Up the River to the Peaks: A Cokedale-to-Monument Lake Adventure

If you start in Trinidad and head west along Highway 12, the road begins to climb, curling beside the Purgatoire River like a silver ribbon.

 

This is the beginning of an unforgettable journey, where each small town is its own treasure chest of history, scenery, and local charm.

 

Cokedale – The Town That Time Preserved:

 

Cokedale is a living museum of Colorado’s coal-mining days. At the Cokedale Mining Museum, you can wander among artifacts and stories from when the town was bustling with miners.

 

Outside, the Historic Coke Ovens rise like brick sentinels, whispering tales of the coal once fired here. Before you leave, take a scenic walk through the Cokedale Townsite, where the century-old architecture makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

 

Segundo – Heart of the River Valley:

 

A little further upriver, Segundo sits in a cradle of hills and ranchland. Ringo’s Market is the heartbeat of the community, part café, part market, and all charm. The Old Coal Kilns here are quieter than Cokedale’s but just as atmospheric, perfect for a quick photo stop.

 

Outdoor lovers can hit the nearby Purgatoire Canyon Trails, where the river’s song follows you through wildflower meadows and rocky overlooks.

 

Stonewall Gap – At the Foot of the Wall:

 

Stonewall Gap is where the mountains close in, with the dramatic Stonewall Rock Formation towering above the valley like a fortress.

 

Stop at the Stonewall Shopping Bag for coffee, ice cream, and a chance to chat with locals about fishing spots and wildlife sightings. Then swing by the Picketwire Lodge & Store, a cozy stop for lodging, BBQ, fishing supplies, and friendly advice on the best mountain hideaways.

 

Monument Lake Resort – Water, Peaks, and Music:

 

Finally, the road delivers you to Monument Lake Resort, a sapphire jewel tucked into the Spanish Peaks country. The Resort Lodge is your cozy base, offering stunning views and hearty meals. Rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Boat House and glide across crystal-clear waters with mountains as your backdrop.

 

Before you go, hike to Monument Rock, the lake’s namesake, and soak in the mix of legend and geology that makes this place unforgettable.

 

And if you visit over Labor Day weekend, you might just find yourself swept up in the Caveman Music Festival, where three days of live music, food, and dancing turn the lakeshore into a high-country celebration like no other.

 

From Cokedale’s preserved mining past to Monument Lake’s tranquil beauty and lively music scene, the upriver journey is more than just a drive—it’s a time-traveling, mountain-hugging, memory-making ride that will keep calling you back.

 

Remember this is just "Up River" from Historic Trinidad, CO