Located just 11 miles north of the New Mexico state line, historic Trinidad Colorado sits as the southern port on the I-25 corridor that runs along the eastern slope of the Colorado Rockies. Trinidad was a major stop along the mountain route of the Santa Fe Trail. Pioneers coming from the east would use the Huajtolla (Spanish Peaks) and the very distinctive flat top of Fisher's Peak to guide their way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around the turn of the 20th century, coal was discovered in the foothills west of Trinidad and the area developed into one of the major coal producings areas in the country. Trinidad was quite a booming frontier town with the coal mines and cattle business.

 

 

 

 

 

Today, the remnants of the coal mines can be seen along Colorado Scenic Highway 12, Highway of Legends, as it heads west out of Trinidad towards the Culebra Range of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.

 

Highway 12 loops along the base of Sangres, by Monument Lake Resort, past North Lake, and then through the picturesque mountain village of Cuchara. Highway 12 then proceeds on to the quaint and relaxed mountain town of La Veta and finally meets up with U.S. 160 ending up in Walsenburg. The Highway of Legends is heavily traveled by tourists every year.

 

 

Trinidad has a population of nearly 10,000 people. It is a town rich in culture and western heritage. There are several Historical Museums and art galleries. Trinidad is known for its brick paved streets and victorian architecture.