The city of Delta is located at the confluence of the Uncompahgre and Gunnison rivers. In Delta and Delta County, travel experiences range from protected landscapes and water activities to museums, historic sites and events. When planning, it’s worth considering the type of visit: Some offerings are seasonal, while others require advance registration.
Natural Areas, Water and Trails
The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area encompasses 210,172 acres of protected public land and includes the 66,280-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Activities in the area include hiking, boating, camping and wildlife viewing. The southern section can be reached from Delta via Highway 348 and 25 Mesa Road, or D Road. Road conditions, on-site conditions and possible closures may change; check before your visit.
The 15-mile county road through Escalante Canyon offers a different perspective on the landscape. It allows vehicle access to historic cabins, trails, rock walls bearing inscriptions by early settlers and Indigenous peoples, and geological formations. Road conditions can change here as well.
Camping, fishing, water sports and hunting are available at Crawford State Park. The 400-acre reservoir offers opportunities for jet skiing, motorboating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and diving. Diving is allowed in any safe area of the park. Since access to the water and some activities are seasonal, check conditions before you set out.
Sweitzer Lake State Park offers a different setting: boating, water skiing, nature activities and picnicking, but it is open for day use only and has no overnight sites. The park is therefore not a place to stay overnight. Check day-use hours and available activities before your visit.
Route details also vary: Delta County has 24 designated road cycling routes of varying lengths through diverse landscapes; the route selection may be updated. The Sidewinder Trail runs for 22 miles along the western edge of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in Delta County. Trail construction or access conditions may change, so it’s a good idea to check for current information before setting out.
History, Culture and Insights
Downtown Delta has more than 20 unique murals on the exterior walls of buildings. The number may change over time. The city offers a free Mural Virtual Tour app to help visitors find public murals; availability on individual platforms may change.
Fort Uncompahgre is a reconstruction of a fur-trading post that Antoine Robidoux founded in 1828 near present-day Delta. The reconstructed trading post was used by traders, trappers and Indigenous peoples. This gives the site a historical significance distinct from the public art downtown.
The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society Museum permanently displays historical artifacts, an extensive collection of historic photographs and a diorama of a living room. The Society’s reference library contains photo albums, yearbooks, transcripts, oral history recordings and obituary files. Staff assist with genealogical research.
In Cedaredge, the updated Historic Walking Tour features buildings designated as historic for the city. Visitors can also explore Cedaredge with a smartphone by using QR code signs on buildings. Those interested in fish farming can get a close-up look at the fish production process from the Visitor Center and rearing ponds at the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery. There is a short, accessible, self-guided tour. Educational programs and public tours are available during business hours by advance registration.
Seasons and Event Dates
The Annual Western Sky Balloon Festival takes place each year in early July at Confluence Park in Delta. The program includes hot-air balloon launches, evening balloon glows, a drone light show, live music, a Main Street parade, a talent show and an arts and crafts market. Check event dates and program details before traveling.
The grape harvest in Delta County usually runs from mid-August to mid-October, mostly in September. Visitors can watch the processing at some wineries; participation varies by winery. Another annual opportunity is the farm tour with lunch at Ela Family Farms in Hotchkiss. Dates and booking details may change, so check them in advance. Early July and the later harvest season therefore offer different windows for cultural and seasonal experiences, without tying the offerings to the same place or date.
Discover more destinations: Cedaredge, Delta, Hotchkiss, Paonia, Larimer, Clear Creek, San Juan County, Rio Grande County.
For the main travel overview: Colorado.
