Del Norte combines a distinctive city history with several clearly different travel interests. Nearby Penitente Canyon has almost 300 technical climbing routes; the Riverfront Project offers opportunities for kayaking and rafting in spring. There is also a museum with regional exhibits, the multi-day Covered Wagon Days, and a unique connection to cycling. When choosing a destination, you can decide whether history, climbing, water sports, a community event or bicycle races will be the deciding factor.
Climbing and Water Sports
Penitente Canyon, with almost 300 technical climbing routes, is near Del Norte. The south-facing routes within the Recreation Area can be climbed year-round.
Del Norte’s Riverfront Project has a whitewater feature that offers opportunities for kayaking and rafting in spring. This gives you two distinct seasonal profiles to consider when planning your trip: year-round climbing on the south-facing routes, and kayaking and rafting in spring. If you’re planning your trip around an activity, this difference between the two outdoor highlights is a concrete point to consider.
City History and Regional Exhibits
Del Norte’s history as a city began in 1871; it was officially incorporated on December 14, 1872. Construction of the Windsor Hotel began in 1874 to serve the growing town. On the Del Norte Historical Tour, the Windsor Hotel is Stop 18, at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Columbia.
The Rio Grande County Museum explores the region’s history and culture through its exhibits. Topics include the history of Indigenous people, trappers and mountain residents, as well as settlers from New Mexico with their Mexican land grants. Other subjects include gold mining, agriculture, ranching, cowboys and trade. This range spans the history of the people and their settlement through the region’s work, agriculture and trade; alongside Del Norte’s city history, it offers a regional perspective.
Walking tours of Del Norte and Monte Vista that explore the history of Rio Grande County can begin with a visit to the museum. The museum can serve as a starting point for an exploration that takes in both Del Norte and Monte Vista, as well as the county’s history.
Events and Cycling
Covered Wagon Days is a family-oriented, multi-day community event in Del Norte. Entertainment, education and demonstrations celebrate the community’s cultural diversity, history and Western way of life. Unlike museum exhibits or stops on a historical tour, these themes are brought to life here as part of an event, offering a different way to experience local history and culture.
Del Norte is the only place in the United States where the three transcontinental bicycle races Race Across America, Tour Divide Race and Great Divide Race intersect. For travelers who include cycling in their choice of destination, this is a distinct highlight alongside climbing, water sports and city history.
Discover more destinations: Monte Vista, South Fork.
For the broader travel overview: Rio Grande County.
