Check in at the main park entrance first to obtain your entrance permit. There is a per-person entrance fee to use the state park. A state park pass might be a wise investment if multiple people are birding or if you think you will be accessing a Texas State Park multiple times over the next 12 months. Check here to see if a state parks pass is right for you: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes/park-passes

Winter waterfowl include teal, shoveler, gadwall, wigeon, mallard, pintail, redhead, ring-necked, scaup bufflehead and ruddy.

Northern Bobwhite, Scaled Quail (a.k.a. Blue Quail) and Greater Roadrunner are known to roam the campgrounds.

Sandhill Cranes can be found in the area in the winter.

Shorebirds migrate through the park in spring and summer including Snowy Plover, Wilson's Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs (Greater Yellowlegs are nearly year-round except for the heat of the summer), Baird's, Least, Pectoral, Western and Semipalmated Sandpiper.

Ring-billed Gull and American White Pelican are prevalent in the winter. 

Cassin's and Lark Sparrows are fairly abundant in the summer. The usual winter sparrows (White-crowned, Vesper, Savannah, Song and Lincoln's) can be found October to April. 

Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers are usually present in the winter.

Check in at the main park entrance first to obtain your entrance permit. There is a per-person entrance fee to use the state park. A state park pass might be a wise investment if multiple people are birding or if you think you will be accessing a Texas State Park multiple times over the next 12 months. Check here to see if a state parks pass is right for you: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes/park-passes

Lake Colorado City State Park is a 500-acre park  southwest of Colorado City. TPWD signed a lease on the land in 1971 with a 25-year term and automatic one-year extensions thereafter. The park opened in 1972. 

The lake was built in 1949 on Morgan Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. It provided cooling water for the Morgan Creek Power Plant, water for Colorado City, and recreation. Its waters no longer serve the first two purposes; it is now just for recreation.

Cactus Cut Trail

1 mile (one-way)

Easy - Moderate

Cactus Cut Trail is an easy to moderate level hike along the lake's edge, a perfect family hike. Starting at the trailhead east of the Recreation Hall, the trail cuts through cacti and brush and ends over by the Lakeview Camping Area. You'll encounter great views of Lake Colorado City as well as the power plant. Check out our educational trail signs along the way. 

From the AllTrails website: Cactus Cut Trail

Roadrunner Loop Trail

2.1 miles (total loop)

Moderate

Roadrunner Loop Trail is a moderate hike with some challenging parts. Prepare yourself for some rugged terrain in a few places and pack plenty of water. Stop for a break at Picnic Overlook with a great view of the lake. Rock Ridge is a must-see spot that separates the lake from a hidden pond. Listen and watch for birds and other wildlife that call Lake Colorado City State Park home. 

From the AllTrails website: Roadrunner Loop The AllTrails map shows two spots that it says are good for birding.