Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Trinidad, Colorado, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, vibrant history, and surprising opportunity.
With its stunning landscapes, welcoming community, and a growing number of entrepreneurial prospects, Trinidad stands out as a unique destination in Southern Colorado. You might be thinking, why would I want to move somewhere as remote as Trinidad? Well, we have the answers.
Here are nine compelling reasons why Trinidad should be at the top of your relocation list, especially if you’re a techy person or a digital entrepreneur.
1. Affordable Living and Business Opportunities
One of the most appealing reasons to relocate your WFH lifestyle to Trinidad is its affordability, particularly when it comes to housing and business opportunities.
The cost of both commercial and residential properties in Trinidad is significantly lower than more urban areas of Colorado, making it an attractive option for digital entrepreneurs. In fact, cost of living in Denver is 63% higher than cost of living in Trinidad, Colorado
Commercial rents in Trinidad are especially budget-friendly, allowing business owners and tech startups to secure prime locations without the high overhead costs typically associated with larger cities.
On the residential side, Trinidad’s housing market remains more affordable than in many Colorado cities, with lower median home prices and rental rates.
So keep those in mind when finding a new, homey, and affordable place to settle and thrive in your remote-work lifestyle.
2. Prime Location and Easy Accessibility
Trinidad boasts an enviable location that offers the best of both worlds—proximity to major cities and the serenity of nature and rural communities.
Situated along the I-25 corridor, Trinidad is perfectly positioned for quick access to some of the region’s most vibrant urban centers. Here’s a list of the main cities you can get to in just a few hours:
- Denver, CO: Approximately 200 miles north (~3-hour drive)
- Colorado Springs, CO: Approximately 130 miles north (~2-hour drive)
- Pueblo, CO: Approximately 85 miles north (~1.5-hour drive)
- Canon City, CO: Approximately 100 miles north (~1.75-hour drive)
- Walsenburg, CO: Approximately 40 miles north (~40-minute drive)
- Salida, CO: Approximately 120 miles northwest (~2.25-hour drive)
- Santa Fe, NM: Approximately 130 miles south (~2-hour drive)
- Amarillo, TX: Approximately 230 miles southeast (~3.5-hour drive)
Sure, you’ll want to be closer to cities, but what truly sets Trinidad apart is its access to nature.
Best of all, the smallness of Trinidad makes it incredibly convenient to get around town. No matter where you need to go—the grocery store, your favorite local café, or a community event—you’re never more than five minutes away from your destination.
3. Outdoor Recreation Galore
Trinidad is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering a wide range of activities for those who love to explore nature. Residents (and visitors) have much access to hiking, biking, fishing, or camping and countless other ways to explore Colorado’s great outdoors.
So you can skip the long drive or heavy crowds that typically accompany trips from larger metropolitan areas and have your fun right in Trinidad.
Gravel Biking Paradise
Trinidad has quickly become a premier destination for gravel biking, attracting cyclists from all over. With its rugged terrain and scenic beauty, riders have access to top-tier gravel biking trails that range from beginner to expert levels.
For more details on these trails, check out the Gravel Adventure Field Guide.
Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level
Trinidad’s proximity to stunning natural parks makes it a hiking hotspot. Some local favorites include:
- Fishers Peak State Park: Colorado’s newest state park features a variety of trails that range from easy walks to more challenging routes that offer incredible views.
- Trinidad Lake State Park: Perfect for families and casual hikers, with trails that wind around the lake, offering peaceful scenery and wildlife spotting.
Fishing & Water Sports
The vibrant fishing scene in Trinidad offers something for every angler. Enjoy the tranquil waters of Trinidad Lake or cast your line into the Purgatoire River. No matter the location, you’re sure to enjoy the experience. Locals and visitors are likely to find rainbow trout, brown trout, and bass when fishing in the area.
Water sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating on Trinidad Lake.
For more information on fishing in Trinidad, Colorado, check out Purgatoire River Anglers.
4. Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Photo Credit: A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
Trinidad may be a small town, but it’s brimming with creativity and cultural experiences. It’ll be easy to find galleries and live performances to farm-to-table dining.
Art Museums and Local Theatres
Trinidad showcases the vibrant arts scene through various galleries, museums, and live performances.
Some establishments you might enjoy:
- A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art: A hidden gem featuring a vast collection of Western art, with paintings, illustrations, and artifacts celebrating the Old West.
- Main Street LIVE: A community-driven theater offering everything from classic plays to modern performances in an intimate setting.
- Trinidad Lounge: A hotspot for live music, featuring local and touring artists across multiple genres.
- Space to Create Trinidad: A hub for artists and performers, often hosting stand-up comedy, art shows, and community events.
Farm-to-Table Culinary Delights
Trinidad’s food culture is centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with several farm-to-table establishments and markets available year-round.
- Simpsons Market: A farm-to-table restaurant offering dishes made from locally sourced produce and meats, giving diners a taste of Trinidad’s agricultural heritage.
- Earth Mountain Farm: A community-supported farm that promotes sustainable agriculture, offering fresh produce through its farm store and participation in the local farmers market.
- Trinidad Community Farmers Market: Open throughout the growing season, this market offers a wide variety of locally grown produce, crafts, and baked goods, making it the perfect place to experience the area’s farm-fresh bounty.
With its thriving arts scene and dedication to locally sourced food, Trinidad offers an enriching cultural experience that’s both creative and sustainable.
5. Education and Healthcare Excellence
Photo Credit: Trinidad State College
So what about schools and hospitals?
We know if you’re moving to a rural area, having these in town is of the utmost importance, especially if you’re moving your family. The good news is, Trinidad provides residents with top-notch education and healthcare services, making it an ideal place for families and individuals alike.
Educational Institutions
Home to Trinidad State College, one of Colorado’s premier community colleges, the town offers quality higher education with a wide range of programs, including technical and vocational training.
Newly Remodeled Hospital
The newly renovated Mount San Rafael Hospital provides state-of-the-art medical care, featuring advanced facilities and top-rated surgeons. With comprehensive healthcare services and modern technology, residents can trust they’ll receive excellent medical care without having to drive to the nearest town
6. Unique History and Culture
As a key stop along the historic Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad played a significant role in the development of the American West.
Whether visiting or relocating, here are some historical and cultural landmarks to enjoy:
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail: Explore the rich history of the Santa Fe Trail, which played a crucial role in the westward expansion.
- Temple Aaron: Colorado’s first synagogue, offering a glimpse into Trinidad’s religious and cultural diversity.
- Ludlow Massacre Memorial: A significant site in U.S. labor history, marking the tragic events of the 1914 Ludlow Massacre.
- Trinidad History Museum: A complex of historic buildings showcasing the rich history of Trinidad and the surrounding region.
- Skateland: The oldest roller-skating rink still in operation in the United States, offering a nostalgic experience for visitors.
- Corazon de Trinidad Creative District: A vibrant cultural hub featuring local artists, historic architecture, and creative spaces.
It’s also home to Colorado’s first synagogue, a testament to its cultural diversity. Trinidad is known for being a pioneer in transgender procedures, earning national recognition.
7. A Thriving Volunteer and Community Spirit
Trinidad is known for its strong sense of community and a thriving volunteer spirit that brings residents together to make a positive impact. Many have invested their time, love, and funds in helping the area grow and succeed.
From trail-building projects at Fishers Peak State Park to river clean-up efforts along the Purgatoire River, outdoor enthusiasts can contribute to preserving the town’s natural beauty.
Those with a love for the arts can volunteer with local theater productions at Main Street LIVE or participate in community events organized by the Corazon de Trinidad Creative District. Additionally, various civic groups and nonprofits offer opportunities to help with town initiatives, fostering a close-knit and supportive community for all residents.
8. Sports and Adventure Haven
Hunting enthusiasts will find Trinidad to be a prime destination, with abundant hunting grounds for species like deer, elk, and wild turkey in the surrounding areas.
As for golfing, lovers of the game will be delighted by Trinidad’s very own Trinidad Municipal Golf Course, listed as one of “Colorado’s Best Nine Hole Golf Courses.”
The course features stunning mountain views and a challenging layout that makes it perfect for both casual golfers and those looking to sharpen their skills. Its scenic backdrop and well-maintained greens make it a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts in southern Colorado.
9. Emerging Business Scene
Trinidad is quickly gaining recognition as an up-and-coming hotspot for business and innovation, making it an exciting frontier for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to be part of Colorado’s next big thing.
The latest addition to Trinidad’s dynamic business landscape is the Emergent Campus Trinidad, the newest extension of the Emergent Campus in Florence, Colorado, and part of the South Central Tech Sector Partnership, a regional initiative bringing tech jobs and remote workers to rural Colorado.
This new campus is designed to support tech startups, entrepreneurs, and other small businesses, providing them with the resources they need to thrive without having to relocate to larger urban centers. Emergent Campus Trinidad offers coworking spaces, mentorship, and networking opportunities all within a supportive rural community.
By attracting tech-driven and innovative companies, Emergent Campus Trinidad is helping the town become a hub for business growth while preserving its rural charm.
Relocate to Rural With Emergent Campus Trinidad
Trinidad, Colorado, is a place where affordability, community spirit, and exciting business opportunities come together, making it the perfect settling place for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Learn more about Emergent Campus Trinidad and see how they can help your startup or small business thrive in this up-and-coming community.
