"And they were told not to hurt the grass of the earth but only
the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads." Rev 9:4
Summer Recreation in or near Del Norte, Colorado
San Luis Valley, Rio Grande County
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How does this sound? Hiking, Fishing, biking, hunting, rock climbing,
rafting, cross-country and alpine skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing,
snowmobiling, ice-skating, horseback riding and camping. And if that's
not enough for you...there's photography, swimming, llama treks
and...and...need we say more?Each summer, during Covered Wagon Days, Del Norte turns back the hands of time as is relives her days in the late 1800's. During this weekend, the Old West comes alive with horse drawn wagons, mountain men, and dance hall girls.
Camping, RV Sites, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodging in the
Del Norte - South Fork area
The Rio Grande National Forest offers a multitude of camping
opportunities, whether you decide to stay in a portable camper trailer,
tent, or rough it under the stars, you are sure to find the perfect
location, with almost 2 million acres of national forest surrounding
the South Fork area. There are approximately 17 developed campgrounds
along highways 149 and 160, which can accommodate both camper trailers
and tents. Multiple Forest Service and private campgrounds contribute to good camping in area. Remember no trace ethics as we are a high fragile desert. Care with fires and vegetation, use developed campsites and designated roads. Many areas are dry so provide your own water.
Primitive Campsites
Penitente Canyon:
No fee, developed, restrooms, shelters, tent sites. In the heart of sport climbing area. North of Del Norte 12.5 miles. No water.
Cathedral:
Restrooms, tables, small stream, wooded, cool in mountains, good walks. Embargo Creek northwest of Del Norte in National Forest.
Elk Park:
Primitive, moderately high, no water. South of Del Norte in the National Forest Service.
Elephant Rocks:
Primitive, 6 miles north of Del Norte, no water.
Pinos Creek Upper Area:
Primitive.
Other Camping locations nearby...
Rio Grande National Forest
ATV & Motorcycle Rides
Mountain Biking in the backcountry
Trails are numerous, varied and all difficulties from first time family to "gonzo" hard man rides. The more popular rides near Del Norte are:Lime Kiln:
2 track, single-track, slick rock, mild to wild.
San Francisco Creek:
Sub-alpine, day ride on an improved trail.
La Garita, Carnero and Penitente area:
Improved graded road to scenic single tracks. Numerous opportunities.
Shaw Springs:
A lacework of moderate to difficult 2 track and single track trails through a maze of Elephant rock boulders.
Elk Park, Castle Creek, West Pinos Creek:
Our NORBA Points race is in this area. Steep ups and downs, creek crossings. Beautiful wooded trails, meadow on old roads and trails.
Cat Creek, Rock Creek and desert rides:
Interesting rock and beautiful scenery.
The Great Divide Trail:
Border to border Canada to Mexico Runs through Del Norte (2465 miles of trail in Colorado). The highest point on the entire trail is Indian Pass approximately 25 miles south of Del Norte.
Web site: http://www.adv-cycling.org
Fly Fishing
- 4RU ranch in Creede and near South Fork
Ride Through the Rockies Auto Tour and Fishing Info!
Just outside of Del Norte, ColoradoMileage: 46 miles
Time: 2 to 4 hours
This tour is designed for one of those days when a day in the car sounds pretty good. It's a long tour, but those willing to spend the time can revel in some beautiful scenery as well as see some interesting wildlife: elk, bobcats, mountain lions, marmots, birds, fish, pine marten, mule deer, rabbits, squirrels and more.
The Ride: click for map
The tour begins on Pinos Creek Road, which is on the West end of Del Norte, Colorado on the South side of Hwy 160. The tour ends in the town of South Fork.
The entire tour comprises 3 roads, forest roads #330, 332 and 360. There are numerous logging roads in the area, but the main road is the best maintained and easy to distinguish from the others. Pinos Creek Rd is #330. About 18 miles up Rd 330, you will come to an area called the "chicken foot" because of its 3-toed appearance. There are three roads leading off into different directions from nearly the same point. The tour follows Rd. 332, the road to the right of the others called the Crystal Lakes Road. Follow this raod until you hit the fork that either goes to Poage Lake or to Beaver Creek Reservoir, Rd. 360. Turn right on Rd. 360 toward the reservoir. This road will lead you all the way down into the town of South Fork and back onto Hwy 160.
Fishing:
To complete the tour, continue to follow Rd. 360. If you wish to stop to do a little fishing, however, Rd. 332 will lead you to Poage Lake. Poage Lake is about 1/4 mile hike from the road but is good fishing and quite scenic. The fish that are caught are said to be good eating and healthy looking.
In addition to Poage Lake, Beaver Reservoir is known for good fishing. Beaver Reservoir is on the last part of the loop before you drop down into South Fork. Salmon and several species of trout are caught in the reservoir.
Ride Through the Rockies Short Auto Tour, Hikes and Fishing!
Just outside of Del Norte, ColoradoMileage: 21 miles
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Are you looking for something leisurely to do after a full day of recreational activities? The Short Timer's Tour is designed for that purpose. At a total of 21 miles round trip, the tour is the perfect way to end a busy day while offering the opportunity to view wildlife: elk, bobcats, mountain lions, marmots, birds, fish, pine marten, mule deer, rabbits, squirrels and more. Bring your camera, binoculars, fishing equipment and permit.
The Ride: click for map
The tour begins on Forest Road 410 off Hwy 160, 12 miles south of South Fork, Colorado and ends 11 miles later at the edge of the Weminuche Wilderness. There is a big fork in the road before reaching Big Meadows Campground. Take the turn off to the right on Forest Road #430 toward Shaw Lake. You will pass some lakes and creeks in the area as well as some trail heads that lead into the Weminuche Wilderness.
Fishing:
The fisherman can catch rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout in the area. For the spin fisherman, both Big Meadows Reservoir and Shaw Lake provide fishing and fun, while local streams often fill a skilled fly-fisherman's creel. Hunter's Lake occasionally produces 4-6 pound cutthroat trout, but getting them to hit is the trick.
Animal Lovers Auto Tour!
Just outside of Del Norte, ColoradoMileage: 30 miles
Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Welcome to the Rio Grande National Forest animal lovers! You will have ample opportunity on this tour to view a variety of wildlife. For the animal lover that delights in seeing a herd of pronghorns running across the hillsides, a mule deer hopping into its cover of trees, a bighorn sheep traversing around rocky terrain or a golden eagle soaring across a beautiful blue backdrop, a couple hours spent on this tour will be worth your while.
Don't forget your camera and binoculars! The wildlife will be at a distance, so binoculars and/or camera with a zoom lens will make your tour much more memorable and enjoyable: Bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, coyotes, birds and more.
The Ride: click for map
The best time to tour is early to mid morning before 11:00 a.m.
The tour begins at the stoplight in the town of Del Norte Colorado on US Hwy 160. At the stoplight, turn north on CO Hwy 112, and go about 1 mile. Turn left on the paved road to the airport, right after crossing the Rio Grande River. After crossing the canal, turn left on County Road. 15. Go past the wrecking yard, about 1/4 mile to the English Valley Road, a 4WD road. Follow the English Valley Road for about 7.5 miles to where the road intersects Forest Rd. #660. Turn east and follow for about 2.5 miles. You will come to Forest Road #659, Natural Arch Road. The tour road is about .5 mile after Natural Arch Road and heads north. Follow this 4WD road until you come to a fork in the road; and stay to the left. Stay on the road for about 10 miles until you come to a Stop sign. Turn south at the Stop sign (on a gravel road). Follow this road until you hit CO. Hwy. 112. Turn right and that will bring you back into Del Norte Colorado.
15 Miles from Del Norte starting in South Fork
Silver Thread Scenic Byway
Information for this page courtesy of:
Del Norte Colorado Business & Vacation Guide
The most accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information on Del Norte, South Fork and the Rio Grande County area. Also includes San Luis Valley Information and Links.
