on the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway |
on the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway |
Scenic Byway: SANTA FE TRAIL SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY
Season: Year Round
Days/Nights: 2 - 4 days and nights
Traveler Information: Trinidad is located in South East Colorado.
Travel by auto on Interstate 25. 1 hour from Pueblo, 1 ½ hours from
Colorado Springs.
Client Demographic: The itinerary is very flexible offering choices
and a variety of activities specific to family travelers, photographers,
historians, geologists, archaeologists, writers, outdoor enthusiast, equestrians,
and romantic getaways.
Package Name: VICTORIAN GETAWAY HERITAGE TOUR
Highlights: FEATURES HISTORIC SITES OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL SCENIC AND HISTORIC
BYWAY IN TRINIDAD COLORADO
Intrinsic Byway Qualities:
Archeological – Louden Henritze Archaeology Museum features
exhibits on the area's geology, fossils and archaeology. Longs Canyon at
Trinidad Lake state park features an exhibit on the iridium deposit in the
park.
Cultural – Our culturally diverse community sparkles
with activity like the Victorian jewel it is. Culturally representative
architecture, including adobe structures in the Corazon de Trinidad National
Historic District. Several large murals depicting the Santa Fe Trail and
western history can be seen on walls of commercial buildings. Trinidad is
home to many artists, performers, writers and historians. It is home to
numerous art galleries and museums displaying western regional and local
art. This country is like a magnet to artists and a cultural feast for their
soul.
Historic – Museums, Corazon de Trinidad National Historic
District with representative architecture, including adobe structures on
private property and public facilities. Several large murals depicting the
Santa Fe Trail and western history on walls of commercial buildings.
Natural – Wildlife watching opportunities at Trinidad
River Walk, and Trinidad State Park.
Scenic – Scenic Beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the
rolling plains of the prairie.
Recreation – Trinidad Lake State Park, featuring camping,
boating, hunting, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, hiking, and a
lighted handicapped accessible trail. Trinidad Lake State Park provides
interpretive information on the Santa Fe Trail.
Themes: Victorian opulence on the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic
Byway
Storyline Highlights:
Trinidad, the Victorian Jewel of Southern Colorado's population is under
10,000 of extraordinary people. The town sits in a beautiful and varied
a setting, nestled in a pleasant, cottonwood-lined valley with a mountain
stream tumbling its way down from the snows of 14,000 foot Mount Culebra
and her sister mountains of the dramatic Culebra range of the fabled Sangre
de Cristo mountains. The town of sits in a pleasant valley with snow capped
mountains looming above it with a stair-stepped mesa marking the entrance
to a major pass that has been used by men and animals since time immemorial.
It is cuddled on two sides by a rock plateau that provides a magnificent
cliff-ringed overlook of the town. It has five lakes within easy reach and
completing the picture, blue mesas stretch through distant haze and golden
prairies roll away to the skyline. Trinidad's rich history was molded by
the Native Americans, Spaniards, French explorers, scouts, trappers and
traders who left evidence of their passing in colorful geographic names.
Culturally diverse families were drawn by the extensive coal mining and
the large cattle companies. Railroads followed quickly. You still may hear
the roar of guns, the gallop of horses in pursuit, the shouts of men and
the screams of the women and children riding in their covered wagons on
the Santa Fe Trail. Trinidad was a major trading center along the Mountain
Branch of the Santa Fe Trail, which converged in downtown Trinidad at the
corner of Main and Commercial Streets. Doc Holiday gambled here, Billy the
Kid and Black Jack Ketchum's Gangs visited here far too often. Batt Masterson
was even Town Marshall for a while. Explore the opportunities that await
you along the Mountain Branch on our virtual tour of the Santa Fe Trail
at http://www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org
Package components
• Accommodations:
2- 4 nights at your choice of Victorian B&B's. Revel in the Luxury of
a bygone age in any of these outstanding Victorian bed and breakfast while
visiting the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway.
1. Tarabinos Bed and Breakfast -, Toll free-,
310 East Second Street.
Tarabino Inn bed and breakfast lodging combines the elegance and way of
life of the Victorian era with the comforting hospitality and atmosphere
rarely encountered in today's world. Hearty breakfast served in a charming
Victorian setting. Decadence at it's finest, has all the extras including
cotton robes, slippers and library with fireplace.
2. The Stone Mansion Bed and Breakfast -, Toll
free- . 212 East 2nd Street, Trinidad. Completed in 1904, this
elegant historic Stone Mansion designed by I. H. & William Rapp is furnished
with museum quality oil paintings, furniture and family heirlooms, is ideal
for a romantic getaway, complete with 1920's vintage baths featuring multiple
shower heads and oversized tubs.
3. Black Jack's Inn -, 225 West Main Street.
Unique suites furnished in 1800's antiques with private bath and shower,
continental breakfast, special honeymoon and anniversary packages available
with complimentary champagne.
4. Chicosa Canyon Bed & Breakfast -, 32391
Co. Rd. 40.0, I-25 & Exit 23, Situated west of I-25 on 64 acres of peaceful
canyon land, you will find the best in western hospitality in a setting
that is both romantically secluded and historically significant. Chicosa
Canyon B&B was recently named "Best Rest in the Old West"
in the premier edition of Colorado's Best, a guide to the state's most interesting
destinations. Charming period antiques in each room. Overnight stabling
available.
• Attractions
1. Colorado Welcome Center - 309 Nevada Avenue.. Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial
and a bronze plaque with the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway -
Mountain Branch Logo are all available for viewing. With a hearty Colorado
welcome and a warm comforting smile, get more information about places to
see in our picturesque state. Free literature about Colorado cities and
towns, guides to parks and recreational areas, maps and directories, can
all be accessed at the welcome center. The volunteer staff can answer questions
and tell you more about the state and the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic
Byway.
2. Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial - West
Main. Be sure and visit The Coal Miner's Memorial in downtown Trinidad.
It is the hub of many of the activities and festivals planned in the Historic
District.
3. Kit Carson Park - Corner of Kansas Ave. and
San Pedro Street, overlooking a route of the Santa Fe Trail. The park, which
was dedicated in 1910, boasts a new playground as well as a historic bandstand
which was restored in 2001. The park also contains a cast bronze statue
of Kit Carson and is widely considered to be the finest equestrian statue
in North America. The statue honors Kit Carson, who knew the Purgatory Valley
well in the years before the town of Trinidad came into being.
4. Largest DAR Marker - Located in the Kit Carson
Park. Inscribed on all four sides with historical facts on the west and
east sides. The Daughters of the American Revolution insignia and the Colorado
state seal are on the other two sides.
5. The Corazon de Trinidad National Historic District
- Very few towns in the American West can even approach the exciting past
and rich cultural tapestry that wraps the beautiful little town of Trinidad
in unexpected contrasts and fascinating details. With impressive historic
buildings, brick streets, and meandering alleys, downtown Trinidad is an
architectural treasure trove. Historic markers placed throughout the city,
highlight people and places of early Trinidad. Take a self guided tour of
the Historic District and view the Victorian architectural jewels of such
greats as Bulger and Rapp. Enjoy the western hospitality at the quaint restaurants,
shops, galleries, Inns, and many in this remarkable Victorian setting. Go
home with unique items that represent your visit to the Santa Fe Trail Scenic
and Historic Byway- Mountain Branch.
6. Purgatoire River Walk - South side of the Purgatoire
River at the Animas St. Bridge. Cool off by the trees along the Purgatoire
River at one of Trinidad's newest features, the Riverwalk Park. Stroll along
the walkway while you learn things about the history of the Santa Fe Trail,
it's people, flora and fauna, and get a sample of local color from the interpretive
signs along the path. See Kearny's encampment where he organized his soldiers
for a bloodless conquest of Santa Fe, securing the northern battlefield
of the U.S. Mexican War for the United States in 1846. Most travelers arrived
here exhausted, with wagons needing repair. They rested and recuperated
here along the Purgatoire river bank where there was ample water, shaded
campgrounds and good forage for the livestock. Another section of the River
Walk stretches from Linden Street to near the Kit Carson Trail Bypass. Park
at the Linden street entrance parking lot and hike or bike on the trail
and absorb the serene natural environment of the Purgatoire River.
7. Engine #638 - Located north of City Hall on
Animas Street in Trinidad sits the last coal driven steam engine in service
for the C & S Railroad. Colorado & Southern Railroad's last coal
burning steam engine. Manufactured in 1906 for the Colorado and Southern
Railroad for service in Trinidad, the engine remained in use until its retirement
in 1963.
8. Old Fire House No. 1 - 314 N. Commercial Street, or . Open Monday - Friday, June-August, Available
for special tours by appointment. built in 1889. From the early 1900s classroom
to the vintage fire truck, the Children's Museum is a delightful adventure
into the past. The exciting hands-on exhibits and activities will make imaginations
soar and history come alive. Experience Victorian Trinidad from a child's
perspective. The building was designed by Bulger and Rapp, well known local
architects who also designed the First National Bank Building and the Temple
Arron.
9. A.R. Mitchell Museum - 150 E. Main,.
$2 Admission, open May-September, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Gift shop
open year round with a few exceptions. Please call for off-season hours.
The "Mitchell" is housed in a 1900s western style building with
the original tin ceiling, wood floors, and a horseshoe-shaped mezzanine.
The main floor features a selection of more than 250 original paintings
by acclaimed western artist and illustrator Arthur Roy Mitchell and his
contemporaries. The mezzanine offers a wonderful gallery space where featured
artists exhibit their works. Features special exhibits, entertainment, and
world class art shows.
10. Trinidad History Museum - 300 East Main,.
Open daily 9:00 am-4:00 pm. May 1- September 30. A unique complex overlooking
the Santa Fe Trail this museum consists of four attractions occupying an
entire city block. Santa Fe Trail Information Center, the Baca House, the
Bloom Mansion and Santa Fe Trail Museum are all part of the Trinidad History
Museum. This unique historic site also includes Historic Gardens containing
native plants, century-old trees, and a Victorian flower, herb and vegetable
garden. The charming museum bookstore has an extensive collection of books
about the Santa Fe Trail and its famed characters and legends. Learn more
about some of the characters from Trinidad's past (Kit Carson, Bat Masterson,
Billy the Kid, and Mother Jones) and about the people who built the kingdoms
of ranching and of coal, the wealth on which Trinidad was built.
11. Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum -"Summer
Hours" Monday - Friday, 10AM - 4PM, call for Off Season Hours. Free
Admission,. Located in the Frudenthal Memorial Library ground
level-east entrance at Trinidad State Junior College. A great place for
family afternoons, the museum treasures all kinds of dinosaur bones, pottery,
models of ancient village life and burials, including a fish that lived
on the Santa Fe Trail back when Trinidad was a seabed. One of the most popular
exhibits contains copies of fossilized dinosaur prints -one from a duck
bill dinosaur, and the other from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The T-Rex footprints
are enhanced by a beautiful backdrop painted by Willard Louden. It shows
the environment and plant life which would have been in the area when the
dinosaur roamed southern Colorado. A replica of the Trinchera Shelter is
another special display. The rock shelter, which was discovered in eastern
Las Animas County, turned out to be a very important archaeological site.
Because of the protected location of the cave, and the subsequent dry conditions
throughout the centuries, many perishable items were preserved over time,
including pottery shards, projectile points, yucca sandals, braided ropes
and grass mats. Also on display at the museum is an archaeological excavation
conducted in Trinidad when contractors who were building an addition onto
a local home discovered some large bones. They proved to be skeletal remains
of Mosasaur dating back to the prehistoric Cretaceous Period. Nearly 80%
of the dinosaur's skeleton was recovered.
12. Mural at Mt. San Rafael Hospital - Located in
the lobby of Mt. San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad. A three-dimensional mural
by Sister Augusta Zimmer, S.C., depicts the history of the area from the
Conquistadors search for the cities of gold to the present. Highlights include
Fisher's Peak, Simpson's Rest & Ludlow Monument.
13. Ave Maria Shrine - for bookings.
Located on the hillside south of Mt. San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad, the
Ave Maria Shrine is one of the most beautiful and mysterious landmarks in
Trinidad. Construction began in 1934 on the site where an early Trinidad
physician who was caught in a vicious storm in 1908 and was led by a flickering
light to a statue of the Virgin Mary, which had mysteriously appeared on
the hillside. Many residents saw this as a divine sight. The Shrine is now
a sanctuary of peace for all.
14. Trinidad Skate boarding Park - Located just
off the Santa Fe Trail near the Trinidad Community Center. The newest addition
to the Santa Fe Trail Mountain Branch Recreation facilities is a four star
skate boarding park. One of Grindline's new masterpieces. An xtremely good
skate park!
15. Trinidad Lake State Park - Located three miles
west of Trinidad and off Highway 12, offers visitors a wide variety of water
and land activities amid the scenic splendor of the Purgatoire River Valley.
Trinidad Lake provides water for boating, sailing, water skiing and fishing.
Hiking trails, camping facilities and the natural beauty of the setting
make the area an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
16. Scenic Highway of Legends - This is our sister
Colorado Scenic Byway. The route winds along Highway 12 in a circular loop
beginning in Trinidad near 1-25 and ending in Walsenburg where it connects
back to 1-25. Along the way some of Southern Colorado's most beautiful landscapes,
numerous recreational spots, historical structures and geological formations
can be seen. Points of interest include: Trinidad Lake State Park, Cokedale,
Stonewall, Monument Lake, North Lake, Cuchara Pass, Cuchara and La Veta.
Length: 82 miles, Driving time: 2 hours
17. Raton Pass - Interstate 25 takes you up and
over the Pass where you will experience beautiful vistas across the entire
pass. Get a close up look at Fisher's Peak before you reach the top of the
pass. Here you will catch one last spectacular view of the Spanish Peaks
as they turn into the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range which marks the gateway
to New Mexico. The Highway has been carved through the mountain top and
shows the remarkable geologic changes in the earth through the years and
stands nearly a mile and a half high. There are interpretive signs for your
information along the pass, so stop for photo opportunities and learn about
the regions history.
18. Simpson's Rest - The bluff, overlooking the
town from the north can be reached by way of a road leading from the western
end of North Avenue. Trinidad is rightfully referred to as the gateway to
the Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail. Carefully guarding this passageway,
one finds a great sentinel, an historic sandstone bluff, Simpson's Rest,
standing proudly at Trinidad's northern limits. The mountain proudly adorns
the Trinidad sign which lights up the evening skies and serves as a beacon
to modern day trail travelers. The summit of Simpson's Rest offers one of
the most spectacular awe-inspiring views to be found in the entire southwest.
Not to drive atop the Rest, is not to see Trinidad. The bold magnificent
Rest in itself represents a geological Mecca. The views are breathtaking
and from it you see the prairies directly to the east that pioneers and
traders traveled across what became known as the Santa Fe Trail. Eventually,
this trail wound through the heart of downtown Trinidad before embarking
across mountainous Raton Pass.
19. The Spanish Peaks - West-northwest of Trinidad.
They can be seen from great distances along the Mountain branch, and they
served as landmarks for trail travelers. According to Indian legend, rain
was created on these Spanish Peaks in order to nurture the lands and produce
a paradise on earth.
20. Trinidad Farmers Market - Coal Miners Memorial
Park on Main Street. This is the place to be on Saturday mornings. Your
coffee is brewing and growers rise early to bring you the choicest produce
from the area; mounds of cantaloupes, sweet corn, greens and every variety
of root crop. Some say that Rocky Ford, Colorado grows the sweetest cantaloupes
on earth! Vendors offer honeys, homemade jams, jellies, vinegars and pickles,
even handmade aprons. Local nurseries are here with a large selection of
annuals and perennials that grow well in the area, redwood trellises, and
melodic wind chimes and musicians are all available at the Farmer's Market.
Farmer's Market on the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail is a cultural
feast for the soul.
21. Morley Church - Located 10 miles south of Trinidad
off Exit 6 on 1-25. Morley Church is located at a former mining camp, in
operation from 1907 until 1956. The remains of the adobe walls of the St.
Aloysius Church along with building foundations from Morley, the once-thriving
mining camp, still can be seen today. The mountain slopes just north of
the Raton Pass were bustling with activity in the early 1900s.
22. Fisher's Peak - It was a major landmark for
travelers of the Santa Fe Trail, jutting out from the surrounding mesa.
It overlooks the entrance to Raton Pass between Trinidad Colorado and Raton
New Mexico. This distinctive mountain which dominates the skyline of Trinidad
is a basalt-capped mesa of volcanic origin.
• Transportation Services
Trinidad Trolley - Free! Operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The trolley leaves just about every daylight hour, on the hour, Monday through Friday from the Colorado Welcome Center. A trolley ride is a fun-filled tour with tall tales of the main attractions, and quick stops long enough to stretch your legs. Admire views and visit some of the city's major artwork. In the cool of the evening, after dinner, you will probably want to go back and walk or drive along some of the streets, imagining the people who built and lived in the beautiful frontier Victorian homes.
• Restaurants
Black Jack's Saloon & Steak House -, 225
West Main Street. Mouth watering all American melt in your mouth grilled
Steak at the Black Jack's Saloon. Black Angus Steaks, Seafood, Chicken &
Ribs served in an 1890s Saloon atmosphere.
Rino's Italian Restaurant in Trinidad - 400 East Main,.
Excellent Italian fair and singing waiters. A truly romantic experience
that will leave you breathless and feeling as though you took a trip to
Italy. Located in an historic stone building, the atmosphere and ambiance
are outstanding and the food is creative, authentic and delicious. A colorful
way to experience Trinidad.
Nano & Nano Monteleone's Pasta House and Deli -,
418 East Main Street. Traditional Italian dinning and be sure to try everyone's
favorites, Spaghetti, Fettuccini Alfredo and the homemade Italian dressing.
Try our local speciality of Green Chile Sauce or Stew for a wonderful treat.
It is a stew usually cooked with pork (or beef), onion, and sometimes pinto
beans, and garlic with a base of the flavorful Green Chiles. The Green Chiles
have a southwest flavor that is not always hot, served in mild, medium and
hot in some restaurants. Try many different restaurant's as it is served
differently in each.
Mission at the Bell -,134 West Main Street. Traditional
Mexican foods served downstairs in the historic Bell Block building.
El Capitan -,321 State Street. Homemade Mexican
and Italian foods, ribs, steaks, seafood, affordable prices.
Main Street Bakery & Café -, 1211
W Main. Delicious deli sandwiches and scrumptious fresh pastries are their
specialty, located in the heart of the action on Trinidad's Main Street
in a Victorian setting for your dining pleasure.
Chef Liu's Chinese Restaurant -, 1423 Santa Fe
Trail. Affordable and original Chinese food that is sure to please in a
wonderful atmosphere! Great values and they serve exotic cocktails.
Wonderful House Restaurant -, 415 University.
Mandarin, Chinese, Hunan, Szechuan, Cantonese Restaurant. Their food is
always served fast, hot and with plentiful portions and friendly waiters.
Bob & Earl's Café -,1118 Robinson
Ave - Highway 12. Family style dinning.
El Paso Café -,1101 East Main Street.
Taco heaven and burgers too!
Lone Star Café -, 200 West Main Street.
Great deals on their delicious Mexican food!
Savoy Café -, 313 North Commercial Street.
American and Mexican family style dinning.
White Spot Café -, 500 East Main Street.
Old fashioned good food!
Lee's Bar-B-Q -,825 San Pedro Street. Drive up
dinner, family operated since 1938.
Black Hills Country Store -,34714 County Road
42.5. Great Fresh Breakfast and Lunch. Located on the North East Side of
Exit 23 Interstate 25
Frontier Motel Restaurant -,815 Goddard Ave -
I-25 & Goddard. Great Fresh Cooked Breakfast and Lunch. Mexican and
American. Located on the West Side of Exit 15, Interstate 25. A best kept
secret!
C & H Restaurant -, 443 North Commercial
Street. Their specialty is the all day burger.
Trinidad Dinner -, 734 East Main Street. Delicious
Gyro's, good food at reasonable prices.
• Evening Activities & Entertainment
Trinidad Historical Society Presentations - At Trinidad
State Junior College campus every third Thursday. Presentations are focused
on aspects of the history of Trinidad. Attendance is free and you learn
about the many opportunities that life offered within its complicated conception
during area development. Presentation videos for sale at our web site. www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org
Lucky Monkey -, 137 West Cedar Street. A popular
modern day watering hole with local flavor in a historic building.
Trinidad Brewing Company -, 449 North Commercial
Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 . Try one of their two new brews, one being a
Porter and the other a Honey Wheat. Trinidad's First New Brew Pub in this
Century.
The Historic Fox Theater - , 423 West Main. Included
in Trinidad's opulence is the West theater (now the Fox) built in 1908,
with a large ballroom and three floors of seating. It is the oldest continuous
running movie theater in Colorado and continues its tradition of entertainment
today.
Trinidad Lake State Park Weekend Activities - Learn about Native Americans,
our watchable wildlife, and and the settlers of the Santa Fe Trail during
show and tell presentations at the amphitheater around the fire.
Santa Fe Trail Days - Occurs every year in June. The entire
community takes part in the Festivities. They have living history activities
from the Trail's hey days, outlaws and gun fights. People dress up as their
favorite character from the old days. Live continuous music for three days,
a car and bike show, vendors, and yummy food.
• Tours
Kiosks & Auto tour of the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway
- The National Historic Trail Auto Tour of the Santa Fe Trail is easily
identified by the distinctive orange and maroon Santa Fe National Historic
Trail logo. Tune in your AM Radio to 15.90 or 16.10 for the ongoing broadcast
about the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail. Your radio will be your
guide as you journey along the Santa Fe Trail. Follow the Mountain Branch
of the Santa Fe Trail within the comfort of your own auto through four hours
of shimmering endless plains, rugged hidden canyons and pioneer history.
The auto tour is broadcast wherever you see the Santa Fe Trail triangle
sign. Look for these signs on the way here and as you leave on your journey
home. Or order our just released CD or video in advance for your trip, available
through our web site at http://www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org/store.html,
" True Stories of the Santa Fe Trail, Listening for the Sounds of Wheels"
for an even greater understanding for the historical importance of our Scenic
Byway. Trinidad Lake State Park Weekend Activities - Guided hiking tours
to learn about wildlife, archaeology, paleontology and history of the area.
They offer many living history activities such as how to cook like a Spanish
settler. Learn about the history and the use of the horno and afterwards
sample the tasty result.
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