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Accommodations
We have posted a list of accommodations in PDF Format and RTF format the Trinidad area. Contact these establishments directly for current rate information and amenities. SRS requires a 6 night stay at Mount San Rafael Hospital (MSRH). You will need a hotel room the night before your surgery, and we recommend you stay in Trinidad for another two nights to regain strength before traveling, and to be nearby in case of problems.
Visiting hours are 8 am - 8 pm. See also: Yahoo Hotels: Trinidad CO or this helpful local site.
New! We've scanned in a number of Trinidad Chamber of Commerce tourism brochures (Lodging, Dining, Shopping, Museums) which you can find here.
Travel To / From Trinidad
Which major airport is closest and most convenient?
Colorado Springs airport is about 90 minutes away. It is a small, easy-to-navigate airport that saves in rush and worry. It is also possible to arrange curbside transportation to/from Trinidad by contacting Dr. Bowers' office.
NEW!! We now have a beautiful 2008 Subaru Outback to provide transportation to and from the airport, and in and around Trinidad. Robin, Janet, Carol or Ann will pick you up outside of the airport. . There is a charge of $150 each way for this personal service, but can be well worth it as Dr. Bowers' staff will make sure that you get to your hotel, to and from the hospital, to the pharmacy, etc. We do ask that you try to limit flight times and in town transportation needs to business hours, but if you need special consideration please get in touch with Robin and arrangements can usually be made. (During the winter months, we ask that you plan to arrive at least 3 days prior to your surgery to allow for weather delays. It is rare, but if poor travel conditions exist we will ask you to stay in Colorado Springs until the roads are safe.)
Denver is 3 1/2 hrs and Albuquerque 3 hours. The Denver airport is efficient, with many convenient connections, but it is large and impersonal. The office transportation will only go to Colorado Springs (not to Denver). Colorado Springs Airport offers shuttle service to and from Denver International Airport; just call (719) 687-3456 to arrange ground transport to or from Colorado Springs if you will be arriving or departing in Denver and need to use the curbside transportation offered by the office. The Albuquerque airport is relatively small and quite pleasant, with good connections via Southwest Airlines, although it is relatively far away.
How does one get from a major airport to Trinidad?
Usually, renting a car is the best option, although there is no place to return the rental once in Trinidad so be prepared to keep it for the entire time you're here. Bus and train are not particularly convenient options from Denver...we are not 100% sure from other airports. Trinidad veterans, recommendations would be most welcome!
The Gender Identity Center of Colorado offers transportation services to Trinidad from Denver. Find out more here (application) and here (additional info).
In addition, several patients have reported good service from Denver or Colorado Springs Airport from:
Towne Car Transportation • 37 N. Belmont St. • Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Phone: 719-661-8556 (Gerald Sanchez / Jerry Price) - ($180 one-way, up to 4 passengers)
If you are unable to arrange transportation from Denver, please contact our office, and we can provide other options.
What about Bus Service from Denver?
Our latest information is that Greyhound is $45 each way from Denver. The bus leaves at 6:45 am and 6:40 pm, and takes 4 hours and 35 minutes. From Colorado Springs ($31 each way), the bus leaves at 8:40 am and 8:30 pm, and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Check online for travel deals at www.greyhound.com/deals/
Take the Train
A 1987 Trinidad alumni suggests the train from Albuquerque. Amtrak has daily service (12:45 pm, arriving in Trinidad at 6:21 pm). Take the #50 Bus from the Airport to the Alvarado Tranportation Center, roughly a 30 minute ride which runs every 30 minutes (Weekday, less often on Saturday, no Sunday service). Returning, Amtrak departs Trinidad at 9:50 am, arriving in Albuquerque at 4:05 pm. From downtown Albuquerque, Greyhound is another option, but the times do not seem as convenient and the fares are a bit higher.
Denver to Trinidad via train is not so convenient. Fare is about $50, the train leaves Denver at 5:55 a.m., travels to Raton NM (long layover) and then on to Trinidad for a 6:21 pm arrival.
If you are coming in via train, bus, or getting a ride, and want a car for in town, rental cars are available locally (on a limited availability basis) from several local sources:
- J & J Motors, 732 N. Commercial, Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-3318
In-town rentals only; no one-way rentals available.
- Pioneer Motors, 426 East Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082.
(719) 846-2865 or (719) 846-2264
No one-way usage; must be returned to Pioneer.
- Corradino Auto Body, 126 N. Maple St., Trinidad, CO 81082.
(719) 846-6071
So...where exactly is Mount San Rafael Hospital?
Mount San Rafael Hospital - Mapquest Link
410 Benedicta Avenue • Trinidad, CO 81082 • Phone: (719) 846-9213
Dr. Bowers' office is located directly across from the hospital, just to the north.
- From Main Street, turn onto Benedicta (follow the "H" hospital sign)
- Go up a slight hill, follow the signs to the hospital
- You'll wind up on Bonaventure.
- Dr. Bowers' office, at 328 Bonaventure #2, is in the Fabec Medical Building
Mt. San Rafael Hospital now has a website, although you won't find much about transgender surgery on their site...
Post-operatively, will I be able to drive myself back to the airport, or will I need someone to accompany me?
You should be able to drive (as long as you are off pain medication) but a couple more days in Trinidad (it's so fun anyhow) are a good idea before departing.
Will I need wheelchair service in the airports?
If you did not require a wheelchair en route to surgery, you most likely will not require one afterwards
Anything special I should plan on vis a vis flights?
Aisle seating is a good idea, pack light, and don't order the tomato juice (with its 1100 mg of sodium)
Who can I contact with last-minute questions and issues?
Dr. Bowers office manager/coordinator in Trinidad is Robin, she can be reached at (719) 846-6300 (office) or via email: robin@marcibowers.com.
 Next: Preparing for Your Surgery
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