Welcome!
To our first edition of Spanish Peaks Trips. You’ll note that we didn’t call this Daytrips, even though you could do the majority of these trips in a day, or if you drove really fast, in a couple of hours. Blitzing through these trips, however, is not the point. These are just a few of the paths to follow and places to see as you tour around the magnificent Spanish Peaks, which are centered in Huerfano and Las Animas counties, and ringed by the Scenic Highway of Legends. These trips were put together by the staff of the Huerfano World Journal to highlight what we feel are great places to see for all types of travelers; whether you want to go hiking, absorb the local history, dine on fabulous local cuisine, or take a driving tour- either on road or off. We suggest you take your time, see the sights, meet the people, take lots of photos, and enjoy your time in this magical place. If you want to go on a fast paced vacation, go to Los Angeles or Orlando. If you want to take your time, come to Spanish Peaks Country.
Table of Contents Scenic Highway of Legends
A beautiful drive around the Spanish Peaks, the focal point of Spanish Peaks Country
Culture club
page 6
Art galleries, workshops, music festivals, and museums of Spanish Peaks Country
page 10
Hike to the 12,360 foot high glacial Lily Lake, or climb the West Spanish Peak
page 14
Retrace a portion of the historic Taos Mountain Trail, a trading route between Taos and the Great Plains used from 1100 AD through the late 1800s.
page 18
Family and budget friendly ideas for vacationing in Spanish Peaks Country
page 22
Dining and lodging in Spanish Peaks Country
page 24
Public and private golf courses from Pueblo to Trinidad
page 26
World’s best trail mix Taos Trail
Baby Packs and Strollers
Grab some grub and a wink Tee Time
About Layar
On the front page of this magazine, and on select ads throughout its pages, you’ll see a small logo like the one here in the lower left hand corner. It means that page has been ‘enhanced’ with Layar, which is a digital interface with your hand-held device- a smart phone or tablet (Android or iOS). Simply download the free Layar app, from www.layar.com or your app store, to your device, then ‘scan’ the page, and you will have a springboard for all sorts of new information about that page or advertiser: a link to their website perhaps, or to a video, or to their facebook page.
Scenic Highway of Legends page 6
Spanish Peaks Trips
Scenic Highway of Legends
O
ne of the best known attractions in southern Colorado is the Scenic Highway of Legends, which loops around and between the twin Spanish Peaks of Huerfano and Las Animas Counties. In 1987, it was designated as a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway. The 82 mile main route follows State Hwy 12, US 160, and Interstate 25. A 35-mile extension goes over Cordova Pass Road, up and over the “saddle” between the peaks, through San Isabel National Forest and re-connects with I-25, just past Aguilar. To travel it, start at the top of Cuchara Pass on Hwy 12, and take FR 415, to CR 46, to CR 43.7 west of Gulnare. The terrain it encompasses varies from high mountain passes to windswept stretches of prairie. The highway connects many historic and scenic towns, including Trinidad, Stonewall, Aguilar, Cuchara, La Veta, and Walsenburg. The byway is well known for its breath-taking scenery, mountain views, fishfilled lakes, historic sites, and diverse culture.
WPA tunnel through a dike wall on Cordova Pass
TRAVEL TIPS: Don’t forget to shop in the stores of Huerfano and Las Animas counties. The area is full of small business owners, committed to bringing quality unique items to shoppers. When descending mountain passes, save your brakes by gearing down like the ‘big boy” truckers do.
For more information about other things to do on the Scenic Highway of Legends, please go to page 14 for hiking, and page 22 for budget friendly activities, including horseback riding, fishing, dining, and miniature golf. Galleries and arts info can be found on pages 10 and 12.
Scenic Highway of Legends
Spanish Peaks Trips
page 7
Spanish Peaks Country
Spanish Peaks Country visitor links SPANISH PEAKS REGION:
Colorado Welcome Center in Trinidad: Spanish Peaks area Fast Facts directory: Spanish Peaks area news: State Wildlife Areas interactive maps:
HUERFANO COUNTY
Huerfano County Tourism Board: La Veta/Cuchara Chamber of Commerce: Huerfano County history
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
City of Trinidad Tourism Board: Trinidad city map: Downtown Trinidad map:
FESTIVALS, RETREATS AND SHOWS The Cuchara Country Music Festival Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival
http://www.colorado.com/colorado-welcome-center-trinidad-0 download pdf at huerfanojournal.com/new_site/see-and-do/ www.huerfanoworldjournal.com http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks Spanishpeakscountry.com www.lavetacucharachamber.com huerfanohistory.org
historictrinidad.com/tourism.html http://historictrinidad.com/images/PDF/citymap.pdf http://historictrinidad.com/images/PDF/downtown.pdf
cucharacountrymusicfest.com/ celticmusicfest.com/
Spanish Peaks Harp Retreat Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre Francisco Center for the Performing Arts The Spanish Peaks Arts Council
spanishpeaksharpretreat.com/ www.scrtheatre.com/ www.lavetatheaterweb.org/ www.spanishpeaksarts.org/
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Spanish Peaks Trips
Scenic Highway of Legends
The Scenic Highway of Legends is for the birds!
The Scenic Highway of Legends is part of the Spanish Peaks Trail portion of the Colorado Birding Trail (CBT). Not an actual trail, the CBT is a statewide network of highways linking outdoor recreation areas and other points rich in bird and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as paleontology and archaeology sites. The Spanish Peaks Trail’s 20 sites include the Scenic Highway of Legends as well as prairie, rimrock canyons, riparian cottonwood habitats, and lakes... nearly running the gamut of Colorado habitats and biodiversity. The trail leads through Walsenburg, Lathrop State Park, La Veta, MacDonald’s Reservoir, Wahatoya Valley, Devil’s Stairsteps, Cucharas Creek Road to Trinchera Peak, Cordova Pass, North Lake, Stonewall, Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area (SWA), Spanish Peaks SWA, Trinidad Lake, Lake Dorothey SWA, Trinidad, Welch Ranch, Rancho Largo, Roberts Cordova Ranch, Apishapa SWA, and Tim Williams Ranch. The diversity and abundance of bird life along the Spanish Peaks Birding Trail is amazing. Examples include migrating songbirds at the historic Masonic Cemetery in Walsenburg, and white pelicans, snow geese, canvasback ducks, and American avocets at Lathrop State Park. La Veta is a good place to see hummingbirds, warblers, downy woodpeckers, and flycatchers, as well as ravens, great horned owls, and turkey vultures. Nearby lakes draw a variety of waterfowl, and bald eagles. At Wahatoya Valley, dusky grouse, nuthatches, kinglets and threetoed woodpeckers are good possibilities.
Golden eagles, prairie falcons, and whitethroated swifts soar above the Devil’s Stairsteps southwest of La Veta. A hike up Cucharas Creek Road to Trinchera Peak offers a chance to see ptarmigans. North Lake SWA is home to American dippers, flamulated or saw-whet owls, elk, porcupines and pine martins. See pygmy nuthatches and plumbaceous vireos at Stonewall, and Lewis’ woodpeckers, turkeys, and northern goshawks at Bosque del Oso SWA. The remote and beautiful southern flank of the mountains, seen at Spanish Peaks SWA, hosts all three nuthatches, and in ponderosa pine forests, the rare Abert’s squirrels. Trinidad Lake (west of Trinidad on Hwy 12) and Lake Dorothey SWA (on the CO/NM border, access from I-25 exit 452 in Raton) offer views of ducks and marsh birds. For a $10 fee, one can visit several grassland ranches to view birds, including breeding long-billed curlews, scaled quail, greater roadrunners, and curve-billed thrashers. Apishapa Canyon SWA has phoebes, common poor-wills, scaled quail, burrowing owls, bighorn sheep and soft-shelled turtles. Portions of this article first appeared in the HWJ in a comprehensive piece on the Spanish Peaks Birding Trail, by Patsy Garber. To read the entire article, go to huerfanoworldjournal.com, and type “Birding Trail” in the search bar. For full information on the entire Colorado Birding Trail, as well as the Spanish Peaks Birding Trail, please visit: coloradobirdingtrail.com/portfolio/spanish-peaks/
j
Near Farley Overlook by Cordova Pass
Scenic Highway of Legends
Spanish Peaks Trips
page 9
The Peaks really rock: Unique geology of the Spanish Peaks
Devil’s Stairsteps near Cuchara. Photo by Joe Edens
ng re
de
Cr
is t
A
•Stonewall
rid ge s
os
crew using a Hasselblad camera with 250-mm lens, and is provided by the Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory at Johnson Space Center. This information and map are
Sa
The Spanish Peaks, on the eastern flank of the Sangre de Cristo range, abruptly rise 7,000 feet above the western Great Plains. Settlers, treasure hunters, trappers, gold and silver miners have long been sighted on these prominent landmarks along the Taos branch of the Santa Fe trail. Well before the westward migration, the mountains figured in the legends and history of the Ute, Apache, Comanche, and earlier tribes. “Las Cumbres Españolas” are also mentioned in chronicles of exploration by Spaniards including Ulibarri in 1706 and later by de Anza, who eventually founded San Francisco (California). This exceptional view, captured by the crew of Space Shuttle mission 108, portrays the Spanish Peaks in the context of the southern Rocky Mountains. Uplift of the Sangre de Cristo began about 75 million years ago and produced the long north-trending ridges of faulted and folded rock to the west of the paired peaks. After uplift had ceased, approximately 26 to 22 million years ago, the large masses of igneous rock (granite, granodiorite, syenodiorite) that form the Peaks were emplaced (Penn, 19952001). East and West Spanish Peaks are “stocks”— bodies of molten rock that intruded sedimentary layers, cooled and solidified, and were later exposed by erosion. East Peak, at 12,708 ft, is almost circular and is about 5½ miles long by 3 miles wide, while West Peak, at 13,623 ft, is roughly 2¾ miles long by 1¾ miles wide. Great dikes— long stone walls— radiate outward from the mountains like spokes of a wheel, and a prominent one forms a broad arc northeast of East Spanish Peak. As the molten rock rose, it forced its way into vertical cracks and joints in the sedimentary strata; the less resistant material was then eroded away, leaving walls of hard rock from one foot to 100 feet wide, up to 100 feet high, and as long as 14 miles. Dikes trending almost east-west are also common in the region. This photograph was taken in December 2001 by the space shuttle
B
•Cuchara West Peak
reprinted from NASA’s Earth Observatory, a website devoted to exploring the causes and effects of climatic and environmental change through the use of real satellite data. For more information go to: earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
•La Veta
•Walsenburg
arcurate dike
East Peak
radial dikes
A. Excellent examples of radial dikes may be seen along the highway of Legends at Stonewall, and
•Aguilar
B. between Cuchara and La Veta. (see photo at top of page)
Culture club page 10
Spanish Peaks Trips
A
painting by Joan Hanley
h, culture! Active arts and culture groups indicate healthy and vibrant communities. Visual artists find great inspiration in the sheer beauty of the southern Colorado Rocky Mountains, as well as in the big skies and dramatic windswept prairies. As you drive south on I-25 toward southern Colorado, the splendor of the Spanish Peaks can be seen from over 100 miles away on a clear day. At mile marker 69, there is a particularly stunning full panorama of Spanish Peaks country, from the peaks themselves with Fishers Peak in the distance, to Silver Mountain, Mt Mestas, the Sangre de Cristo Range and Greenhorn Mountain to the west.
Mural in Walsenburg
Walsenburg’s art scene includes the recently formed Walsenburg Arts Council, outdoor sculptures by Sam Taylor and Gardner artist Dave Roberts, and murals by Ken Martinez, owner of Walsenburg’s oldest gallery, Darkwood Gallery. Visitors might be surprised to find a bit of New York City in Walsenburg at the 6,000 square foot Museum of Friends, a contemporary art museum. The collection consists of work donated,
or lent to owners/curators/abstract artists Brendt Berger and Maria Cocchiarelli-Berger by their friends. MOF’s collection includes the work of internationally recognized artists such as surrealist Dean Fleming, whose visit to Drop City commune near Trinidad in 1967, inspired him to become a founder of the artist community of Libre, the first of six communes in the upper Huerfano near Gardner. Other artists known in NYC such as Richard Mock, Dennis Oppenheim, Linda Fleming, Fairfield Porter, Jason Crum, Larry Zox, Nancy Genn, Yoko Ono, Susan Metrican, Robert Sussman, and Mark di Suvero have work in the MOF collection. La Veta is home to a thriving arts community with five galleries, a School of the Arts, and the Spanish Peaks Arts Council. Sculptures by La Veta artist Joan Hanley may be seen throughout the community. Several La Veta area artists have earned international, national, and regional reputations, such as art quilters Ricky Tims and Judith Baker Montano, Peggy Zehring, an expressionist painter in the neo-Kandinsky movement style, landscape artist Kathy Hill, k i n e t i c sculptor Ken S c h n e i d e r, b r o n z e sculptor Joan Hanley, Ann Gethen for Doris Tracy botanical sculpture in La Veta illustration
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Spanish Peaks Trips
Harnassing Bacchus, by Peggy Zehring
and oils, and Bob Buckner for portraits in oils. The art scene is active up Highway 12 in Cuchara as well with resident artists and muralists, and the Cuchara Hermosa annual juried fine art show each July.
Visual Arts
Galleries in Huerfano County
Darkwood Gallery 518 Main Street, Walsenburg (719) 738-3413 www.darkwoodstudiogallery.com Silver and goldsmithing, southwestern pottery, rugs, stone skulls, and portraits.
Kathy Hill's Studio Gallery 512 South Spruce St, La Veta 719-742-5756 www.kathywhill.com Original framed oils, watercolors and acrylic paintings of the Spanish Peaks region. Matted prints and note cards.
Piñon Hill Art Gallery 210 S. Main Street, La Veta 719-742-3666 www.pinonhillartgallery.com
Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe Gallery) 132 W. Ryus, La Veta 719-742-3074 h t t p : / / w w w. s p a n i s h p e a k sarts.org/ Original art by local artists, changing exhibitions.
Galleries in Las Animas County
A.R. Mitchell Museum Gallery & Gift Shop 150 E. Main, Trinidad, 719-846-4224 armitchell.org
Corazon Gallery 149 E. Main, Trinidad 719-846-0207 Elm Street Gallery 225 Elm Street 719-242-7951
Frank Images 234 N. Commercial, Trinidad 719-846-3685 frankimages.net
Galerie Vivante 214 E. Main, Trinidad 719-334-0087 rodneywood51@msn.com rodneywood.com
Gallery Main 130 E. Main, Trinidad 719-846-1441 trinidadartscouncil.com
Golden Eagle Gallery Local artists, art supplies, custom matting and framing. 147 E. Main, Trinidad 719-846-3931
Purgatoire River Trading Co. 113 E. Main, Trinidad 719-845-0202 Authentic Indian and Southwestern art and jewelry.
Tarabino Inn & Gallery 310 E. 2nd St., Trinidad 719-846-2115 or 866-846-8808
Shows/Workshops/Classes
Cuchara Hermosa Cuchara, (719) 742-0241 President, Joy McDonald jmjoyphil02@gmail.com 719-596-0339 Vice President, Mitzi Keairns donmitzikeairns@gmail.com www.cucharahermosa.org/ Annual juried art show in July,
Ricky Tims Studio and Retreat Center. 105 W Ryus Ave, La Veta 719-742-3755 http://www.rickytims.com/
Trinidad, just a few miles north of New Mexico on the I-25 corridor, is a charming combination of Victorian town architecture combined with southwestern culture. It boasts the Corazón de Trinidad, one of Colorado’s official state creative arts districts. According to the state of Colorado’s official visitors website, colorado. com, “affordable living and beautiful landscapes in Trinidad have recently resulted in an influx of artists in residence and full galleries... On a stroll through the quaint, bricklined streets of Old Trinidad, you can also ogle one of the largest collections of Victorian houses west of the Mississippi.” The La Veta School of the Arts 105 West Ryus, La Veta 719-742-3421 www.the LVSA.org Classes and workshops for everyone. Treat yourself to a creative experience you won't soon forget. Visit our website for details.
Inner Idea Artists InnerIdeaArtists.com email: IIA@rocketmail.com A group of Colorado and Seattle artists who have studied with Peggy Zehring, abstract artist and founder of The La Veta School of the Arts (LVSA), in La Veta, Colorado. They are dedicated to the ideals of Wassily Kandinsky, the father of abstract art in the early 1900s. For moire info on Peggy Zehring: go to www.peggyzehring.com
Performing Arts Drama
Francisco Center for the Performing Arts 127 W. Francisco, La Veta (719) 742-5767 www.lavetatheater.org
Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre Famous Performing Arts Center 131 W. Main St., Trinidad, 719-846-4765 scrtheatre.com; facebook info@scrtheatre.com
Haunted Corazon Ghost Tour Storytelling tour of downtown Trinidad, 5 days a week April to October starts at Golden Eagle Gallery. 719-680-4720 www.hauntedcorazon.wix.com
Culture Club
Downtown Trinidad
Music
Cuchara Country Music Fest The Cuchara Country Music Festival is an annual all day country music event held each June in the tiny mountain village of Cuchara. cucharacountrymusicfest.com
Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival held last weekend of September throughout Huerfano County Contact: Barbara Yule 8:30 am -5 pm (719) 746-2061 or Office (719) 742-5410 www.celticmusicfest.com
Museums
Huerfano County Museums
Francisco Fort Museum 306 Main St, La Veta 719-742-5501 http://www.franciscofort.org
The Alton M. Tirey Local History Center 201 East Fifth Street, Walsenburg inside the historic Washington School building, 2nd floor. 719-738-2840 Carolyn Newman, Curator. http://huerfanohistory.org/tireyhistory-center.html
Walsenburg Mining Museum 112 West 5th St., Walsenburg 719-738-1992 Inside the historic jail behind the courthouse. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon - Fri. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sat May - Sept http://huerfanohistory.org/mining-museum.html
Museum of Friends’ 600 Main Street, Walsenburg, 719-738-2858 www.museumoffriends.org
Paleo + Pelagica Museum of Natural Science 300 E. 5th St, Walsenburg 218-728-8926 paleopelagicamuseum.com
Gardner Museum 25240 Highway 69, Gardner’ 719-746-2479
Las Animas County Museums
A.R. Mitchell Museum 150 E. Main, Trinidad 719-846-4224 armitchellmuseum.com
Trinidad History Museum 312 E. Main, Trinidad 719-846-7217 historycolorado.org/museums/ trinidad-history-museum
Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum Trinidad State Junior College Library, Lower Level 719-846-5508 trinidadstate.edu/index.php/ archaeology-museum
Apishapa Valley Heritage Center 151 Main St., Aguilar, CO 719-941-4678 or 719-680-0528 Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Make appointments by calling
Cokedale Mining Museum Cokedale, CO 719-846-7428 cokedalemuseum@gmail.com Open June through August
World’s best trail mix page 14
Spanish Peaks Trips
N
o, we’re not talking about good old raisins and peanuts, we are talking about the amazing mix of hiking and mountain biking trails in Spanish Peaks Country. This edition covers just two of the myriad trails in the area: the West Spanish Peak Trail and Lily Lake.
West Peak Trail:
Elevation at trailhead: 11,273 feet, (A) elevation at summit: 13,626 feet. (B) One cannot talk about hiking in Spanish Peaks Country without mentioning the peaks themselves. The 6.4 mile round trip West Peak Trail is perhaps the most hiked path in the area, with thousands of people accessing it each year. The trail meanders relatively easily through spruce and fir forests interspersed with high mountain meadows behind which the Peak towers majestically. Higher up — where the climb becomes more strenuous — the hiker passes through ancient bristlecone pine stands to the end of treeline, on the way to the talus slopes leading to the apex of the mountain. Dramatic views and varied terrain define the West Peak Trail — a challenging and rewarding trek up one of southern Colorado’s iconic mountains.
Looking towards East Spanish Peak. posted on Google Earth by Hobbes7714
Getting there:
To reach the trailhead for the West Peak Trail, first take Colorado Highway 12 (The Scenic Highway of Legends) to the top of the pass. Start (0 odometer): Turn onto Cordova Pass road heading east. In 6 miles you will reach a USFS parking area. The trailhead heads north from there. The elevation here is 11,273 feet, and the grade is quite gentle. A half mile along the trail is a left (west) turn for Levy trail which leads to a
B
A beautiful view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the White Peaks of the Cuchara Valley. Round trip back to the parking area is 2 miles. Continuing on the main trail north, the trail Ascent of West Spanish Peak, posted on passes through a Google Earth by www.coloradopast.com Englemann spruce forest, which gives way to subalpine fir trees as the climb becomes steeper. Apishapa Trail descends to the right at this point. Continuing up the switchbacks you will go through stands of bristlecone pines, just below tree line. The trail becomes rough from here to the summit. It is not a formally marked trail, because the loose stones make trail construction difficult. Instead, the USFS has placed rock cairns along the way.
Portions of this appeared originally in HWJ summer 2012, by Tom Macedo. Other sources include the excellent guide books by Richard Keating, Colorado’s Spanish Peaks Region, 2011 Missouri Botanical Garden Press, and available in area bookstores, and Hiking Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, by Jason Moore, a Falcon Guide, by the Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT.
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Spanish Peaks Trips
World’s Best Trail Mix
A
Mount Blanca and Lily Lake. posted on Google Earth by vmash111@live.com
Huerfano/Lily Lake Trail:
Elevation at trailhead, 10,700 feet, elevation at summit: 13,500 feet. Moderately difficult 6.4 mile round trip. Lily Lake (A) itself is located in a cirque- an almost circular rock basin at 12,360 feet, where snow and ice accumulated during the Ice Age to feed the glaciers that carved the Huerfano River Valley. The area around it is dotted with old gold, silver and tungsteen prospecting sites and deteriorating miners’ cabins. Fishing with flies and lures for cutthroat trout is permitted, and bighorn sheep may be seen here as well. The trail is also used by those wishing to climb 14er Mount Lindsay.
Lamb on rock just below Lily Lake. posted on Google Earth by vmash111@live.com
Getting there:
Access to the trailhead can be made in a 2WD vehicle with good clearance, but the road is very rough. 4WD is advised in spring. The hike to Lily Lake is reached from the upper Huerfano River Valley west of Gardner. Take Highway 69 west to Gardner. One half mile past Gardner, turn left onto County Road 550 toward Redwing. (Marked for Mosca Pass, and a sign saying Lily Lake Trhd, 22.5 mi). At a junction in 11.8 miles, stay right on CR 580. Stay on CR 580 following the sign to the Upper Huerfano through the Huerfano State Wildlife Area to a parking area at the Singing River ranch. You can park here and hike 6.9 miles for the rest of the way to the trailhead if the road is too rough for your vehicle. It can be muddy, rutted or snow covered well into June or July.
On the way to Lily Lake photo by Mike Lean
Taos Trail
page 18
Spanish Peaks Trips
F
ollow the traders and trappers along the Taos Trail as the Native Americans, Spanish military, gold seekers, and French spies did for the past two hundred years. The Trail extended from Wyoming to Taos, New Mexico. You are in what was Spanish territory in the early 19th century. Later, especially after the Civil War, immigrants poured in to ranch and eventually to find work in the coal mines. The mountain branch of the famed Santa Fe Trail traced along the Taos Trail. The fertile river bottoms used by the farmers, the disturbed earth of the coal mines, the adobe
ruins of early settlement - all are along the Trail. The cottonwood trees play into the imaginary wagons taking a shady rest. The narrow passes between rock formations catch the eye and the camera lens. Stop to chat in the small community of Gardner, the only town on the route. This 78-mile trip, Walsenburg to Walsenburg, takes about 3½ hours. Roads are paved and gravel, and there are no gasoline stations, but there is a cafe and convenience store in Gardner (closed Sundays and Mondays usually.) Please respect private property and remain on the roads. The mileage numbers are cumulative from the Walsenburg courthouse.
This trip also offers opportunities for viewing wildlife, birds, stunning natural vistas, and the chance to observe how local vegetation changes with a large rise in elevation. Roads are unimproved in portions of the trip.
Taos Trail trip and mileage notes written by Carolyn Newman and KayBeth Avery. Huerfano County Historical Society offers several guided history trips each summer. Photo credit: Badito Cone and Gardner Butte posted on Google Earth by adoverboy2
D
K
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See page 20 for information about each map marker, A through L.
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Spanish Peaks Trips
B. Huerfano Butte
A. B.
C and D. Huerfano River Valley and Greenhorn Mountain
I. Farisita church, posted on Google Earth by Coloradopast
J. Gardner Trading Post, established 1868, posted on Google Earth by iconicj
K. Malachite School, posted on Google Earth by yodmc
L. Rock formations, Pass Creek
C. D.
E
F
Start (0 odometer): At the 1904 Huerfano County Courthouse on Walsenburg's Main Street. Head out north (2.7) miles: Follow Main Street north through the hogback ridge, scene of deadly fighting in the 1913-14 coal miners strike. Join I-25 north. Exit 59 (5.6 miles): See the lonely Huerfano Butte to your right (east). This volcanic plug (Huerfano means orphan in Spanish) has been a landmark for centuries. At this exit's stop sign: Head to the left (west) to go through the underpass. At stop sign: Take the right road (north). At the dead end: Go left (west). Big boulder at the corner is a modern marker for the Taos Trail. Huerfano River valley (9.2): Head west along the lovely valley where early settlements were built. (Watch for gravel trucks the first two miles). To your right (north) Greenhorn Mountain is on the horizon. Fork (10.8): Take right (northwest) fork to follow the river. Fork (11.3): Take right (northwest) fork. Cottonwood grove (11.6): Picture wagon trains pausing here. The Kimbrel ranch here is a Centennial Ranch, in the family for more than 100 years. Up the hill (12.3): Road goes up the hill (south) and curves west. Trail marker boulder (12.8): Turn hard left (south). The 1860's St. Mary's settlement was on the river, a crossing for Sangre de Cristo/Taos Trail and stage road. T intersection (13.7): Turn left (east). Trail boulder (14.7). Colo. 69 (14.9). Highway. To the left (east) back to Walsenburg. To follow the Trail and to cross the mountains, turn right (west) to continue on to Pass Creek.
G For two miles, remains of
foundations mark the former coal mine camps of Sunnyside, Spanish Peaks, Strong, and Shamrock. Huerfano County's dozens of coal mines brought prosperity, but also led to the deadly 1913-14 coal strike. Corrals 16.8): On the left (south) was Tioga coal camp, population at one time was 250, and now just foundations. When mines closed, buildings were moved away to lessen taxes. Red slag pile made up of bits of coal, dirt, and rock left from screening the coal. As you continue west on Colo. 69, you come to Badito (22.5): H Right (north) early county courthouse once stood here (courthouse 18661874) on the gravel road. To the east of former courthouse was a bedbug-infested adobe hotel now in ruins. Bronze plaque shows route of Taos Trail; the river crossing here was a major Trail crossing. (To shorten your trip you may head south on CR 520 to reach U.S. 160. More picturesque route is to continue on Colo. 69). I Farisita (28.1): Early store/post office. Sheepraising center. (The mountain range ahead is the Wet Mountains.
Taos Trail
J Gardner (31.4).
1860s community. Note western museum on left (south). Wildflower Cafe and convenience store here - may be closed Sundays and Mondays. Surrounding area has many adobe buildings and the remains of a small number of Penitente moradas (churches). Intersection (32.6): Turn left (west) onto CR 550. Sign says Redwing. Intersection (37.6): Turn left (south) onto Pass Creek Road 570 (also CR 572). Pass Creek was one of at least five routes over the mountains for early trappers. K Malachite stone schoolhouse (38.2). Intersection (38.5): Take left (east) road. At this intersection the buildings visible to the right (west) surround what was Tom Sharp's trading post, doing business with Ute Chief Ouray. Horse races were popular. Intersection (41.1): Take L Pass Creek 8 miles to U.S. 160. Rock formations, a small stream, tree-lined landscape. Paradise Acres (46.7) Modern development U.S.160 (49.7): Turn right (west) for Fort Garland/San Luis Valley. Turn left (east) to Walsenburg and I-25. Walsenburg (77.9).
H. Bronze plaque at Badito, photo courtesy Carolyn Newman
Baby packs and strollers
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Spanish Peaks Trips
amily and budget friendly vacation opportunities abound in the Spanish Peaks region. The clean air and water, lakes, mountains, and forests invite visitors and residents alike to spend as much time as possible outdoors, swimming, bike riding, hiking or horseback riding. The charming historic towns offer parks and museums, rollerskating, mini ature golf and frisbee golf, and old fashioned movie going with admission and popcorn prices straight out of a previous century. Two area water parks offer good clean fun for all ages. Walsenburg Wild Waters, has two giant water slides, a kids slide, zero entry pool, a lazy river, diving board, interactive fountains, sprays, and dumping buckets. 719-738-2628, www.cityofwalsenburg.com/waterpark.php. Trinidad Aquatic Center, which includes a wading pool for toddlers, a 140 foot flume slide and a six lane lap pool.  It is located at South Side Park near the community center, skatepark and
frisbee golf park. 719-846-2675 or 719-846-4454 x14. For those who just want to cool off during a day of museum going or shopping, take the kids to romp in the fountains at Cimino Park in Trinidad, next to the riverwalk. Or check out Central Park in Trinidad, which is stocked for fishing by the 14-and-under set only. Note: for a locator map of Trinidad parks, go to historictrinidad.com/images/PDF/citymap.pdf
Water oriented recreation does not stop with pools and fountains. There are a multitude of opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, biking, hiking, picnicking and camping at area lakes and state wildlife areas. Lathrop State Park, four miles west of Walsenburg, and Trinidad Lake State Park both have all of that, plus geocaching, horseback riding, and special free weekend programs at their amphitheaters. Lathrop also has an archery range. You may even want to try pedal boating at 9,000 feet above sea level at Monument Lake Resort.
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Spanish Peaks Trips
Five additional lakes along the Scenic Highway of Legends, and the headwaters of the upper Huerfano offer opportunities for high altitude picnicking and fishing. See map on page 7 for a link to interactive online maps of state wildlife and recreation areas. Are the kids wanting to go horseback riding? Yellow Pine Guest ranch between La Veta and Cuchara is sure to be a hit, as will miniature golf in Cuchara, skateboarding in Walsenburg and La Veta, and bocce ball, rollerskating, skatingboarding, and discgolf in Trinidad. Want to show the family what things were like when you were a kid? Be sure to catch a movie at Walsenburg’s Fox Youth Center Theatre. Recently upgraded to digital, this volunteer managed theatre offers first run movies on weekends at prices not seen in movie theatres for decades. Admission is only $5 for adults, or $3 for kids, and a large popcorn with free refill will run you only $5. Area libraries and museums offer fun and affordable activities for families. In Trinidad, look into the Children’s Firehouse Museum, the
Baby packs and strollers
Trinidad History Museum's gift shop at 312 E. Main with coloring books and activity projects for kids, plus free croquet in the shade in the museum's heritage gardens. The Louden Henritze Archaeology Museum at the Trinidad State Junior College Campus in Trinidad has a dinosaur and tracks display for kids to enjoy while adults delve into displays about area geology, fossils, and artifacts. In Walsenburg, check out prehistory at the PaleoPelagica Museum, or more recent history at the Walsenburg Mining Museum with a replica coal mine shaft and exhibits about life in the coal camps. La Veta’s Francisco Fort Museum has special activities on weekends all summer long, from Native American and Hispanic dancing, to hands on projects and the one room pioneer era Ritter Schoolhouse. There is no sweeter part of a vacation in Spanish Peaks Country than a old fashioned ice cream cone, eaten outside. Get yours at Grandma and Grandpa’s Ice cream at First Choice Market in Walsenburg, at Charlie’s Market in La Veta, or the Barnyard Ice Cream Shoppe in Cuchara.
Grab some grub and a wink
Walsenburg Grub
A&W 719-738-3960 455 US Hwy 85-87
Alpine Rose Cafe 522 Main St. 719-738-1157 Daily specials of Mexican - American food. Breakfast anytime. Carl's Jr. 700 Main St. 719-738-1002
Corines 719-738-1231 822 Main St. Mexican and American, beer, great sopapillas.
Coyote Cafe 501 Walsen Ave. 719-890-1055 Home of the famous Coyote Burger. Breakfast all day.
First Choice Market Walsenburg’s First Super Market 801 Walsen Avenue 719-738-3200 Camping supplies and foods, Bakery, deli, pizzeria, cold beer, fine cigars, movie rentals, Western Union, stamps, sporting goods, sporting goods and licenses.
George's 564 US Hwy 85-87 719-738-3030 Takeout available, serving breakfast until 11am and lunch until 3pm, Tues - Sat.
Grandma’s & Grandpa’s Ice Cream First Choice Market parking lot.
Huerfano Cafe 902 W. 7th St. 719-738-2041 Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mexican-American food. Takeout available.
La Plaza Inn 719-738-5700 118 W. 6th St. www.laplazainnwalsenburg.co m Fine dining at the Bistro or a casual lunch at The Library Café, outdoor patio, meeting room. Mike’s Coffee Barn 719-738-3318 304 W. 7th St.
New Century Asian Style Food 520 Walsen Ave. 719-738-4878 Buffet or menu items available.
Safeway 222 W. 7th, 719-738-3301 Convenient location for travelers heading east or west on Hwy 160. Large store, large selection, large package sizes. Bagged ice, dry ice.
7th Street Deli 136 W. 7th St. 719-738-2173 Unique menu items, daily specials, soups, sandwiches. Catering for special events.
Subway 228 Main St. 719-738-1332
Taco Bell / KFC 457-A US Hwy 85-87 719-738-2480
Tim's Kitchen 620 Main St. 719-989-0992 Breakfast served all day. Mexican - American food served.
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Alpha Motel 715 Walsen Ave. 719-738-2890
Anchor Motel 1001 Main St. 719-738-2800 Color TV, queen beds, AAA.
Best Western Rambler 457 US Hwy 85-87 719-738-1121 www.http://bestwesterncolorado.com/hotels/best-westernrambler Complimentary full breakfast, 24hour front desk, truck/RV parking available, High-Speed Internet, indoor pool, laundromat, business center, hot tub, exercise facility, 100% smoke free. Budget Host Motel & RV Park 553 US Hwy 85-87 719-738-3800
Dakota Campgrounds & BIRCO R.V. Service Center 719-738-9912 1079 US Hwy 85-87
La Plaza Inn 118 W. 6th St. 719-738-5700 www.laplazainnwalsen burg.com Eleven unique guest rooms, each having its own private baths and high-speed Internet. Ideal for business and leisure travelers, alike. Ideal for banquets, weddings, retreats and holidays.
Rio Cucharas Inn 77 CR 504 (Hwy 160 west of Walsenburg) 719-738-1282 www.riocucharasinn.com
Sands Motel 533 W. 7th St. 719-738-3827
The Spanish Peaks Inn 22808 US Hwy 160 719-738-2167 Wi-Fi, cable TV, free breakfast, microwave, small refrigerator and coffee maker and hairdryer.
Vacation Rental Home 719-251-2752 vacationinwalsenburg@gmail.c om. Your own private vacation home. This is an in-town vacation rental house with accommodations for groups large and small. Amenitites include three bedrooms, one and a half baths and sleeps six to eight. Boat & trailer parking available.
La Veta Grub
Alys' Restaurant 604 S Oak 719-742-3742 Ranked number one of ten restaurants in La Veta by Trip Advisor.com www.alysrestaurant.com
Charlie’s Market 212/214 Main St. 742-3651 Full service meat department with “choice” American beef and meat cut to order. Fresh made sandwiches, chicken tenders, soups, salads and assorted daily specials. Famous old fashioned ice cream open year round.
Deerprint Wine & Bistro 106 E Francisco 719-472-4957 Serving select wines and beers accompanied by fine cheeses and salami.
La Veta Loco 923 S. Oak St. 719-742-3925 www.lavetaloco.com Breakfast served in the summer, Fri, Sat and Sun, or by special arrangement, steaks, chops & chicken, pasta, calzones, hand-tossed pizza, and burgers.
Next Door Deli 107 E. Francisco St. 719-742-3540 www.nextdoordeli.com
Baby packs and strollers
Paradise Coffee 305 Main St. 719-742-3680 www.paradisecoffeelaveta.com Panini’s for breakfast or lunch, salads, sweets, and all kinds of wonderful hot and cold beverages. Check out their website for complete menu items.
Ryus Avenue Bakery 129 W. Ryus Avenue 719-742-3830 www.lavetabakery.com
Sammie's 124 N. Main St. 719-742-5435
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1899 B&B Inn 314 S. Main St. 719-742-5599 www.the1899inn.com
Adagio House (Vintage House) 818 S. Oak 505-466-8385 www.flipkey.com, enter La Veta
Circle the Wagons RV Park 126 W. 2nd St. 719-742-3233 www.circlethewagonsrvpark.com
Hardings Corner B&B 140 W. Grand Ave 719-742-5423 www.hardingscornerbandb.com
I Love Lucy's Place RV Park 226 W. Grand 719-742-3252 www.ilovelucysplace.com
Inn at the Spanish Peaks B&B 310 E. Francisco 719-742-5313 www.innatthespanishpeaks.com
Sammie's Motel and RV Park 124 N. Main St. 719-742-5425
Sulphur Springs Ranch 421 Country Rd. 719-742-5111 www.sulphurspingsranch.com
The Olive Tree B&B 902 S. Oak 719-742-5778, 719-251-5788, 719-214-1128 www.theolivetreebandB.com
The Ranch House Inn 1012 Cherry St. 719-742-5234 www.theranchhouseinn.com
Two Fox Cabins & RV Park 404 Oak St. 719-742-0260 www.twofoxcabins.com Whether you are looking for a romantic long weekend, a family vacation, or just a few days away from the hectic city lifestyle, you will relax in comfort, Two Fox Cabins your "base of operations" will put you right in the center of the action. Cabins and RV sites.
The Warehouse Suite 200 S. Main, 2nd Floor 719-742-5278 www.thewarehousesuite.com
Cuchara Grub
Cuchara Country Store 34 Cuchara Ave 719-742-3450 www.dogbarcuchara.com /dbshops.html Food staples, snacks, candy, pop and other last minute grocery items, fishing licenses and supplies, and games, puzzles and crafts, gifts and souvenirs.
The Barn Yard Ice Cream Shoppe next to Cuchara Inn 719-742-3685 http://thecucharainn.com/The_ Barn_Yard_Ice_Cream.php Serves nothing other than the famous Blue Bell Ice Cream with eight delicious flavors to choose from. We also have soft serve frozen yogurt and ice cream.
The Brewed Awakening On the boardwalk next to Cuchara Inn 719-742-3685 http://thecucharainn.com/Brew ed_Awakening.php Hot coffee, our Famous omelet or classic breakfast, or homemade cinnamon rolls and muffins. Open seasonally.
The Dog Bar 34 Cuchara Ave. 719-742-6366 www.dogbarcuchara.com The historic Dog Bar & Grill has been a favorite in the Cuchara Valley for more than 32 years. The Dog Bar is a place to connect with new and old friends, enjoy a full menu of delicious entrees and beverages and enjoy the best live entertainment in the area. Check out their website for a list of events and a the live Cucharacam - a live view down Main Street, Cuchara.
The Timbers Restaurant & Tavern 23 Cuchara Ave. 719-742-3838 www.timberscuchara.com
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Cuchara Cabins and Condo Rentals 50 Cuchara Ave. 877-7CABINS (722-2467) 719-742-3340 emiracleworker@gmail.com www.cucharacabinsand condos.com Our accommodations provide a wide range of options, from a simple inexpensive getaway to lodging for large groups. Prices from $95-$350 per night.
Cuchara Inn 73 Cuchara Ave. East 719-742-3685 www.thecucharainn.com Located in the heart of Cuchara Villiage, this Inn with all its improvements, offers 42 rooms. During your stay, enjoy a hot homemade breakfast at The Brewed Awakening Coffee shop on the boardwalk just down from the Inn. A Stay To Remember.
Cuchara Mountain Escape 33 Park Road 719-742-3121 www.cucharamountain escape.com While they vary in size and location, each cabin or condo has the potential to serve as the perfect backdrop for your vacation experience. These homes are privately-owned, well-cared for and maintained, and fullyequipped for your visit. Cuchara Vacation Rentals 35 Spruce Trail 719-742-3960 719-989-8121
Dodgeton Creek Inn 137 Cuchara Ave. East 719-742-5169 www.dodgetoncreekinn.com Open year round. Gourmet breakfast menu with 90% Organic food to those who request it. Several rooms and suites, most with private baths, some with kitchenettes and some with sitting areas. Common kitchen and living room.
Yellow Pine Guest Ranch 15880 Colorado Hwy 12 719-742-3528 www.yellowpine.us
Trinidad Grub
Bella Luna Pizzeria 121 West Main 719-846-2750
Bob & Earl's Café 118 Robinson (on Hwy 12) 719-846-0144
Brix Sports Bar and Grill 231 East Main 719-422-8273 www.brixsportsbar.com 12 ice cold beers on tap; upscale night life; family friendly; 6 huge hi-def plasma TVs
Burger King 1920 Freedom Road 719-846-9445
The Café at Danielson's 135 East Main 719-846-7119 C&H Restaurant 443 North Commercial 719-846-3851
Chef Liu's Chinese Restaurant & Lounge 1423 Santa Fe Drive 719-846-3333
Clubhouse Grille 1417 Nolan Drive (at the golf course) 719-422-8188
Corner Shop Cafe 107 East Main 719-845-9999
El Rancho 1901 Santa Fe Trail 719-846-9049 Fabilis Wings 103 West Main 719-846-7298
Family Seed II 525 San Juan 719-845-8057
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant and Lounge 321 State 719-846-1688
Green Chili Grill at JR's Fuel Stop 731 East Main 719-846-4012
I Love Sugar Candy and Sweet Shoppe 259 North Commercial 719-846 2000 www.ILoveSugarShoppe.com Kentucky Fried Chicken 212 Nevada 719-846-7723
Lee's Bar-B-Q 825 San Pedro 719-846-7621
McDonald's 322 Nevada 719-846-3322
Nana and Nano's Deli & Pasta House 418 West Main 719-846-2696
Olé's Cantina 2833 Toupal Dr. (in La Quinta Inn & Suites Wellness Hotel) 719-845-0102 Peaks Restaurant & Lounge 3130 Santa Fe Trail (in the Holiday Inn) 719-845-8400
Primero Bread & Café 911 Robinson Ave. (at Mt. Carmel
Spanish Peaks Trips Wellness & Community Center) 719-846-4765
Pizza Hut 2008 Freedom Road 719-846-8236
Ristras Restaurant and Cantina 516 Elm (in the old depot) 719-845-8226 www.RistrasTrinidad.com Tortilla Factory, authentic Mexican dishes, lunch and dinner
Rino's Italian Restaurant & Steakhouse 400 East Main 719-845-0949 www.rinostrinidad.com
Safeway 457 W Main St. 719-846-2246 Downtown location convenient for travelers heading north or south on interstate 25. Large store, large selection, large package sizes. Bagged ice, dry ice.
Sonic Drive-In 642 West Main 719-845-0402
Subway 313 Nevada 719-846-6633
Taco Bell 212 Nevada 719-846-7723
Tequila's 9990 Santa Fe Trail 719-846-3514
Trinidad Diner 734 East Main 719-846-7798
Tutti Scoops Old World Ice Cream 202 North Commercial
Walmart Just off I-25 on the southern edge of Trinidad. 2921 Toupal Dr. Trinidad 719-846-4477.
Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburger 9960 Santa Fe Trail (I-25 & Exit 11) 719-845-9143
Café What A’ Grind 341 North Commercial 719-846-0505 Wifi. Gourmet coffees; Breakfast, lunch and dinner specials; decadent desserts
Way2Cool Ice Cream Shoppe Commercial and Main
Whistle Stop/Subway 313 Nevada 719-846-6633
Wing Street 2008 Freedom Drive 719-846-8236
Wonderful House Chinese Restaurant 415 University 719-845-1888 Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese specialties, wine, mixed drinks; lunch and dinner; take out or dine in
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Budget Host Inn and RV Park. Santa Fe Trail (I 25 and exit 11). 719-846-3307
Budget Summit Inn and RV Park 9800 Santa Fe Trail (I 25 & exit 11) 719-846-2251
Cawthon Motel &RV Park 1701 Santa Fe Trail 719-846-3303
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Days Inn and Suites 900 West Adams (I25 and Exit 13a). 719-846-2215
Frontier Motel 815 Goddard Ave. (I25 and Exit 15) 719-846-2261
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites. 1330 Santa Fe Trail Drive 719-845-8400 x11
La Quinta Inn and Suites Wellness Hotel 2833 Toupal Drive 719-845-0102 719-497-8000 Quality Inn Trinidad 3125 Toupal Drive (I25 and Exit 11)
Trails End Motel 616 East Main 719-846-4425
Trinidad Super 8 Motel 1924 Freedom Road (I25 & Exit 15) 719-846-8280
Royce Ranch B&B 10,000 County Rd. 43.6 719-845-0353 www.royceranch.com
Stone Mansion B&B 212 East 2nd Street. 719-845-1625 www.stonemansionbb.com
Tarantino Inn and Gallery. 310 East 2nd Street. 719-846-2115 www.tarabinoinn.com
Up Highway 12 Grub and a Wink
Picketwire Lodge & Store 7600 Colorado 12 719-868-2265
Stonewall Shopping Bag & RV Park 6689 Highway 12 719-868-2285 Country General Store with restaurant, bull liquor store, fishing tackle, groceries and convenience items. Camping supplies, laundromat, RV park with full hookups, including wireless internet. Rental cabins and motel rooms. Hunting and Fishing Licenses, ATM.
Ringo's Super Trading Post 23386 Hwy12, in Segundo 719-846-7874 groceries, liquor, fishing and hunting supplies, and gas
Along Cordova Pass Road-
Aguilar and Gulnare
Grub
Ringo's Food Market 213 East Main, in Aguilar 719-941-4450 groceries, a deli, meats, liquor, cafe, fishing and hunting supplies
The Roughneck 214 Main St. 719-941-4001 Aguilar
Spanish Peaks Inn 719-941-4288 92590 County Rd. 41 6/10, Gulnare
Gardner Grub
Wildflower Cafe. Usually closed Sundays and Mondays
Tee Time page 26
Spanish Peaks Trips
Uncrowded and surrounded by fabulous views, golfing in southern Colorado is truly a treat. Here are five great courses to choose from.
A. Hollydot in Colorado City, south of Pueblo in the planned community of Colorado City is the 27-hole course. The 7,009-yard 18-hole course, designed by Colorado architect Frank Hummel in 1974, plays through a wide open valley with views of the nearby Wet Mountains. Tee times are taken seven days in advance by calling 719-676-3341. To reach the course which is 23 miles south of Pueblo, take I-25 to the Colorado City exit #74. Go west on Highway 165 two miles to the clubhouse.
A
D
C
B
E Keep in mind that a golf ball travels up to seven percent farther at an elevation of 5,000 feet than at sea level. The thinner air also allows you to hit the ball much higher.
B. Walsenburg golf course is one mile from the center of town, and is a public golf course. It is located in the heart of the Lathrop State Park, right by Martin lake, and offers stunning views of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristos. WGC measures 3110 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 101 and a 32.9 USGA rating. The course features nine regulation holes and two sets of tees for different skill levels. For more information, call (719) 738-2730.
C. Grandote Peaks Golf Course in LaVeta was built in 1986 by the famous design team of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Moorish. Today it attracts golfers from Colorado and New Mexico to play the remote 7,085 yard course with its wide fairways and views of the Spanish Peaks. The Cuchera River crosses the fairways ten times. The signature hole is #7, an attractive but very demanding 149 yard, par-3. The green is elevated and supported by vertical railroad ties. Tee times can be made months in advance by calling 800-457-9986 or 719-742-3391. To reach the course, take I-25 to Walsenburg then go 12 miles west on Highway 160. Then take Highway 12 to LaVeta, drive through town and follow the highway to the course on the south edge of town.
D. Cattails golf course in Alamosa, is surrounded by the headwaters of the famous Rio Grande River. The 6,517-yard golf course with a rating of 71.9 and a slope of 131 was built in two stages so it is actually two different layouts. The original nine was built in a park land style with level fairways winding through tall trees. The new nine, designed by Colorado architect Richard Phelps in 1991, was built along the wetlands and cattail lined tributaries of the headwaters of the Rio Grande River. Tee times can be made seven days in advance by calling 719-589-9515. To reach the course, take Highway 160 into town to State Street, go north and follow the road to the golf course.
E. Trinidad Municipal Golf Course was established in 1910, is one of the oldest courses in the state, and has been recognized as one of "Colorado's Best Nine Hole Golf Courses" for years. Framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Fisher's Peak, the par-72, 18-hole layout will challenge every level of golfer from the casual player to the skilled competitor. TMGC is at 1417 Nolan Drive inTrinidad Colorado, and the phone number 719-846-4015.