Ten Things to Do in Trinidad This Summer

Tucked halfway between Denver and Santa Fe, Trinidad in southern Colorado is the kind of place where you can accidentally time travel just by crossing the street. With its red brick roads literally stamped with its name (because why not brand your boulevards?) and enough Victorian architecture to make you double-check the century, Trinidad has been reinventing itself repeatedly since 1876.

Once a coal boomtown, then a rumored gangster hideout, a hippie commune hotspot, the “sex change capital of the world," briefly “Weed Town, USA,” and more recently, a Space to Create Colorado arts destination, it’s safe to say this town knows how to keep things interesting.

Today, Trinidad is having yet another moment, with outdoor adventure, creative energy and stories to spare bubbling up from its brick-lined past. You could easily spend a week immersed in the culture, trails and tales — but if you’re short on time (or attention span), here are ten great ways to get started.
Grind a Gravel Trail
With more than 1,600 miles of scenic gravel trails winding through its historic hills and plains, Las Animas County has something for every cycling skill level. Stop by Tarantula Cycles (200 East Main Street), which rents gravel bikes for $20 an hour ($60 for the day), and also has copies on hand of the free Gravel Adventure Field Guide that outlines routes from 25 to 100 miles long, including the 59-mile Al’s Escape (named for Capone, who allegedly hid out here) and the 71-mile Sunflower Valley Tour, which takes you on a taste of the Santa Fe Trail, complete with old wagon wheel ruts and farmland along the Purgatoire River.
Get Sweet on Colie’s Cakes & Pastries
132 North Commercial Street
Good luck choosing just one tasty treat from Colie’s cases, which are packed with the prettiest cookies and the stickiest pecan rolls (you can even order an extra-sticky), as well as thickly glazed cinnamon rolls, sourdough and challah breads, potato buns, fruit-filled hand pies and cream puffs. Mini carrot cakes and a variety of cupcakes are also usually available, but early birds get the best selection before they sell out.
Refuel Body and Soul at Mutiny Cafe
135 East Main Street
Started by the folks who originally brought Mutiny to Denver, the Trinidad location has a new owner but the same inclusive, community-oriented vibe and killer coffee drinks made from freshly roasted beans. Retro offerings – including a cereal bar and candy, an extensive collection of comic books for sale, free arcade games, record players, cozy vintage furniture, black-light art and a photo booth – keep adults and kids entertained, and “toast specials” made with local produce and homemade jams and butters make for a quick snack. The non-coffee drinks are quirky and fun, too – check out the iced matcha latte with dragon fruit cold foam.
Kayak Trinidad Lake
South Shore, Trinidad Lake
Cool off at Trinidad Lake State Park by traversing the 800 surface acres of water surrounded by views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Fishers Peak on a one-person or tandem kayak or SUP with Trinidad Kayak Company. Rates start at $40 for two hours and include a life jacket, and there are monthly opportunities for sunrise and moonlight paddles. You can camp and picnic in this state park, too, and explore the hiking trails and fishing (rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, walleye) – including right from your kayak in partnership with Fishers Peak Outfitters.
Green Chile at Mission at the Bell
134 West Main Street
This below-street-level space in the historic Bell Block building is fun, family-owned and friendly, with an emphasis on hearty portions of Mexican-American fare and massive margaritas. Go Christmas-style on the excellent enchiladas, because the green and red chiles are equally outstanding, and don’t fill up too much on the complementary freshly fried chips with spicy salsa, because you need to save room for the homemade flan. Fideo is definitely the side option of choice, but choose very carefully when the server asks if you want the chile verde mild, hot or extra hot.
Catch a Show at the ’Dad Lounge
421 North Commercial Street
There’s always something happening at the ‘Dad, from local and nationally known bands to comedy shows and rockabilly karaoke, all showcased on an intimate stage with kickass acoustics. Run by the couple who co-own the hi-dive in Denver, the Trinidad Lounge is still hopping even without a live act, because this is where everyone gathers for a beer and the local buzz. If you’re traveling through Trinidad this October, the ‘Dad is also one of the venues hosting the three-day Fancy Spider Music Fest.
Hike or Bike the Iconic Fishers Peak
Santa Fe Trail
Colorado’s newest and second-largest state park, Fisher Peak features 19,200 acres of pristine land sprawling beneath the 9,633-foot-high spur of the Raton Mesa that serves as Trinidad’s defining landmark. Only a thousand acres are open to the public so far as part of the thoughtful process of developing this gem, which means a hike or mountain bike trek on one of the 13 miles of trails – some of which allow only one activity or the other – brings you in close proximity to the natural habitats of wildlife (including bears and mountain lions) – which is why no dogs are allowed. Yes, you can climb to the top of the peak to capture those magnificent panoramic views, but note that the trails to the summit are closed from spring into mid-summer for peregrine nesting, and there are also restrictions around golden eagle nesting.
Giddy Up at the Mitchell Museum
150 East Main Street
Known locally as “the Mitch,” the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Art showcases the early-1900s Western-themed painting of Trinidad native Arthur Roy Mitchell in a gorgeous 1906 building, along with Indigenous and Hispanic folk art and whatever Western-themed traveling exhibit catches its fancy (such as the current Louis L’Amour show). In addition, the gallery-within-a-gallery Kuehl Fine Art seeks out contemporary works from unique and diverse Western artists. The gift shop is a must-stop for regionally produced jewelry and one-of-a-kind tchotchkes.
Snag a Local Masterpiece at Corazon Gallery
149 East Main Street
A nonprofit co-op, Corazon is a cheery, multi-room gallery designed for community artists to display and sell their works, including paintings, sculpture, jewelry and photography. More than a dozen artists are members, and their commitment to staffing the space means that you might meet the person who created your find. Rotating exhibitions, classes, competitions and artist demos are offered throughout the year, and this is a popular stop on First Fridays for live music, snacks and drinks, and deals on select pieces.
Hit the Happy Hour at The Hive
228 West Main Street
If you’re wondering what it’s like to live in Trinidad, the locals love to chat it up during happy hour at The Hive, a whimsically decorated and welcoming cocktail bar that serves imaginative small plates – the deep-fried pimento cheese balls and Not Your Grandma’s banana pudding are the gooey comfort foods we need right now – and a heaping helping of small town charm. Settle into one of the velvety couches, or sit at the bar and chat with the cheerful, savvy bartenders who make a mean watermelon margarita or frozen elderberry gin & tonic. On the TVs behind them, Bob Ross paints happy trees.