Getting There

By Car -- If you're traveling from north or south, take I-25: Trinidad straddles the interstate, halfway between Denver and Santa Fe, New Mexico. From the east, take U.S. 50 into La Junta, then turn southwest for 80 miles on U.S. 350; or from southern Kansas follow U.S. 160 to Trinidad. From Durango and points west, follow U.S. 160 to Walsenburg, then travel south 37 miles on I-25.

By Train -- The Amtrak Southwest Chief passes through Trinidad twice daily -- once eastbound, once westbound -- on a run between Chicago and Los Angeles. The depot is at 110 W. Pine St. just off North Commercial Street (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com).

Getting Around

Main Street (U.S. 160/350) parallels El Rio de Las Animas en Purgatorio ("The River of Lost Souls in Purgatory"), better known as the Purgatoire River, which flows south to north through the center of town. The historic downtown area is focused around Main and Commercial streets on the south side of the river. Main Street joins I-25 on the west side of downtown.

The Trinidad Trolley, operating Memorial Day to Labor Day, provides an excellent -- and free -- way to see this historic city. Running daily from 10am to 3pm, you can board the trolley at the Colorado Welcome Center (309 Nevada St.), and get on and off at the various museums and other attractions. Pick up a schedule at the Welcome Center.

Fast Facts

Medical services, including a 24-hour emergency room, are provided at Mt. San Rafael Hospital, 410 S. Benedicta Ave. off Main Street (tel. 719/846-9213; www.msrhc.org). The post office is at 301 E. Main St. Contact the U.S. Postal Service (tel. 800/275-8777; www.usps.com) for hours and other information.

Special Events -- Santa Fe Trail Days, in June; fireworks display over Trinidad Lake on the Fourth of July; Trinidaddio Bluesfest, late August; Las Animas County Fair and Rodeo, Labor Day weekend.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.