Highway of Legends
North Lake, CO

Constructed in 1907, North Lake was created to supply water for Trinidad. In addition, it is also a state wildlife area; The lake is home to four species of trout; Rainbow, Cutthroat, Kokanee and Brown. The wildlife along the Highway of Legends includes deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, bobcat, big horn sheep, coyote, fox, skunk, raccoon, beaver, chipmunk, squirrel, and a large variety of bird species. East of La Veta, Walsenburg and Trinidad, antelope also range.

It was in the Purgatoire River drainage above North Lake, or so they say, that Tom Tobin had a cabin in his later years. Tobin had the reputation of having an uncanny ability to track and find lost persons or fugitives. It was Tom Tobin who put an end to the reign of terror of the Espinosa brothers in 1863, after they had killed 32 men. Their trail led from the San Luis Valley north and east to Pueblo, Canon City, South Park, Alma and Fairplay. A $2500 reward was offered for the Espinosas' capture, dead or alive.

Colonel Sam Tappan at Fort Garland sent Tom Tobin and 15 troopers to catch the two outlaws. On the fourth day, the party caught up with the Espinosas on La Veta Creek (South Abeyta). Both outlaws were shot, then Tobin cut off their heads and stuffed them in a gunny sack.

The party returned to Fort Garland. When Colonel Tappan appeared, Tobin opened the sack and the heads rolled out. "Here Colonel. I have accomplished what you wished," said Tobin. "This head is Espinosa's. This other is his companion's head and there is no mistake."

Colorado Governor Evans bought Tobin a buckskin suit for his efforts. Tobin received part of the $2,500 reward years later. but the full amount was never received.

Those who went to visit Tobin in his later years say he always slept with a gun, fearing that relatives of the Espinosas would come after him.