Southern Colorado Tourism

02/26/2026

BOCCE BALL CHAMPIONS? CITY OF TRINIDAD! REGISTER NOW! ❤️

City of Trinidad Spring Bocce Ball Tournament!

Grab a partner and get ready to roll! The City of Trinidad is hosting a Double-Elimination Bocce Ball Tournament at Cimino Park beginning March 29, 2026 — and all ages and skill levels are welcome!

👥 Two-Person Teams
💲 $20 per team
📍 Cimino Park, Trinidad, CO

Tournament Schedule:

Week 1 (3/29–4/4) – Round One
All teams compete. Half advance.

Week 2 (3/22–3/28) – Quarterfinals
Advancing teams compete. Half advance.

Week 3 (4/12–4/18) – Semifinals
Quarterfinal winners compete. Half advance.

🏆 Championship Game:
📅 Sunday, April 26, 2026
⏰ 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to Register: March 25th
Register here: https://cms2.revize.com/revize/trinidadco/bocce%20tournament%20reg%20form%20pdf.pdf?t=202603171213540&t=202603171213540
Questions? 719-846-9843 ext. 125

02/26/2026

CELEBRATING JAY CIMINO DAY 🫂❤️
Today, February 26th, Trinidad pauses to celebrate the second anniversary of a man whose journey was defined by a profound love of Trinidad.

Jay’s foundation of life started walking the halls of Holy Trinity to proudly serving our country in the military, his compass was always set toward giving back.

Today let’s celebrate his immense heart and hard work when we look up at the beautifully restored, historic bricks of the Champion Building, the Marketplace, Mt Carmel Health and Wellness Center, La Puerta and the additional jobs created also by bringing to Trinidad, Phil Long and the Downtown Development Group.

Thank you to Jay for the beautifully built peaceful grounds in the center of town at Sister Blandina Park, and we will forever remember the pure, contagious fun he radiated while cheering on his beloved Trinidad Triggers.

Thank you to Jay for his love and organizing of the “Gang of 14” to attaining Fisher’s Peak -for us to have as a second State Park that towers over us daily.

He believed in us, and he gave us everything he had to prove it.

As we remember Jay today, the greatest way we can honor his legacy is to look at our hometown, and each other, with that same boundless love and fierce hope. We miss you deeply, Jay. Thank you for everything you built, everything you fought for, and the incredible love you showed us all. Your spirit lives all around us in Trinidad.

Have a plate of spaghetti today, a hot dog, or an ice cream cone and remember to Celebrate ……..Jay Day. ❤️🫂

02/17/2026

RULES FOR WINDY DAYS…..While the wind is invisible, the danger to Southern Colorado is very real.
-In conditions like these, professional firefighters are our last line of defense. Our FIRST line of defense is from the communities themself.

The "Absolute No" List!
* No Burning of Any Kind: This includes trash burning, campfires, or fire pits. Even if you have a permit, today is the day to wait.
* Pause the Yard Work: It sounds surprising, but a lawnmower blade striking a rock can create a spark hot enough to ignite dry grass. Avoid using mowers, chainsaws, or w**d eaters today.
* Watch Where You Park: Avoid pulling your vehicle onto dry grass. A hot catalytic converter under your car can ignite w**ds in moments.
* Butt Out Safely: If you smoke, never toss a cigarette butt out of a car window or onto the ground. Use an enclosed ashtray or a cup of water.
Proactive Defense: What You CAN Do
While we wait out the wind, there are active steps we can take to minimize damage.
* Secure the Perimeter: Walk around your property. Patio furniture, trash cans, and trampolines can become dangerous projectiles in 60 mph gusts. Tie them down or move them into a garage.
* Charge Up: With high winds comes the risk of power outages—either from downed lines or public safety power shutoffs. Keep your phone charged and know where your flashlights are.
* Hydrate the Zone: If you have a garden hose, keep it connected and ready. Wetting down dry vegetation immediately around your porch or deck before an issue arises can create a small safety buffer.
* If you have a neighbor that is homebound, please reach out and see if they need any help securing their outdoor items.

The Golden Rule: See Smoke, Say Something
In a high-wind event, minutes do not matter—seconds do.
If you see smoke, call 911 immediately.
* Do not assume someone else has already called.
* Do not post about it on social media first. Call dispatch, then alert neighbors.
* Do not try to fight a wind-driven fire yourself if it is spreading. Evacuate the area to keep the roads clear for fire crews.
A Community Effort
The wind doesn’t care about property lines. The preparedness of one neighbor protects the home of another. By keeping our eyes open and our sparks extinguished, we turn a dangerous weather day into a demonstration of our community's resilience.

02/14/2026

Southern Colorado’s Love Story ❤️
FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN!!!….❤️🚂

TRINIDAD, Colo. — In 1878, the destiny of the American West Raton Pass hung on a single, stubborn decision.
The Santa Fe Railroad needed the Raton Pass. It was the only way through the Rockies, the "Golden Key" to the coast. But Richens "Uncle Dick" Wootton held the lock. A grizzled scout who had survived bears and blizzards, Wootton owned the toll road which was the raton pass. When railroad agents arrived with bags of cash, he didn't budge. He didn't need their gold.

Then came the night that changed history. Legend says Wootton returned home from a brutal saloon fight in downtown Trinidad—a town then known as "Too Tough for Coal Creek"—bloodied and weary. As his young wife tenderly washed the wounds from his scarred face, the old fighter had a revelation. The mountain was his kingdom, but it was also a cage. He could survive the violence, but she deserved the world.
The next morning, Wootton stunned the railroad tycoons. He pushed their money aside.
"I don't want your cash," he reportedly said. "I want a promise."

In a handshake deal that baffled the business world, Wootton surrendered the most valuable pass in the Rockies. The price? Not millions, but a lifetime of safety for his wife: free travel on the railroad, groceries, and amenities on the Santa Fe line forever.
He gave up a fortune to ensure the woman he loved would never be trapped. The railroad got their track, but Uncle Dick Wootton got the last word in romance. She rode the railroad for 40 years and they delivered her groceries wherever she was at. ❤️❤️

02/13/2026

Happy Friday the 13th and GOOD LUCK in Trinidad!

Ever notice something unique about downtown Trinidad? If you look at the map, you’ll see 1st Street, 2nd Street... but you’ll never find a 13th Street.
Maybe the river got in the way, or maybe the hills were too steep.
In fact, Friday the 13th, we have three great reasons to celebrate:
* We Are in Sync: For the Ute and Apache peoples who first walked this valley, the year is measured in 13 Moons. It’s not an unlucky number—it’s a symbol of a complete, harmonious cycle of nature.
* We Go for the Jackpot: Our Italian ancestors knew the score. They brought us the phrase fare tredici ('to do 13'), which means hitting the big prize! For them, 13 wasn't scary; it was the number of a winner.
* We Make Our Own Luck: TRINIDAD was built by miners and pioneers who didn't wait for the stars to align. They dug deep, worked hard, and forged their own fortune. So, let the rest of the world be superstitious. In Southern Colorado, we know better.
This Friday, Feb 13th, don't hide.
Happy Friday the 13th, Trinidad! "

02/12/2026

Trinidad exists because of a detour and some giant melons? Meet Felipe Baca, the "Father of Trinidad." In 1860, this savvy rancher was hauling wool to Denver when he spotted the Purgatoire River valley. Legend says it wasn't just the water that caught his eye—it was the wild melons growing there! He figured if the land was fertile enough for roadside fruit, it was perfect for a town. So, he went home, packed up 12 families, and returned in 1861 to start to found the town settlement. A hardworking Visionary man. He named his daughter, Trinity…..

But here's the kicker: Years later, he bought the fanciest house in town (the Baca House) not with cash, but with 22,000 pounds of wool! That’s some serious "shear" determination. From a melon patch to a mansion, Baca knew and we are grateful to him, on how to spot the best place to settle in Colorado.

02/11/2026

Our Southern Colorado Northern New Mexico Walmart! It takes a village and we have an amazing one here employing over 245+ local employee Associates!

February 11 is customer appreciation Day! Stop by From 10 till 2 today for free hot dogs, cupcakes, face painting and more!

Since Southern Colorado is such a hub for outdoor enthusiast now …the team is always up and ready to get any of your hunting and fishing licenses from 6a - 11pm and picnic amenities to go with a pop up fun outdoor day near two state parks! Then after your outdoors day -go to the Trinidad Downtown Restaurants! It’s the hub for a 100-mile radius, welcoming shoppers all the way from Pueblo to Las Vegas, NM to come to Trinidad. The store has undergone a beautiful remodel over the last couple of years.

Have you seen the stunning new mural yet? It’s called "Eagle Eye View" by the talented artist Keely Hertzel. It captures a breathtaking aerial view of beloved Trinidad!

Honoring Our Heroes… The employees are incredibly proud of the Veterans Wall of Honor. This special section is dedicated to the brave men and women of Las Animas County who have served.

Fun Fact:
Rumor has it that bananas are the #1 selling item at Walmart every day. We’re doing our part to keep that statistic true so buy bananas before your adventures!

* Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM -Come on down, say hi to the local hard working team, check out the mural, and see our Veterans wall!

02/10/2026

Happy Valentines week! Trinidad, Colorado, is not merely a historic waypoint on I-25; it is the vibrant "Heart of It All," the essential hub for unparalleled Western exploration. Trinidad commands a unique geographic position where the vast high plains dramatically meet the Sangre de Cristo mountains. This is the historic "Gateway to the West," offering immediate access to a staggering diversity of experiences in literally every direction.
Trinidad is the only basecamp that positions you right in the center of the action:
* North: Ascend to the alpine majesty of Manitou Springs and the spiritual heights of Crestone.
* South: Immerse yourself in the rich, artistic heritage of Taos and Santa Fe.
* East: Connect with frontier history at Bents Fort and the expansive horizons of the National Grasslands.
* West: Experience the surreal geology of the Great Sand Dunes, ski the legendary powder of Wolf Creek, or retreat to the hidden mountain enclave of Cuchara.
From the volcanic geology of Capulin to the alpine loops of Red River, Trinidad places the very best of the region at your doorstep.

Stop driving past your next great experience. Establish your headquarters for a day, a weekend, a life ….in the center of it all. Welcome to Trinidad, the undisputed Adventure Hub of the West.

02/04/2026

Adventures start with a leap of faith—and a little bit of "pure Providence."
If you’ve walked down Commercial Street recently, you’ve likely seen the newest addition to Trinidad’s historic landscape: Brique Road Bakery. Behind the counter, you’ll find the award-winning smile of owner Karen Montoya, a woman who turned a sudden opportunity into a dream destination in just thirty days.

The story of Brique Road Bakery isn’t one of long, agonizing business plans; it’s a story of serendipity. "I knew the location was for sale, but I was looking at other things," Karen explains.
It all changed the day before Thanksgiving. Karen heard a rumor that Colie’s Bakery was selling off equipment and sent a simple message asking what was available.
"She could’ve ignored me, and it would’ve been okay," Karen laughs. "But she didn’t."
The owner replied with a deadline that would make most people dizzy: everything was going to auction on December 1st. Karen had to move fast. She shot her price, the owner said yes, and the race was on.
"We literally built this from scratch in a month," Karen says, tearing up at the memory. "It was just the coolest thing in the world that everything worked out exactly the way it was supposed to."
The name—Brique Road Bakery—is a clever smile to two things Karen loves: Trinidad’s historic brick streets and the art of French baking (brique is the French spelling for brick).
"We wanted to pay homage to the beautiful brick road on Commercial Street," she says, "but I really wanted to pay homage to the French pastries that we create."
And create she does. Karen is in the kitchen by 4:00 AM every morning, dedicated to a "small batch, from scratch" philosophy. She envisions the bakery case as an "ever-turning carousel" of color and flavor.
While you can count on staples, the daily surprises are what make the early morning trek worth it. Think cannoli cream croissants, cinnamon rolls, custard tarts, and sticky cardamom buns.
Ahhh but the “Great Donut Question”
Since opening in January, the community support has been overwhelming—but Karen admits she has fielded "about one million donut questions."
To set the record straight: "Unfortunately, we cannot do fried donuts," she explains (due to equipment and ventilation constraints). However, there is hope on the horizon for donut lovers. "We do want to add cake donuts eventually—healthier, baked options."

This new chapter is just one of many recent milestones for Karen. She recently married Sean Rogan (Director of Planning and Land Use), and together they are putting down deep roots in the community.
"I want to be known for small batch, from scratch," Karen says of her vision for the bakery. But watching her greet customers, it’s clear she’s already known for something else: bringing a little more sweetness and light to downtown Trinidad.
Visit Brique Road Bakery
* Location: Commercial Street, Trinidad, CO
* Hours:
* Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
* Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
* (Sundays coming later in the tour season)
* Phone: 719-680-3701
* Follow: Check them out on Facebook for daily pastry updates.

01/29/2026

Trinidad, Colorado: The Mountain Life You Can Actually Afford 🏔️✨
Looking for the classic Colorado lifestyle without the Front Range price tag? It’s time to look south. Southern Colorado and Trinidad is officially the state’s best-kept secret for 2026.

Why are people making the move? The math is simple:
🏠 Affordability: Own a home for roughly 1/3 of the cost of Denver or Boulder.
🌲 Adventure: Fishers Peak State Park is your 19,000+ acre backyard—minus the crowds. Plus water sports with Trinidad State Park.
💻 Remote Work Ready: Fast fiber-optic internet meets a 16-minute commute.
🎨 Culture: A historic downtown and a Certified Creative District full of soul.
Stop chasing the "mountain dream" and start living it. Trinidad isn't just a place to live—it’s your basecamp for a bright future. 📍
Come for a weekend, stay for a lifetime.

01/24/2026

ZERO PUMPS. ZERO ELECTRICITY. 100% RAW POWER THE 35-MILE MOUNTAIN SPRINT 💧 TRINIDAD’S WATER

Most cities spend millions on electric pumps. Trinidad? We use the entire Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Hidden beneath the Highway of Legends is a silent engineering miracle that hasn’t stopped for over 115 years. * The Drop: Pure snowmelt plunges 2,600 vertical feet from North Lake.
* The Power: 100% Raw Gravity. Zero pumps. Zero electricity.
* The Distance: A 35-mile high-speed journey through rugged wilderness straight to your tap. In your glass 😉
Since 1907, this "liquid highway" has been the lifeblood of our city—a masterpiece of grit and gravity that makes Trinidad’s water some of the most "adventurous" in the West.
Trinidad: Pure. Powerful. Powered by the Planet.