Trinidad, Colorado is a charming town filled with rich culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Located in the southern part of the state, it offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Rockies while also immersing themselves in the local community and events.
History buffs will love walking around the downtown area, filled with Victorian-era architecture and historic sites such as the Baca House.
Nature lovers can enjoy hiking at the nearby Trinidad Lake State Park or visit the nearby landmarks of the Spanish Peaks and Purgatoire River.
Trinidad makes a great Colorado day trip destination for everyone.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Trinidad, Colorado.
Best Things to do in Trinidad, Colorado
Trinidad is a quaint and charming town that offers an endless array of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Few visitors know about this town and its charming Main Street because it is not located near any national parks or prominent attractions.
Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and scenic landscapes, Trinidad boasts a rich cultural heritage and a deep sense of history that can be felt in its every corner.
Here are the best things to do in Trinidad, Colorado on your next trip.
Take a stroll in the Trinidad Historic District
The Corazon de Trinidad Historic District is a charming area with its unique and vibrant cultural identity.
It is located in downtown Trinidad and is a fun place to explore on foot.
The red brick streets and vintage facades make the area very charming.
The district has been historically supportive of artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
Here you will find a variety of art galleries, local boutiques, stores, restaurants, cafes, museums, as well as performing art venues.
They’re all located in Victorian buildings that were built in the 1900s.
Some of the popular buildings include Jaffa Opera House and Colorado building.
The Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial located in a plaza downtown is also great to visit.
It is the perfect place for culture, history, and art aficionados to explore.
Explore Trinidad on the Trinidad Trolley
The Trinidad Trolley is one of the most distinctive and enjoyable ways of sightseeing around Trinidad.
It goes around the city’s historic district, passing many of Trinidad’s most notable landmarks and points of interest.
You can see the popular sights on a free tour on the Trinidad Trolley.
This is an excellent way to see all the historic buildings in downtown, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Riding the Trinidad Trolley not only offers a unique perspective of the town but also a chance to learn about the town’s history and heritage.
Families and kids especially love the vintage trolley.
See the exhibits at Trinidad History Museum
Located in the heart of the historic district, the Trinidad History Museum is a must-visit to understand the history of Trinidad, CO.
This is an informative local museum with several interesting exhibits.
The museum is housed in a few historic buildings, each showcasing different aspects of Trinidad’s past.
On a visit you can tour two historic houses: the adobe style Baca house and the Bloom Mansion built in Victorian style of architecture.
The homes offer a glimpse into the life of the early settlers, while the Heritage Gardens provide a peaceful retreat with plants native to the region.
Additionally, the Santa Fe Trail Museum provides a comprehensive exploration of Trinidad’s indigenous history, the impact of the coal mining industry, and the influence of the Santa Fe Trail.
It has many exhibits with lots if information about life on the trade route.
The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully curated and provide visitors with a rich understanding of Trinidad’s cultural heritage and significant historical periods.
It is located at 312 East Main Street.
Visit the last coal burning steam engine 638
On the banks of the Purgatoire River, you will find a different kind of relic from the past.
Steam Engine 638 was used by the Colorado and Southern railroad to transport freight across Colorado.
It was the last steam engine used by the company before it was retired and placed on the Purgatoire Riverwalk.
Visit this unique remnant of the past and take a picture with it for a great souvenir.
Learn about Gold Rush at the Miners Museum
Located on North Linden Street, the Miners Museum is another intriguing destination to visit in Trinidad, Colorado.
It is the perfect place to delve deep into mining history.
The museum offers visitors a deep insight into the local Gold Rush history and Trinidad’s coal mining heritage.
The rich collection of exhibits includes mining tools, equipment, historical photographs, and personal artifacts that narrate the tales of the miners and their families who lived during these pivotal times in Colorado’s history.
A visit to the Miners Museum is fun educational experience for families.
It also provides a poignant reminder of the human stories intertwined with Trinidad’s mining past.
Check out the artwork at Mitchell Museum of Western Art
A. R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art is a great place to check out for art lovers.
It is located at 150 E Main Street.
This free museum has a large body of work by Arthur Roy Mitchell who specialized in Western pioneer themes and illustrated for pulp magazines.
Mitchell’s work, known for its vivid color and detailed imagery, brings to life the scenes of cowboys, cattle, and the vast, rugged landscapes that define the West.
The western art museum also includes work by other artists working in the same genre.
You can see a splendid collection of paintings, sketches, sculptures, and historical artifacts on display.
Along with Western art, you will also find work by indigenous artists as well as Native American artifacts such as pottery, saddles, and more in the collection.
All the pieces beautifully capture the unique spirit and landscape of the American West.
The western art museum itself is located in a historic building that was once the department store Jamieson Dry Goods Store and is a tribute to the enduring allure of the Old West.
See the fossils at Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum
Looking to discover ancient history in Trinidad, CO?
The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum, located on the grounds of Trinidad State College campus, offers a fascinating journey through time.
This natural history museum is a treasure trove of archaeological and paleontological artifacts that tell the story of human and natural history in the Trinidad area.
As you explore the museum, you will find an impressive collection of artifacts, including Native American pottery, stone and bone tools, fossils, and a variety of geological specimens.
One of the most significant exhibits is the ‘Folsom Exhibit’, showcasing artifacts from the Folsom tradition, an early Paleo-Indian culture that existed in North America thousands of years ago.
The museum’s displays are organized chronologically, allowing visitors to follow the timeline of life on Earth from the Precambrian era to the present.
A visit to the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum provides a fascinating insight into the early history of Trinidad and Colorado, and the diverse forces that have shaped its landscape and people.
Take pics for the gram at Art Cartopia Museum
Art Cartopia Museum is a unique, offbeat attraction in Trinidad.
This quirky museum has a collection of vehicles that have been transformed into moving works of art, each with its own unique design and story.
The museum houses an eclectic mix of vibrant, colorful exhibits, from cars and trucks to motorbikes and bicycles, all modified and decorated in a variety of styles and themes.
Each piece in this collection is a testament to the boundless creativity and individuality of its creator.
The museum is located at 2702 Freedom Rd, Trinidad, Colorado.
You cannot help but marvel at the abundant creativity on display!
Enjoy a date night at Rino’s
Rino’s Italian Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Trinidad, Colorado.
This cozy, family-owned restaurant offers delicious Italian cuisine and a romantic atmosphere perfect for a date night.
The menu features classic Italian dishes such as lasagna, ravioli, pizza, calzones, and more.
Be sure to save room for dessert – the homemade tiramisu is simply divine!
The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make Rino’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner.
For an extra special treat, try their delicious sangria!
Rino’s Italian Restaurant is located at 2215 E Main St. in Trinidad, CO. Stop by for some of the best Italian food you’ll ever have!
Experience nature at Purgatoire Riverwalk
The Purgatoire Riverwalk is a great place to get out into nature and relax.
It has a variety of trails that wind along the riverbank, providing visitors with spectacular views of the river and its surroundings.
You can take a leisurely stroll, go fishing in the river or just people watch.
Watch a show at the Southern Colorado Repertory Theater
The Southern Colorado Repertory Theater is Trinidad’s only professional theater.
It is a great place to watch live performances of plays, musicals, and comedy shows.
You can also take part in their classes and workshops that aim to cultivate the performing arts in the community.
Head over to 131 W Main Street for an exciting and entertaining evening out!
Get some shopping done at La Fontaine Mall
La Fontaine Mall is located in central Trinidad.
This mall includes a variety of stores, from clothing to jewelry, electronics to antiques.
You will also find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars here to enjoy.
The mall is a great place to spend a day shopping, eating and exploring the local culture.
Hike to Simpson’s Rest
Simpson’s Rest is a notable landmark in Trinidad, CO, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape of Southern Colorado.
It is located at 1500 E Main St, Trinidad, CO and can be reached by following a well-marked trail that starts on the east side of town.
The trail, approximately 1.5 miles round trip, winds up the side of a bluff and is rated as moderate, making it suitable for most hikers.
Once at the top, you can admire the illuminated “TRINIDAD” sign, which is especially visible at night, and explore the gravesite of George S. Simpson, for whom the site is named.
The site also features picnic tables, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the stunning views.
Remember to pack your camera – the viewpoints from Simpson’s Rest provide excellent photo opportunities.
Enjoy the trails at Trinidad Lake State Park
Trinidad Lake State Park is a nature lover’s paradise situated in Trinidad, Colorado.
The park is home to Trinidad Lake, a 800-acre reservoir, offering a host of recreational activities for visitors.
Anglers can enjoy fishing for trout, walleye, and catfish, while those interested in boating can take advantage of the park’s boat ramp.
For those who prefer land-based adventures, there are several hiking and biking trails that weave through the park, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
The park also offers picnic areas and camping sites, making it an ideal location for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Wildlife enthusiasts may also get a chance to see deer, elk, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the park.
Trinidad Lake State Park is located at 32610 State Highway 12, Trinidad, CO, and is open year-round for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Explore the Scenic Beauty of the Highway of Legends
The Highway of Legends, also known as Colorado State Highway 12, is a 78-mile stretch of road that takes you on a panoramic journey through the beautiful landscape of Colorado.
The highway begins in Trinidad, winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and ends in La Veta.
It offers a mesmerizing road trip that is steeped in folklore, natural beauty, and rich history.
As you drive along this scenic highway, you’ll find several attractions to explore.
One of the key highlights is the Cuchara Valley, a remarkable alpine valley known for its beautiful ski resort and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Additionally, you’ll pass through the historic mining districts of Cuchara, Sopris, and Stonewall, each telling a tale of Colorado’s mining history.
The Highway of Legends is also home to some unique geological formations, such as the Spanish Peaks and the Dakota Wall.
The Spanish Peaks are an isolated mountain range rising dramatically from the prairies with an elevation of over 13,000 feet, while the Dakota Wall—a long ridge soaring over 500 feet high—is a geological marvel that is a must-see.
This scenic byway offers some of the most breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and wildlife.
Go hiking at Fishers Peak State Park
Fishers Peak State Park is located just outside of Trinidad, Colorado.
It features miles of trails that offer stunning views and plenty of wildlife to observe.
The park also has an observation tower at the summit, allowing visitors a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area.
The elevation at Fishers Peak reaches 9,632 feet, making it one of the highest peaks the region.
From the top you can admire views stretching from Pikes Peak in the north to Raton Mesa in the south.
The park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and sightseeing.
Discover the Wonders of San Isabel National Forest
San Isabel National Forest is a lush expanse located in central Colorado, just a short drive north from Trinidad.
It is sprawling and encompasses over a million acres.
The forest is home to 19 of the state’s 53 fourteeners, including Mount Elbert, the highest peak in all of Colorado.
The forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunities year-round.
During the summer months, visitors can go hiking and mountain biking, fishing in streams and lakes, or enjoy a scenic picnic amidst.
Rock climbing and off-roading are also popular pursuits.
When winter descends, the forest transforms into a playground for snow sports.
Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing draw several visitors to the area.
The forest is also a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Camping is another popular activity in San Isabel National Forest.
The forest is also home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Leadville National Historic District and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
San Isabel National Forest’s diverse landscape, rich wildlife, and recreational activities make it a must-visit destination.
Located in the heart of southern Colorado, the small town of Trinidad is a hidden gem.
It is filled with rich history and natural beauty.
Trinidad has come a long way from its origins as a stop on the Santa Fa Trail or as a major coal producer.
It is a great place to explore the outdoors, take part in some unique cultural activities, see western art…
….or just relax and enjoy the views.
What are your favorite things to do in Trinidad, Colorado? Let us know below.