Scenic Byways Tie Trinidad to Las Animas County Tourism and Economy

Trinidad functions as a gateway for two established scenic byways that shape travel patterns and spending throughout Las Animas County. The Highway of Legends, which loops around the Spanish Peaks, and the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, which connects into Raton Pass, direct visitors past signature local assets: the twin Spanish Peaks and their Great Dikes, historic downtown Trinidad architecture and Temple Aaron, the short drive to Simpson’s Rest overlook, and former mining towns such as Cokedale and Segundo. Both routes also provide access to San Isabel National Forest trailheads and interpretive signage that highlights geology, mining and railroad history, and local legends.

Because the byways concentrate visitation along defined corridors, they matter economically. Visitors following mapped loops or downloadable driving guides are more likely to stop for lodging, meals, gallery visits and outfitter services in Trinidad and the small mountain towns along the routes. The byways therefore act as low-capital infrastructure for small operators: bed-and-breakfast owners, independent galleries and outfitters can connect with regional travelers without large up-front investments. Event planners and local businesses can leverage route themes—Spanish Peaks geology, mining history, outdoor recreation—to craft promotions that extend shoulder-season visitation and diversify revenue streams beyond peak summer months.

Practical travel considerations affect both visitor experience and local planning. Drive times vary by the loop chosen and portions of both routes cross higher-elevation passes that require winter driving preparations. Many byway resources provide downloadable driving guides, mapped stops, and audio or printable travel stories that help visitors plan half-day or multi-day trips; ensuring those materials are up to date increases the likelihood visitors will spend more time and money locally.

For county officials and economic development stakeholders the policy implications are clear. Maintaining reliable winter road clearance, investing in directional and interpretive signage, and partnering with byway programs to promote off-season events can increase year-round tourism resilience. Small grants or coordinated marketing campaigns tied to byway themes can help micro-entrepreneurs capture a larger share of visitor spending.

On a longer horizon, Las Animas County’s position on these two scenic routes aligns with broader trends in heritage tourism and outdoor recreation. By treating the byways as active economic corridors rather than passive scenic designations, local leaders can translate natural and cultural assets into more stable jobs and revenue for Trinidad and neighboring communities.