Way, way south in Colorado, just several miles from the New Mexico border, sits the small town of Trinidad (pop. 9,000). Unlike some parts of Colorado, like the San Luis Valley, you’ll have no shortage of dispensaries or marijuana retail stores in the area: to date, Trinidad has a dozen recreational pot shops, and they’re expected to open another eight stores sometime over the next couple of years.
If you’re looking for cannabis in Trinidad, click here. Consider checking out the north end of Commercial Street, home to the world’s only retail marijuana mini-mall. If you’re looking for stuff to do after enjoying that cannabis, read below.
Things to Do While Stoned
If you’ve got a designated driver (don’t drive stoned, folks!), do yourselves a favor and take the scenic route just outside of Trinidad. Known as the Highway of Legends, this winding mountain pass offers up some of the most spectacular views of Colorado and its Spanish Peaks. To access the highway, check out this page. You can take the Highway of Legends by veering west off I-25 if approaching Trinidad from the north.
If you’re already on the Highway of Legends, you might as well swing by Uptop, a ghost town located right off La Veta Pass. This old mining town has a number of abandoned cabins and other buildings, and makes for an especially spooky experience whether day or night.
Meanwhile, keep in mind the other sites along the Highway of Legends, such as the Stonewall and Devil’s Stairsteps rock formations, Cucharas and Cordova Passes, and the Old Coke Ovens near Cokedale.
Top Attractions
Trinidad today may be a haven for cannabis connoisseurs and outdoorsy types, but it also boasts an important history for both Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region, first as a trading post town during the Wild West days and later as a mining hub through the late 1800s to early 1900s.
All of this rich history has been archived at three museums in Trinidad: Louden-Henritze Archaeology for prehistoric and indigenous exhibits, Trinidad History Museum for a more modernized focus on the town, and the AR Mitchell Museum of Western Art to get a glimpse at the local legend’s art collection, much of it inspired by the area.
Restaurants
There’s plenty of awesomely filling eateries in Trinidad, too. If you’re looking for some Italian, try out Bella Luna Pizzeria or Nana & Nano Monteleone’s Deli & Pasta House. If you’d like some fancier, upscale dining, where the service will serenade you while you dine, look into Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Steak House.
For Mexican/Tex-Mex grub, you can’t go wrong with Tequila’s Family Mexican Restaurant. And if you’ve got a hankerin’ for Asian courses, there’s the Wonderful House Chinese Restaurant.
Coffee
The drives into and out of Trinidad can be taxing, especially if you don’t live near the area. If you need to stock up on caffienated fuel, there’s a few key businesses in town that cater to your coffee needs.
Café What a Grind is a Spanish/Med restaurant and coffee place known for whipping up filling, delicious meals at a nicely affordable price (they also have gluten-free options for their sandwiches). The Lunch Box also offers gluten-free options for food to accompany your cup of joe. The Café is another place that serves up great coffee with sandwiches, salads, and has excellent wi-fi to boot. For a homier atmosphere with breakfast plates, check out Bob & Earl’s Cafe.
Bars
We’re all adults here, right? (I hope so.) Trinidad may be a rising star for its pot shops, but they’ve got plenty of places to slam back some shots or enjoy an ice-cold brew. Dodgeton Creek Brewing Company specializes in beers and is located a short distance just outside of town. For the kind of place where “everybody knows your name,” hop by Mantelli’s Bar. If you need to catch the game during your travels, Brix is the local sports bar (and they serve juicy steaks, too). El Rancho Bar & Cafe hosts live music, primarily country, blues, and rock for those seeking some local entertainments with their drinks.