Purgatoire River Trail system: A Friendly River Walk in Trinidad

The Purgatoire River Trail System (often called the Purgatoire Riverwalk) is a gentle walking and biking path that follows the Purgatoire River through downtown Trinidad. The city’s Parks & Recreation page explains that the Riverwalk stretches about 3½ miles along the river and can be accessed from places like City Hall, Jay Cimino Downtown Park or the Waggin’ Tails Dog Park.

The trail is paved and easy to follow; there are benches and picnic tables along the way, so you can stop and rest or enjoy a snack. Because it’s next to the river, you may see folks fishering or people floating down the river on inner tubes in the summer (its a blast). The Boulevard Loop Trail is a short ½‑mile extension of the trail; it follows the river under tall cottonwood trees, offers shade and wildlife viewing, and has picnic tables and park benches. The trail is quickly accessible from our hotel & bar.

What to Expect: The Purgatoire River Trail System

Easy and Paved. TrailLink describes the main Riverwalk as 2½‑mile paved trail that meanders along the river. The route connects small parks and neighborhoods, making it perfect for a stroll, bike ride, wheelchair or stroller. Some sources list the full distance as up to 4.9 miles when you include connectors like Boulevard Street trailhead and the turnaround near U.S. Highway 160 alltrails.com.
Lots of Shade & Wildlife. Mature cottonwood trees line parts of the trail, especially on the Boulevard Loop, creating a shady canopy that turns golden in the fall. The lush vegetation supports birds and other wildlife, so bring a camera to capture the sights.
History and Scenery. The river valley has been used by people for at least 10,000 years, and today you can see a historic Steam Engine near City Hall. From the path, you’ll get views of the surrounding foothills and downtown, and there are benches and lookout points where you can listen to the flowing river.

Does it cost anything?

The Riverwalk is free to use. There are no entrance fees or passes needed. It’s a public trail maintained by the City of Trinidad and open . The trail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week though there is no lighting on the Boulevard Loop to preserve wildlife. For safety, it’s best to enjoy the trail during daylight.

How long should I stay?

A complete out‑and‑back walk on the main Riverwalk takes about 1½ to 2 hours. You can take a shorter stroll by turning around at any park or by exploring the ½‑mile Boulevard Loop. Plan extra time if you want to relax on the benches, watch wildlife or fish by the river.

Best times to visit

Early morning or sunset. Local guides recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for beautiful light and fewer peopleevendo.com. The river reflects the colors of the sky and you may see wildlife drinking at the water’s edge.
Fall for golden trees. In autumn the cottonwood leaves turn bright yellow, creating a canopy of goldtrinidad.co.gov.
Year‑round use. The trail is open throughout the year. Dress in layers and check the weather before heading out, especially in winter. The trail can get slippery after a snow.

Tips for your visit

Wear comfortable shoes or bring a bike. The path is mostly flat and paved.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to walk the entire trail.
Stay on the path and watch for bicyclists and joggers. Dogs are allowed but should be on a leash.
Keep an eye on kids near the riverbank. The trail is safe, but there are no fences.
Parking: you can park at Waggin’ Tails Dog Park (200 N Linden) or at other downtown parking areas.
Bathrooms and water fountains are available at nearby parks along the route.
Accessibility: the paved surface makes it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes.

Are kids welcome?

Yes! The Riverwalk is kid‑friendly. It’s rated easy and mostly flat, so children can walk or ride bikes and scooters without difficulty. Parks along the route provide play areas and picnic spots. Always keep children close because the river banks are natural and there are no railings.

Getting to the trail from The Well Hotel & Taproom

The Well Hotel & Taproom is located at 155 E Main Street, Trinidad. The Purgatoire River Trail System is about 1 mile (a 3‑minute drive) from the hotel. You can reach the trail by walking or driving:

By car: drive east on Main Street. Turn left on East 1st Street and continue about ½ mile. Turn right onto Purgatoire Drive. The trail entrance is on the left at 145 Purgatoire Drive.
By foot or bike: stroll east from the hotel towards City Hall. The trail is accessible near City Hall, Jay Cimino Downtown Park or Waggin’ Tails Dog Park.

Why you should visit

The Purgatoire River Trail System offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Trinidad. You can walk, ride a bike or roll along a gently curving path, listen to the river and enjoy shade from ancient cottonwoods. The trail connects downtown shops and parks, making it a perfect way to experience the town’s natural beauty and history. Families will appreciate the easy, stroller‑friendly path, and nature lovers can look for birds, fish or deer along the riverbank. Best of all, it’s free and open year‑round.