[Aerial over Southern Trinidad. Photo: Scrubhiker] Nestled in the beautiful Purgatoire River Valley at around 6,010 feet in elevation, Trinidad features a large, hilly historic downtown district. It’s one of the most southern Colorado towns on I-25, located thirteen miles north from the New Mexico border.
There’s a lot to see and do around this often-overlooked section of Colorado. Downtown has everything you need in terms of commerce. The picturesque Victorian architecture and red-brick streets are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The population was 9,096 in 2010, making it the largest and liveliest city in Las Animas County. It’s also the county seat. Parties and community gatherings are encouraged in their parks. If you want a more physical tour, you can trek the Santa Fe Trail, which overlooks the Mexico border and the Raton Pass.
Trinidad also has a lot of indoor activities as well as museums that commemorate the drastic transformation the town has undergone over the past decades.
History
Trinidad was founded in 1862, soon after coal was discovered in the region. A little more than a decade later in 1876 the town was incorporated. When the railroad made it to town in 1878, Trinidad blossomed and by the turn of the 20th century had 7,500 year round residents.
In the later half of the twentieth century, Trinidad was coined the “Sex Change Capital of the World”. At its peak, Dr. Stanley Biber performed four sex change operations per day.
Main Attractions
Highway of Legends – Trinidad lies at the southern start to this national scenic byway.
Trinidad Lake – 2700 acre state park nestled in the foothills west of town.
Trinidad Trolley – From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Trinidad Trolley provides free town tours daily from 10am to 2pm, every hour. The Trinidad Welcome Center serves as a visitor center town and state.
Recreation
Camping – Trinidad lake offers 73 campsites, open year round.
Fishing – Fish the Purgatoire River, which flows by town. Triniad Lake State Park is another nearby destination for year round fishing.
Accommodations
Top 11 Cool Hotels in Trinidad – If you’ve ever driven south into New Mexico on I-25 then you’ve passed by the picturesque town of foothills Trinidad. With a dazzling historic district that’s laid out over several hillside blocks and a mountains upon mountains…
Special Events
Sep – Artocade – “If you canʼt drive it, itʼs a float.” September art car festival and parade, featuring art-enhanced cars, bikes, scooters, trikes, golf carts and other drive-able conveyances. Other events include art exhibitions and competitions.
Sep – Trindiefest – Independent film festival held every September in downtown Trinidad.
Aerial view of Trinidad. Photo: Scrubhiker
Commercial street. Photo: Scrubhiker
Opera House. Photo: Scrubhiker
Things to do near Trinidad
Museums:
- Louden-Henritze Archeology Museum
- Trinidad History Museum
Scenic Drives:
State Parks:
Towns:
- Aguilar (20mi)
- Cokedale (8mi)
- Cuchara (54mi)
- La Junta (80mi)
- La Veta (53mi)
- Monument Park (38mi)
- Pueblo (85mi)
- Walsenburg (37mi)
