5 ways to enjoy a summer trip to Colorado's 'most southern' destination

Trinidad offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including water sports, as well as museums that allow visitors to learn about the area's rich history. Here are five great ways to spend your time in Trinidad.

1. Trinidad Lake State Park

This state park centers around the lake, in which visitors can indulge in water sports. It's also a great place for anglers, who can fish for rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie, and bluegill. Miles of trails surround the area, providing an excellent opportunity for exploration. Campsites are also available.

2. Fisher's Peak State Park

Fisher's Peak State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The area includes a drive-in picnic area for a scenic lunch, as well as many miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Note that some trails, including the trail that travels to the top of the park's namesake peak, may be closed during certain times of the year to protect local wildlife. Check before you go!

3. A. R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

This museum features the art of A.R. Mitchell, with traditional western scenes including cowboys, landscapes, and horses. The museum opened in 1981 and also includes a collection of Native American artifacts like pottery, clothing, and more.

4. Highway of Legends Byway

Trinidad is the starting point for this iconic scenic drive . The 82-mile route is a great way to see some of the area's best attractions, making the detour worth it. You'll get to see the natural beauty and can get a taste of the history of southern Colorado via stops along the way.

5. Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum

Located in the Samuel Freudenthal Memorial Library on the Trinidad State College Campus, this museum provides insight into the geological and archaeological history of the area. The museum offers visitors a look at early geological formations, plant and marine-animal fossils, a dinosaur track exhibit, and more.

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