equipment only, placed no earlier than 30 days before the season. No shooting a firearm or bow in parking, camping or picnic areas.
Property restrictions for North Lake SWA:
- Vessel use prohibited, except for hand-launched vessels that are propelled by hand, wind or electric motor when used as aid to fishing.
From the agency source, CPW SWA finder; checked November 5, 2026.
Finding North Lake SWA on the ground
Printed directions: From Trinidad, go 35 miles NW on Highway 12.
Mapped centre: 37.2413, -105.0568.
Directions from the 2026 Colorado State Recreation Lands brochure; map files from the CPW property page; point from CPW Managed Properties (public access only) layer, CPWAdminData (1 polygon) (polygon centroid); checked November 5, 2026.
Unit map facts for North Lake SWA
Check the license against the unit; North Lake SWA falls in 2 GMUs: GMU 85, GMU 851.
Bull elk hunters in GMU 85 and GMU 851 must count points before shooting. The lion season closes when group 15 reaches its limit.
| GMU | Covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GMU 85 | Huerfano, Las Animas, Costilla | elk antler point rule, lion group 15, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 851 | Las Animas, Costilla | elk antler point rule, lion group 15, spring turkey OTC |
There is no property-level harvest figure for North Lake SWA; GMU 85 topped the 2024 unit tables with 614 elk.
| Unit | Species | Harvest | Hunters | Pct success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 85 | Elk | 614 | 2,875 | 21% |
| GMU 85 | Deer | 351 | 763 | 46% |
| GMU 85 | Pronghorn | 86 | 217 | 39% |
| GMU 85 | Black bear | 24 | – | – |
| GMU 851 | Elk | 175 | 579 | 30% |
| GMU 851 | Deer | 48 | 95 | 50% |
| GMU 851 | Black bear | 3 | – | – |
GMU overlay from the CPW Big Game GMU layer; unit rules from the 2026 Big Game brochure; 2024 elk harvest by GMU, 2024 deer harvest by GMU, 2024 pronghorn harvest by GMU, 2024 bear harvest by GMU; checked November 5, 2026.
North Lake SWA: which hunts are open when
42 big game season rows from the 2026 brochures are valid in the units of North Lake SWA. No draw is needed for the elk and wild turkey OTC rows. Not listed: 21 private-only or RFW rows. Rows for big game not on the North Lake SWA list (5) are left out. The spring gobbler line is 2026; check CPW for 2027.
| Species | Method | Sex | License | Opens | Closes | Units here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | cow | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Archery | cow | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | bull | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited, youth | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Second rifle | bull | OTC | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited, youth | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Third rifle | bull | OTC | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | 851 |
| Deer | Archery | buck | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 851 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited, late | Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | 85 |
| Black bear | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | 851 |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Black bear | Muzzleloader | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 16, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 851 |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Wild turkey | Spring | – | Limited draw | Apr 11, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | 851 |
| Wild turkey | Spring | – | OTC | Apr 11, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Wild turkey | Fall | – | Limited, late | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | 85, 851 |
| Wild turkey | Fall | – | OTC | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | 85, 851 |
Season rows and hunt codes from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure, the 2026 Small Game and Waterfowl brochure, the Turkey brochure and the Mountain Lion brochure; property access dates still apply; checked November 5, 2026.
Other public ground within reach of North Lake SWA
Head 9 miles east and you reach Sakariason STL. Around it on the map: 4 trust land parcels and 2 SWAs. Within 25 miles but not open to hunters: Wahatoya State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting), Mountain Home Reservoir State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting) and Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting).
| Public land | Kind | Acres | County | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakariason STL | State trust land | 560 | Las Animas | 9 miles | east |
| Bosque Del Oso SWA | SWA | 30,000 | Las Animas | 12 miles | southeast |
| Spanish Peaks SWA | SWA | 6,450 | Las Animas | 14 miles | east |
| South Middle Creek STL | State trust land | 585 | Huerfano | 17 miles | north |
| Schultz Canyon STL | State trust land | 960 | Huerfano | 21 miles | northeast |
| Bear Creek STL | State trust land | 640 | Huerfano | 21 miles | northeast |
Point: CPW Managed Properties (public access only) layer, CPWAdminData (1 polygon) (polygon centroid). Straight-line distances. Closed places from lands.json closed rows. Statewide public land map.
Stores, processors and towns for North Lake SWA
From the North Lake SWA point, Stonewall Gap sits 6 miles away. Walsenburg, 31 miles out, is larger, with 3,035 people in 2024. For licenses in person, the Monte Vista CPW office is 64 miles off.
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stonewall Gap | Las Animas | – | 6 miles | south |
| Weston | Las Animas | – | 12 miles | southeast |
| San Luis | Costilla | 628 | 20 miles | west |
| San Acacio | Costilla | – | 28 miles | west |
| Walsenburg | Huerfano | 3,035 | 31 miles | northeast |
Towns from places.json (Census 2024 estimates); CPW offices from the CPW Contact Us page; businesses from services.json listings; straight-line miles. Checked November 5, 2026.
Legal light on North Lake SWA, opener by opener
The CPW brochures print Denver sunrise and sunset tables with town offsets; the times for North Lake SWA here are worked out with the NOAA solar formula for its own location.
| Date | Opener | Sunrise | Sunset | Elk window | Duck window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:27 a.m. | 7:26 p.m. | 5:57 a.m. to 7:56 p.m. | 5:57 a.m. to 7:26 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Muzzleloader opens | 6:35 a.m. | 7:11 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 7:41 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Second rifle opens | 7:12 a.m. | 6:09 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. to 6:39 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. to 6:09 p.m. |
| Oct 28, 2026 | Duck season opens | 7:16 a.m. | 6:04 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 6:34 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 6:04 p.m. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Lion season opens | 6:43 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. to 5:12 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. to 4:42 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:06 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. to 5:12 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. to 4:42 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure and the Small Game and Waterfowl brochure; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Mountain Time); checked November 5, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
What the region around North Lake SWA looks like
North Lake State Wildlife Area: the nearest public range, then clubs
Lathrop State Park Archery Range is 27 miles from North Lake State Wildlife Area and is the nearest public range in CPW’s finder. After the public range come the nearest clubs within 30 miles.
From the CPW Shooting Range Finder, ranges’ own pages and directory listings, checked November 5, 2026.
Quick answers about North Lake SWA
Which county lines does North Lake SWA cross?
Las Animas County; the county page lists the nearby ground.
What size is North Lake SWA on the agency count?
The CPW SWA page lists 840 acres.
Which animals does the agency list for North Lake SWA?
On record: deer, elk, black bear and wild turkey. Seasons and licenses still decide what is open.
Which GMU numbers does North Lake SWA fall in?
The ground lies in GMU 85 and GMU 851, and a big game license must be valid for the unit.
Do elk point rules or CWD testing apply on North Lake SWA?
Elk point rules: GMU 85 and GMU 851. These GMUs are not on the 2026 mandatory elk CWD list.
How do I get an elk tag for North Lake SWA?
Yes: 4 over-the-counter elk rows are valid in these units, for example archery (OTC, residents).
Whom should I phone with questions about North Lake SWA?
Area CPW Office in Pueblo, 719-561-5300.
What is the closest town with services to North Lake SWA?
The closest town with a page here is Stonewall Gap (6 miles).
Is it legal to hunt over bait on North Lake SWA?
No. It is illegal to hunt big game, turkey, small game or migratory birds over bait in Colorado, whoever placed it.
What must I wear on North Lake SWA during rifle season?
At least 500 square inches of solid orange or pink above the waist and a hat; archers hunting during rifle seasons wear it too.
Is there an authorized camp area on North Lake SWA?
Look for a campground nearby; none is listed here.
When must I stop shooting on North Lake SWA each evening?
5:56 a.m. to 5:24 p.m. for big game on November 7, 2026 (Las Animas County, NOAA solar formula). See the table above for other dates.
Which pass must I carry on North Lake SWA?
No separate permit in most cases: a hunting or fishing license (or SWA Pass) for everyone 16+, unless the restrictions here say otherwise.
Where can I read the source for North Lake SWA?
Read the official source before each trip.
North Lake SWA: the final check
Snow and mud close roads in Colorado without much notice; check access to North Lake SWA before the drive.
Sources: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4; seasons from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure. Checked November 5, 2026.
Other photos on this page: Adam Buzzo (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain); Kahunapule Michael Johnson (CC BY-SA 2.0).