GRAVEL
ADVENTURE
FIELD GUIDE
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
SOUTHEAST COLORADO
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
SOUTHEAST COLORADO
25
Trinidad
Fort Collins
Denver
Colorado Springs
Walsenburg
Pueblo
Santa Fe
Amarillo
Albuquerque
70
COLORADO
NEW MEXICO
GRAVEL
ADVENTURE
FIELD GUIDE
1
Introduction
Settled in 1859, incorporated
in 1879. El Rio de las Animas;
Santisima Trinidad. Ride to
the top of Simpson’s Rest for
a great overview of the area.
Welcome to adventure cycling in southeastern
Colorado. In a few short years, Trinidad/Las Animas
County has emerged as a gravel bike destination
that offers a unique old-west inspired, rural cycling
experience. With a county road network of 1,600+
miles, cyclists can enjoy a number of rides that see
more cattle guards than cars, all while taking in the
culture, history, and scenery that make this region
distinctly different than the rest of Colorado.
We strive to inspire cyclists to ride in small groups
to create their own personal gravel experience.
All of the routes highlighted in this Gravel Adventure
Field Guide start and end in downtown Trinidad.
Come see why the relatively undiscovered dirt of
rural Las Animas County is some of the best gravel
bike terrain in the state. Explore what we have to
offer. We are confi dent you’ll come back for more.
2 3
Rocky Mounts
Paid Ad
Drive 3-hours south from Denver.
Drive 3-hours north from Albuquerque.
Riding north out of Trinidad
on County Road 75, cyclists
will quickly see an expansive
landscape marked by roads
steeped in history.
Getting to Trinidad:
Climate:
JAN FEB MAR APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT NOV DECOCT
49˚F
51˚F
57˚F
65˚F
74˚F
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79˚F
57˚F
49˚F
69˚F
19˚F
0.5”
21˚F
0.6”
27˚F
1.0”
34˚F
1.5”
43˚F
1.9”
52˚F
1.6”
57˚F
2.5”
56˚F
2.3”
49˚F
1.3”
27˚F
0.8”
20˚F
0.6”
39˚F
1.1”
10.0h
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rockymounts.com
Colorado owned and operated since ‘93. We make
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4
104˚ W
103˚ W
38˚ N
37˚ N
38˚ N
37˚ N
105˚ W
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Ludlow
Starkville
Raton
Colorado State Line
Las Animas County
Baca
Bent
Otero
Pueblo
Huerfano
Costilla
Cokedale
Aguilar
Spanish Peaks
Walsenburg
Trinidad
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Colorado
New Mexico
25
Mapped Routes
Santa Fe Trail
LEGEND
0 2 64 8 10
Miles
Feb. 28, 1861—Congress passed the Organic Act
that created Colorado Territory and moved the
boundary between Colorado Territory and New
Mexico Territory from the 38th parallel south to
the 37th parallel
Trinidad/Coordinates
37.1695° N, 104.5005° W
6 7
We would like to welcome everyone to
Trinidad, Colorado, to experience the area’s
gravel road opportunities. We are art of
Las Animas County, the largest county in
Colorado, consisting of 4,775 square miles
with 1600+ miles of gravel roads.
These roads take in the expanse of the
eastern plains and the western mountains
for the enjoyment of area citizens and
visiting cyclists.
The City Council of Trinidad is encouraged
by the potential of becoming the next big
adventure hub for gravel bike enthusiasts
in the state. Make your next stop Trinidad,
Colorado. Enjoy our deep history. Ride our
soil. See remnants of our past, and help us
build a new future.
Welcome
The Bloom Mansion, located at 312 E. Main
Street, was constructed in 1882. Today it is
the home of the Trinidad History Museum
8 9
e P u r g a t o i r e
“Ute coming down from the
mountains to hunt buffalo on
the plains used to camp here.
This spot (Trinidad) on the
Purgatoire River where we
now live was long a favorite
camping ground, fi rst for
the Indian and then the
White. The fur trapper knew
the Purgatoire as a beaver
stream and set their traps up
and down its winding banks.
Before wheeled vehicles were
put to use, great caravans of
pack mules, numbering as
many as 75 to 200 animals in
a pack train passed by here
and along the trail later to be
known as the Santa Fe Trail.”
— Arthur Roy Mitchell
Western Artist & Colorado Historian
Overlooking the river west of Trinidad. The
Purgatoire River was also known locally
as the Picketwire. French trappers named
the river after Spanish explorers killed
by Native Americans. Purgatoire means
Purgatory in French.
Photo Courtesy: A. R. Mitchel Museum.
10 11
Fishers Peak
State Park
Fishers Peak is a natural landmark that helped guide
travelers on the Santa Fe Trail and cemented Trinidad’s
identity as an early old west trail town. In 2019, the former
privately-owned Crazy French Ranch (19,200 acres) was
acquired by the state of Colorado and declared the 42nd
state park. It was the result of a partnership between
The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Colorado
Parks & Wildlife, the city of Trinidad, and Great Outdoors
Colorado. While the property is currently off limits to bikes,
a master plan is in development that will only improve the
off-road cycling experience of Trinidad/Las Animas County,
and eventually expand the experience with connections to
the city of Raton and Sugarite Canyon State Park in New
Mexico. Expect the gravel adventures from downtown
Trinidad to only get better in the years ahead.
30 3k’
39,000
square-miles elevation gain
acres
To put the size of Trinidad’s Fishers Peak
in perspective, Vail has 5,289 skiable acres.
It has the same vertical gain as most ‘14ers.
12 13
RIDE PHOTOS
work in progress
Roll out of town and the roads turn into smooth gravel. You’ll
capture some amazing views, and pieces of the town’s history
will reveal themselves in pockets along your adventure.
Trinidad Lake State Park is located five
miles west of downtown; these county
roads are included in a few routes.
14
RIDE PHOTOS
work in progress
Together We Make Biking Better.
Since 1999, PeopleForBikes has created a prominent place for bikes in
transportation, mobility and recreation decisions at all levels of government.
We ensure bikes are prioritized and positioned as a real solution to improve
Americans’ health, connect communities, boost local and state economies,
strengthen our nation and protect our planet.
We accomplish this by being proactive and planning for the future, adopting
a broad and inclusive vision for government affairs and making it convenient
for leaders at all levels to take advantage of opportunities and legislation
that prioritize bikes.
Together, we work with federal, state and local offi cials to make biking
better for everyone. peopleforbikes.org
Please download the free Ride Spot app
to navigate the routes using visual and
audio directions and track your ride.
Hover over the QR code with the camera
on your smartphone. Follow the prompt
and download the app.
Once you have downloaded and
registered, scan the QR on any of the
following map pages to immediately
see, save and navigate the gravel route.
Ride Spot by PeopleForBikes:
Turn-by-turn navigation made easy.
Get the app, enjoy our routes, free.
Experience the region’s mining past as
you pass old infrastructure and a few
pack mules on ranch land.
Take in wide open views of the
Sangre de Cristo Mountains and
the Spanish Peaks.
Explore and discover new terrain in
smaller size groups, on county roads
with little to no traffi c.
16 17
Under 25 Miles
Arroyos and Ditches .....................................................pg. 20
Trinidad Lake Loop .......................................................pg. 22
25 to 50 Miles
Perry Stokes Airport Loop ............................................pg. 24
Corrido de Casimiro ..................................................... pg. 26
50 to 75 Miles
Al’s Escape ................................................................... pg. 28
Dirty Trinidad Revival ...................................................pg. 30
Sunflower Valley Tour ...................................................pg. 32
75 to 100 Miles
Pancho & Lefty’s Loop ..................................................pg. 34
Miner’s Classic .............................................................pg. 36
Revenge of the Black Hand ..........................................pg. 38
Over 100 Miles
Vuelta Huajatolla ..........................................................pg. 40
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
Trinidad / Las Animas County
Route Maps
18 19
25
25
69
24
22
79
75
75
36
67
TH
TH
160
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Hoehne
Barela
CR 42
CR 75.1
CR 75.1
HOEHNE RD
CR 12.5
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
E MAIN ST
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6290 ft
6050 ft
5810 ft
2
Miles
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 2220
25
25
69
24
22
79
75
75
36
67
TH
TH
160
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Hoehne
Barela
CR 42
CR 75.1
CR 75.1
HOEHNE RD
CR 12.5
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
E MAIN ST
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6290 ft
6050 ft
5810 ft
2
Miles
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 2220
Arroyos & Ditches
— GRAVEL ROUTES: UNDER 25-MILES — TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
As farmers moved north from New Mexico and
implemented traditional irrigation systems, they began
to construct a series of ditches. Pedaling along this
route, you’ll see how this method of water distribution
is still crucial to the agriculture and cattle operations
in the Sunflower Valley. A mix of abandoned and
working ranches lend a sense of heritage to this ride.
Arroyos carved by water and time, seen along the way,
add visual texture to a short sub 25-mile route that
starts and ends in town.
Distance: 22 Miles
Elevation: +636 Ft
Max Grade: 3.1%
Approx: 70/30 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255075
20 21
TH
TH
TH

Starkville
El Moro
CR 18.3
CR 20.8
Cokedale
E MAIN ST
Trinidad
0 0.5 1.51 2
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
LEGEND
7190 ft
6590 ft
5990 ft
2
Miles
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 2320 22
160
25
25
69
57
FOX WEST
TH
TH
TH

Starkville
El Moro
CR 18.3
CR 20.8
Cokedale
E MAIN ST
Trinidad
0 0.5 1.51 2
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
LEGEND
7190 ft
6590 ft
5990 ft
2
Miles
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 23
20 22
160
25
25
69
57
FOX WEST
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
The Trinidad Lake Loop is a great short loop that takes
you west out of town. Utilizing the wide shoulder on
Highway 12, the ride finishes strong on a fun stretch of
dirt and double-track road starting at Longs Canyon.
There’s a good chance you’ll even see wildlife, including
elk, turkey, bears, and mountain lions. While riding
along the south shore of the lake, imagine what life
was like in Sopris, a former mining community that is
submerged beneath the lake today.
Distance: 23 Miles
Elevation: +1,500 Ft
Max Grade: 10.3%
Approx: 50/50 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255072
Trinidad Lake Loop
— GRAVEL ROUTES: UNDER 25-MILES —
22 23
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
On the dirt roads northeast of Trinidad lies a small rural
airport with a cool story. It started in 1936 as a WPA
project, and then served as a WWII training field, weather
observation post, and commercial airport. In 1944, aviator
Perry Stokes arrived and began to coordinate the first
DC-3 commercial flights between Denver and Albuquerque
from 1949 to 1957. A terminal was built in 1951. Looping
the airport provides fantastic handlebar sweeping views of
the Spanish Peaks, Fishers Peak and Mesa, and a glimpse
into Trinidad/Las Animas County’s aviation history.
Distance: 36 Miles
Elevation: +1,200 Ft
Max Grade: 9.1%
Approx: 70/30 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255071
25
69
22
79
75
75
36
38
67
TH
TH
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Hoehne
Barela
CR 42
HOEHNE RD
CR 12.5
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
E MAIN ST
CR 81.5
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
7260 ft
6480 ft
5700 ft
3
Miles
6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 363330
24
25
81
CR 89.3
25
69
22
79
75
75
36
38
67
TH
TH
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Hoehne
Barela
CR 42
HOEHNE RD
CR 12.5
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
E MAIN ST
CR 81.5
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
7260 ft
6480 ft
5700 ft
3
Miles
6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 363330
24
25
81
CR 89.3
Perry Stokes Airport Loop
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 25 TO 50 MILES —
24 25
25
69
22
22
79
75
75
36
67
TH
TH
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Hoehne
Barela
CR 42
HOEHNE RD
CR 12.5
ENGLEVILLE
CR 85.5
CR 81.5
CR 85.5
CR 105.5
CR 24.6
CR 73.4
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6980 ft
6360 ft
5740 ft
4
Miles
8 12 16 20 24 28 36 3832
24
25
25
69
22
22
79
75
75
36
67
TH
TH
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Hoehne
Barela
CR 42
HOEHNE RD
CR 12.5
ENGLEVILLE
CR 85.5
CR 81.5
CR 85.5
CR 105.5
CR 24.6
CR 73.4
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6980 ft
6360 ft
5740 ft
4
Miles
8 12 16 20 24 28 36 3832
24
25
Corrido de Casimiro
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 25 TO 50 MILES — TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
Corrido is Spanish for “to run”. Corrido also doubles as
a storytelling ballad, and this one is named for Casimiro
Barela. He served both in the Colorado Territory and
State legislature, and after 40 years became known as
the “Father of the Senate”. Senator Barela advocated for
bilingual education and preservation of Hispanic culture
in southern Colorado. This route follows the contours
of Fishers Peak Mesa and passes a number of cattle
ranches and the village that bears the Barela name.
Distance: 38 Miles
Elevation: +3,100 Ft
Max Grade: 8.7%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255061
26 27
25
25
69
79
75
67
TH
160
350

El Moro
Aguilar
Lynn
Ludlow
CR 42
CR 75.1
CR 75.1
LUDLOW DIRECT
CUTS OFF 17 MILES
CR 61.5
CR 63.1
LYNN RD
CR 51.0
HOEHNE RD
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6930 ft
6390 ft
5850 ft
6
Miles
12 18 24 30 36 42 54 5948
24
44
52
75
75
75
60
25
25
69
79
75
67
TH
160
350

El Moro
Aguilar
Lynn
Ludlow
CR 42
CR 75.1
CR 75.1
LUDLOW DIRECT
CUTS OFF 17 MILES
CR 61.5
CR 63.1
LYNN RD
CR 51.0
HOEHNE RD
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6930 ft
6390 ft
5850 ft
6
Miles
12 18 24 30 36 42 54 5948
24
44
52
75
75
75
60
Al ’s Escape
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 50 TO 75 MILES —
Al Capone is a notable 20th century personality who
cast his shadow onto the history of Trinidad and Aguilar.
Each community had considerable Italian immigrant
populations. Mr. Capone soon realized it was a great
place for either himself, or those that worked for him,
to retreat to when things were too chaotic for them in
Chicago. County Road 75.0 represents the escape into
the remote sparseness of southeast Colorado, a place
where even mafia gangsters could hide out.
Distance: 59 Miles
Elevation: +1,600 Ft
Max Grade: 2.5%
Approx: 80/20 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255053
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
28 29
25
25
69
67
TH
160

El Moro
Ludlow
CR 42
CR 51.0
CR 51.0
CR 30.1
SCOTT CANYON
CR 63.2
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
8170 ft
7010 ft
5850 ft
6
Miles
12 18 24 30 36 48 6342 54 60
24
75
52
TH
TH
Starkville
Boncarbo
CR 18.3
CR 18.3
Cokedale
57
44
44
51
25
M
CR 40.2
75
75
25
25
69
67
TH
160

El Moro
Ludlow
CR 42
CR 51.0
CR 51.0
CR 30.1
SCOTT CANYON
CR 63.2
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
8170 ft
7010 ft
5850 ft
6
Miles
12 18 24 30 36 48 6342
54 60
24
75
52
TH
TH
Starkville
Boncarbo
CR 18.3
CR 18.3
Cokedale
57
44
44
51
25
M
CR 40.2
75
75
Dirty Trinidad Revival
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 50 TO 75 MILES —
The Dirty Trinidad Revival grinder is a route that
symbolizes the power of a bicycle to inspire exploration
and create positive social change in a community. With
over 1,600 miles of county roads, you will quickly see why
Trinidad is a gravel bike destination in the making. This
featured loop is intended to show a little of everything
Trinidad/Las Animas County gravel has to offer. It takes
you from the Front Range into the foothills, and includes
quality framing views of the Huajatollas (Spanish Peaks)
and Fishers Peak, along with visual clues into the region’s
ranching and mining past.
Distance: 63 Miles
Elevation: +3,700 Ft
Max Grade: 6.6%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255049
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
30 31
25
69
24
22
239
79
105
40
101
107
36
52
52
87
101
TH
75
160
160
160
350
350
El Moro
Hoehne
CR 42
HOEHNE RD
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
E MAIN ST
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6820 ft
6120 ft
5420 ft
7
Miles
14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 71
Sunower Valley Tour
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 50 TO 75 MILES —
Generations of farmers have
called the Sunflower Valley home.
Historically it was the area that
extended from Jansen, west of
Trinidad, all the way past Hoehne to
the east. These fertile lands along
the Purgatoire River first drew
Native Americans to the area, and
later supplied fruits and vegetables
to the population of miners and their
families. Riding this route brings
to life what the overland Santa Fe
Trail experience would have been
like in the 19th century. You will
even see wagon trail marks from
the remnants of an era that saw
the region host the nation’s first
commercial highway.
Distance: 71 Miles
Elevation: +2,600 Ft
Max Grade: 10.1%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255046
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
32 33
25
69
79
75
75
36
67
TH
TH
160
160
350

TH
Starkville
El Moro
Barela
Trinchera
CR 8.8
CR 8.8
CR 12.5
CR 85.5
CR 119.8
CR 115.5
CR 109.6
CR 105.6
CR 105.5
CR 4.4
TRINCHERA PASS RD
QUARTER
HORSE RD
COLORADO
NEW MEXICO
ENGLEVILLE
CR 85.5
CR 105.5
CR 73.4
CR 24.6
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
6660 ft
6030 ft
5500 ft
8
Miles
16 24 32 40 48 56 72 7864
24
25
22
22
113
113
Pancho & Lefty’s Loop
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 75 TO 100 MILES —
This route is a mashup of pop culture and local history.
Townes Van Zandt who penned the song passed through
Trinidad on his road trips between Colorado and Texas,
and like the tale of Pancho and Lefty this route skirts
the former borderlands between Mexico and the United
States. It’s a ride that reminds cyclists of the diversity
of people who have called Trinidad/Las Animas County
home. A portion of the ride crosses San Francisco Creek;
in Spanish, Pancho is the nickname for Francisco.
Distance: 78 Miles
Elevation: + 4,600 Ft
Max Grade: 8.7%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255039
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
34 35
TH

El Moro
Hoehne
Ludlow
AREA OF OLD MINES
*
*
*
*
Boncarbo
CR 63.2
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
LEGEND
0 0.5 1.51 2
Trinidad
7490 ft
6670 ft
5850 ft
8
Miles
16 24 32 40 48 64 8156
73
CR 42
REILLY CANYON RD
CR 40.2
CR 40.2
CR 47.7
CR 51.1
CR 75.1
CR 53.7
CR 47.7
CR 47.7
CR 57.7
CR 30.1
CR 32.8
CR 47.5
350
160
52
71
79
75
75
75
24
69
67
44
44
25
25
M
This route gets its name because of
the number of former mines found
along the ride. Coal from the mines
in Trinidad-Las Animas County was
highly prized for its quality in creating
coking fuel for Colorado’s smelters
further north in Pueblo. Now,
ghost towns like Berwind, Chicosa,
Majestic, and Tabasco all speak
of a bygone era that left a strong
mark on the history and landscape
of the region. A route that will not
disappoint cyclists looking for a ride
through old west history, one can’t
help but ponder what life would have
been like in a Colorado Fuel & Iron
company town.
Miner’s Classic
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 75 TO 100 MILES —
Distance: 81 Miles
Elevation: + 4,000 Ft
Max Grade: 17%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/274509
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
36 37
FOURMILE
CANYON
!312
ROUSE RD
!314
CR 54.2
CR 54.2
CR 54.4
CR 43.7
CR 41.4
CR 53.7
!312
69
67
TH
160

El Moro
Ludlow
Aguilar
Lynn
CR 63.2
CR 75.1
CR 63.1
CR 51.0
HOEHNE RD
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
7330 ft
6590 ft
5850 ft
9
Miles
18 27 36 45 54 63 81 8972
52
25
M
44
312
313
60
66
310
315
BEAR SPUR
RANCH
RUGBY
CANYON
BIGHORN DR
25
75
75
75
FOURMILE
CANYON
!312
ROUSE RD
!314
CR 54.2
CR 54.2
CR 54.4
CR 43.7
CR 41.4
CR 53.7
!312
69
67
TH
160

El Moro
Ludlow
Aguilar
Lynn
CR 63.2
CR 75.1
CR 63.1
CR 51.0
HOEHNE RD
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Trinidad
7330 ft
6590 ft
5850 ft
9
Miles
18 27 36 45 54 63 81 8972
52
25
M
44
312
313
60
66
310
315
BEAR SPUR
RANCH
RUGBY
CANYON
BIGHORN DR
25
75
75
75
Revenge of the Black Hand
— GRAVEL ROUTES: 75 TO 100 MILES —
This ride is a chance to experience the dirt roads utilized
by the Black Hand (Cosa Nostra) in its quest to expand
Italian mafia operations along the southern Colorado
Front Range. Mob activity did not start in Denver, but
in the corridor between Trinidad and Pueblo. Illegal
bootlegging, extortion, and contract killing activity
caught the attention of the FBI, who began investigating
the Black Hand in the 1920s. Traveling these quiet and
remote roads around Aguilar and back to Trinidad is an
experience into a world where contraband destined for
other places like New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Los
Angeles moved freely about Trinidad-Las Animas County.
Distance: 89 Miles
Elevation: +4,300 Ft
Max Grade: 19.7%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255024
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
38 39
25
TH
160

CR 51.0
CR 43.7
CR 50.9
CR 50.9
CR 48.8
CR 46.0
CR 32.5
CR 41.7
CR 30.1
CR 30.1
CR 41.7
CR 41.7
CR 21.7
CR 42
Wet Canyon Rd
Burro Canyon Rd
Burro Canyon Rd
Cordova Pass
Cordova Pass
Cordova Pass
Camp Ground
CR 29.1
CR 51.0
CR 30.1
SCOTT CANYON
Trinidad
11,160 ft
8580 ft
6000 ft
11
Miles
22 33 44 55 8877
66 99 102
24
TH
TH
Starkville
Boncarbo
Gulnare
CR 18.3
CR 18.3
Cokedale
42
46
46
46
44
44
51
57
25
Spanish Peaks Wilderness
Gravel Road
Paved Road
Major Road
Miles
0 0.5 1.51 2
LEGEND
Vuelta Huajatolla
— GRAVEL ROUTES: OVER 100 MILES —
The Spanish Peaks are two prominent
mountains on the Trinidad/Las Animas
County skyline. They were originally
referred to as Huajatolla by the
Comanche. It means double mountain.
The route also doubles-back over the
western portion of the county. This route
is for those looking for a day’s worth of
climbing on shaded pine forest-lined
roads, while soaking up the stunning
views of the peaks. A highlight is topping
out Cordova Pass (11,238 ft) and then
descending the rolling hills that skirt
the southside of the Spanish Peaks
Wilderness Area all the way back to
Trinidad (6,022 ft).
Distance: 102 Miles
Elevation: +9,400 Ft
Max Grade: 10.7%
Approx: 90/10 Unpaved/Paved
ridespot.org/rides/255013
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
40 41
Rules of the Road
Responsibility
Tips to be Safe
Your bike should be in top working
order before you begin your ride.
Free your mind, let your legs follow.
Do all your thinking before you start
your gravel ride. Once your cranks
start to turn, go with the ow.
Be able to x a at and broken chain
on the roadside... if not, ride with a
friend who can do it for you.
Remember sunscreen, bike gloves,
multi-tool, and eye protection.
Wear a helmet when you ride.
You will be riding on roads near and
on open ranchland. Keep an eye open
for a truck or some cows. If a cow is
in the road, slow down, take a photo.
In low-light or dark conditions ride
with front and rear bike lights.
Do not expect cars to stop for you.
Wave and be friendly to people you
encounter on your ride.
Ride with the ow of trafc and stay
single le on sections of paved roads.
Ride in control at all times. Proceed at
a safe speed that permits you to react
to unexpected circumstances.
Do not ride on the sidewalks.
You will be riding in remote areas with
little to no contact with other humans.
You need to be self sufcient on your
ride. Proper food and hydration to
complete your ride in a fun and safe
way is your responsibility. Please carry
at least one liter of water and a 200+
calorie snack per each 20 miles of
your gravel ride.
Pack appropriate clothing for your
gravel ride. Reference Climate, pg. 4
Fair-weather riding is a luxury. Those
who ride in foul weather_are badass.
42
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How CBD Can Help Your Body
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45
Traveling Western Routes
Above: Ranch life is a big part of this area. Several generations have owned and worked family
land. When traveling on the county roads, you can set your imagination free to imagine life back
in the 1820’s. Off in the distance Fishers Peak helps wayfinding.
he origin of the Trinidad/Las Animas County road
network began with the founding of the Santa Fe Trail in
1821. The route between Independence, Missouri,
and Santa Fe, New Mexico, was the first trail to open up the
west, eventually bringing travelers via stagecoach, railroad,
automobile, and now bicycle. Industries such as cattle ranching,
coal mining, and oil and gas all arrived. Each brought roads
that served infrastructure and community needs. This is why
today we boast over 1,600 miles of county roads, with the vast
majority unpaved.
Deep wagon tracks from the Santa Fe Trail
leave a permanent mark from the 1820’s
when thousands of pioneers moved west.
The Santa Fe Trail was the nation’s first com-
mercial highway. The Sunflower Valley Tour
route rolls right through SFT history.
e Santa Fe Trail Celebrates 200 Years - 1821 to 2021
T
Photos: Stephen Beneski
46 47
According to scholars, unlike the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail
didn’t carry as many immigrants. The trail was hazardous because
of drought, heat, flash floods, high winds, blizzards, extreme
cold, and Native American resistance. Tribes encountered in the
Trinidad area included the Comanche, Apache, and the Utes. This
all contributes to cyclists having years worth of stories to discover
while pedaling the roads of Trinidad-Las Animas County.
Stagecoach Lines
On March 3, 1847, the 29th Congress authorized the transport
of mail on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail. The first
stagecoaches via Bent’s Old Fort ran through the site of Trinidad
shortly thereafter. Communication between the U.S. and Mexico
at Santa Fe was very limited and slow (2-3 months). Early
stagecoaches had a capacity of 13 passengers. Depending on
road conditions a stage would likely be pulled by 2 to 6 horses.
Burros on Parade
Photo: A.R. Mitchell Museum
48
The road to happiness does not look the same for everyone.
We provide the highest quality medicinal and recreational
cannabis products on the market, at two Trinidad locations.
Uncompromising Quality. Kind Service. Curated Selection.
freedomroad.com
Stage drivers changed horses, or mules, about ten or twelve times
in 24 hours, and normally traveled 8 to 10 miles an hour. Today,
riding the dirt roads of Trinidad-Las Animas County is the closest
experience to what early travelers saw on the Santa Fe Trail.
Cattle Drives
The first cattle were driven from Texas into Colorado in 1859.
The really large herds arrived after the Civil War. One of the best
known cattle trails was the Goodnight-Loving Trail, established in
1864 when Oliver Loving drove to Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory,
and crossed at Raton Pass, then to Trinidad, crossed the Arkansas
River near Pueblo, and near Denver sold the cattle to John W.
Iliff. Cattle drives led to farms and ranches springing up after the
Homestead Act of 1866. The roads made to reach them now offer
cyclists a chance to follow trails forged by cowboys who roamed
the Trinidad-Las Animas County outback.
Coal Mining
Coal mining in southern Colorado started around 1864. The
earliest mines were at Starkville and Engleville near Trinidad.
Between 1887 and 1893 new mines were opened at Sopris,
Berwind, Hastings, Forbes Canyon, Peerless, and Brodhead.
Deposits along the Purgatoire River were made accessible by
the railroad, and mines then opened at Primero, Tercio, and
other sites. All coal mines are now closed. The last was the
Golden Eagle mine, located 28 miles west of Trinidad, which
closed on April 19, 1996. It was owned and operated by the
Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation (C.F. & I.). Today, many of
these mining roads offer cyclists miles of dirt to explore.
FIND YOUR OWN ROAD
GG
50
Famed Trinidad western artist Arthur Roy
Mitchell was a man ahead of his time. After
moving to New York City to study at the
Grand Central School of Art, Mitchell established himself as a
commercial artist and painter. Cowboys were his main subject,
but he also painted scenes of rural life and western landscape.
Once Mitchell returned to Trinidad, he took on the role of historian
and preservationist by establishing the Trinidad Historic District.
His admiration for fine art, adventure, and western culture
A.R. Mitchell
Museum of Western Art
Visit, and you’ll never look at the surround-
ing landscape the same when pedaling the
gravel of Trinidad-Las Animas County.
endures. His sister, Ethel “Tot”
Erickson, laid the groundwork
for opening the museum in
his honor. Today it is home
to over 350 paintings and
illustrations by Mitchell and
his contemporaries, and also
a collection of early Hispanic
traditional and religious art,
along with Native American
pottery, blankets, rugs, clothing
and artifacts he collected. 2021
marks the 40th Anniversary of
the museum.
Photos Courtesy: A.R. Mitchel Museum
Mitchel: 1975 at the age of 86
52
web: OMFbeer.com
|
instagram: @omfbrewing
|
2810 Larimer Street, Denver, CO
Over the last decade the
Purgatoire Watershed Partnership
,
in collaboration with Trout Unlimited, has worked to
improve the water quality and land management issues
in the Purgatoire River watershed, which has headwaters
starting in the Sangre de Cristo Culebra range of western
Las Animas County and fl ows 196 miles east to the
confl uence with the Arkansas River.
Together they are actively
engaging local youth through
water education, increasing
recreational opportunities, and
enhancing river health and
wildlife habitat along the river
as it winds through downtown
Trinidad. An example of this
work includes creating access
to fi shing along the Purgatoire
River Walk trail. It’s a great
opportunity for those seeking
bike fi shing experiences.
If you’re interested in learning
purgatoirepartners.org & tu.org
more or getting involved,
please join
Purgatoire
Watershed Partnership
and
Trout Unlimited
volunteers for a Bags
& Brews river cleanup
on the fi rst Saturday of
every month.
No bad days bikefi shing. You spend time on
the river and saddle in the same day.
Photo: Swift Industries
Traveling with minimal fi shing gear to
the river on either a bike tour or ride,
bikefi shing is a great way to add to the
cycling experience.
Photo: Swift Industries
Healthy River Cycles
54 55
TIDBITS
TRINIDAD’S ART,
ENTERTAINMENT &
RECREATION WEEKLY
Pick up your FREE ISSUE
at shops around town.
tidbitsofsoutherncolorado.com
FREE CBD SHOT
WITH DRINK PURCHASE
PASSPORT HOLDERS
RECEIVE 10% OFF THE BILL
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.
DINE-IN. DELIVERY. CARRYOUT.
GRAND OPENING
SUMMER 2021
DINE-IN. DELIVERY. CARRYOUT.
HICKORY SMOKED BBQ
RESTAURANT / BAR / POOL TABLE
OPEN MON-SAT LUNCH & DINNER
TUESDAY - FRIDAY 8AM-3PM
SATURDAY 8AM-1PM
CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE
LATEST HOURS, AND SPECIALS.
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE
LATEST HOURS, AND SPECIALS.
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THE ADVENTURE CYCLIST
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
SITA’S KITCHEN
Fresh Baked, Feel Good, Organic
107 E Main St. Trinidad, CO sitaskitchen.com
BOMB PIZZA
2000 Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad
BombPizzaReady4U.com 719-220-4252
THE COFFEE CAN
2000 Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad
BombPizzaReady4U.com 719-220-4252
TRINIDAD LOUNGE
421 N. Commercial St., Trinidad, CO
dadlounge.com
TEQUILA’S
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
9900 Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad, CO
tequilasintrinidad.com 719-846-3514
COLIE’S CAKES & PASTRIES
132 N Commercial St., #A, Trinidad, CO
coliesbakery.com
facebook.com
/ColiesPastries
SEXY PIZZA
Hand-Tossed. Employee-Owned.
516 E. Elm St. Trinidad sexy.pizza
TRINIDAD SMOKEHOUSE
225 W Main St, Trinidad, CO
trinidadsmokehouse.com 719-846-7665
MOOSE’S SOCIAL CLUB
AND MARTINI BAR
308 W Main St, Trinidad // Open Tues. to Sat. from 12:00 // 719-216-3517
MoosesTrinidad.com & facebook.com/MoosesonMain
A place for everyone.
Light gourmet touches.
Fast and friendly.
BIKES / BURGERS / BEERS
Dine-in or Take-Out.
ALMACK’S KITCHEN
Homemade Contemporary
Craft Kitchen Specializing
In Fresh, Whole Foods.
www.almackskitchen.com
Fb & Instagram
@almackskitchen
326 N Commercial St, Trinidad, CO
Thrs. to Mon. 8AM-3PM
DROP IN FOR A SPECIAL
$9 BANDITO BURGER
*Show this book to the Waitstaff on arrival. No copies allowed. Offer Expires Dec 31, 2021.
56 57
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
FREEDOM ROAD
— CLUB 14 —
GARDEN GRILL AND PUB
Brickyard Location
2600 Freedom Road
Sun-Thurs 8am-7pm
Fri-Sat 8am-8pm
TRINIDAD’S HIGHER
CALLING U
1000 Independence Rd.
Sun-Thurs 9:30 am-8:00 pm
Fri-Sat 9:30 am-9:00 pm
TRINIDAD’S HIGHER
CBD & OXYGEN BAR
500 W. Main St.
7 Days a Week
10:00- 6:00 PM
Main Street Location
514 W. Main Street
Sun-Thurs 8am-8pm
Fri-Sat 8am-9pm
101 Americana Road, Trinidad // Open Daily from 11:30am
719-497-0320
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THE ADVENTURE CYCLIST
The First and Finest Dispensary in Trinidad.
Voted Best Product Selection in the State
by Leafbuyer. Best of the Best by Weedmaps.
freedomroad.com
The highest quality cannabis products on the market.
Meticulously harvesting to ensure top quality supply and service.
Our expert staff is always here to guide you along the way.
*Show this book to the Waitstaff on arrival. No copies allowed. Offer Expires Dec 31, 2021.
*Can not be combined with any other offer or discount, must have Gravel Guide in hand for discount.
FAMILY FRIENDLY MUST BE 21 W/ VALID ID
trinidadshighercallingu.com
Fun sports bar atmosphere.
Burgers, pizza, and live entertainment.
Indoor and outdoor dining.
$4.20 PRE-ROLL SPECIAL
TWO
TRINIDAD
LOCATIONS
2
THE COLORADO WELCOME CENTER
309 Nevada Ave. Tues. – Sat. 9 A.M.-5 P.M. // 719-846-9512
facebook.com/visittrinidadcolorado or
colorado.com/travel-information-services/visit-trinidad
SCAN THE CODE TO VISIT THE CITY
OF TRINIDAD TOURISM WEBSITE
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON
THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA!
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS WALTER’S)
THCU
25% OFF SELECT
CBD PRODUCTS
25% OFF SELECT
CONES & CAVIAR
LOCATIONS
ENJOY 10% OFF AN
APPETIZER AND ENTREE
W/ THE GRAVEL GUIDE*
58 59
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
SOUTHERN
COLORADO IT
RAPID ASSISTANCE
AVAILABLE ON TRAIL
OR IN TOWN
24/7 SUPPORT-SERVICE-REPAIR
ANY COMPUTER, CAMERA,
GPS, DRONE, RADIO, OR PHONE
southerncolorado.net
719-679-3001
SOCO
MASSAGE THERAPY
VOTED 2020 TIDBITS
BEST MASSAGE
THERAPIST
IN TRINIDAD
facebook.com/SoCoMassageTherapy
136 W. Main St. #205
719-985-0347
COIN DANCER
ANTIQUES
WELCOMES YOU
TO TRINIDAD!
WHERE THE OLD,
THE UNIQUE,
AND THE BEAUTIFUL
COME TOGETHER
232 E. Main St., Trinidad
719.846.0165
Open most days or by appointment.
ART CARTOPIA
ART CAR MUSEUM
2702 Freedom Road, Trinidad
Tues. to Sat. 10 to 4 / Free Admission
www.artcartopia.com
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THE ADVENTURE CYCLIST
MUTINY CAFE
ROASTERS & BREWERS OF DELICIOUS
COFFEE!
COMIC BOOKS!
BOOKS
MUSIC
GRAPHIC NOVELS / ZINES / INDIE / MARVEL / DC
NEW
RARE
VINTAGE
WARN
LIVE &
RECORDED
33 / 45 / 78
8T-CS-CD
135 E. Main St., Trinidad
mutinyinfocafe.com
A.R. MITCHELL
MUSEUM OF
WESTERN ART
Museum, Gallery & Gift Shop
150 E. Main St., Trinidad
Tues. to Sat. 10 to 4 / Free Admission
armitchellmuseum.com
THE GRAVEL
ADVENTURE
FIELD GUIDE
POSTERS
MERCHANDISE & MORE
backshopbikescom
221B
PROJECTS & EXHIBITS
ARRIVING SEPT. 2021
221B.T[email protected]
Trinidad221B.net
60 61
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
MAPLE HOUSE
Spacious. Historic, Walk to Town
Trinidad, Colorado
7 guests · 3 bedrooms · 5 beds · 3 baths
Airbnb.com MapleHouse
SPANISH PEAKS
GUEST HOUSE
Private Cabin on 200 Acres.
Walsenburg, Colorado
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2 baths
Airbnb.com Spanish Peaks
BACKSHOP BIKES EVENTS
FAR QUARTER GRAVEL ADVENTURE RIDES
- Super Trinidad Rodeo -
Saturday June 5, 2021
- Noche Sucia -
Saturday August 22, 2021
- Mitch’s Roundup -
Saturday September 4, 2021
Registration and Route Information at:
FarQuarterGravel.com
PONY XPRESS GRAVEL 160
Early May // Start & Finish in Cokedale, CO
160K & 85K Gravel Grinder :: Present by KOOBI Road & Mountain Bike Saddles
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THE ADVENTURE CYCLIST
www.spanishpeaksguesthouse.com
2833 Toupal Dr, Trinidad // Open Daily. 24 Hours. // 719-845-0102
wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/trinidad-colorado
*Show this book to the front desk at check-in. No copies allowed. Offer Expires Dec 31, 2021.
Registration and Route Information at:.
ColoradoGravelGrinderChampionship.com
LA QUINTA
INN & SUITES
By Wyndham
TRINIDAD
Come discover the challenges Pony
Express riders faced in the 1860s.
This event winds along gravel roads
northwest of Trinidad, Colorado. Embark
on a journey featuring rolling foothills,
captivating forests, fast gravel on the
open plains with stunning views of old
mines, ghost towns, and Fishers Peak.
Next year’s registration opens in the Fall.
Backshop Bikes curates adventure travel cycling experiences rooted in
cross cultural engagement and immersion. More info: backshopbikes.com
10% OFF YOUR STAY WITH THE GRAVEL GUIDE*
62 63
hashtag and follow our story:
@backshopbikes @beneskidesign
@ farquartergravel @peopleforbikes
@visit.trinidad.colorado
Wa rning: Riding a bike in a remote area can be dangerous.
is book serves as an overview guide to explore Trinidad/Las
Animas County. Be prepared to enter remote areas with little to
NO cell service! Be familiar with GPS. Always ride within your
own limits. We are not responsible if you crash,  at, or get lost.
Be safe. Be prepared. Ride with a friend. Ride at you own risk.
Routes, Route Names and Content ©2021 Backshop Bikes LLC
Route Creation, Photos & Content:
Juan de La Roca // Backshop Bikes Travel Co
Publisher, Creative Director, Maps, & Illustrations:
Stephen Beneski // Beneski Design
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
City of Trinidad Offi ce of Economic Development
Wally Wallace
Ride Spot & PeopleforBikes
Tobie DePauw
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
Trinidad / Las Animas County
64
GRAVEL ADVENTURE FIELD GUIDE
TRINIDAD / LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
SOUTHEAST COLORADO
GravelGuide.BigCartel.com