Del Norte ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Del Norte, Colorado.
1. Summitville Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING SETTLEMENT
Summitville Ghost Town is a top attraction in Del Norte offering visitors a glimpse into Colorado's mining history. The abandoned mining settlement features historic structures and remnants of the once-thriving community that boomed during the gold rush era. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the challenges faced by early miners in this remote mountain location.
2. Three Barrel Brewing Co
CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Three Barrel Brewing Co is an intimate craft brewery serving up thirst-quenching local beers in Del Norte. The brewery offers a selection of handcrafted beers along with Italian and American food options in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. It has become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors looking to relax after a day of outdoor adventures.
3. Natural Arch Trailhead
SCENIC GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Natural Arch Trailhead leads visitors to one of Del Norte's unique geological features. The trail offers hikers the opportunity to view the impressive natural stone arch formation that stands as a testament to the area's volcanic history. Along the way, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and diverse flora and fauna.
4. Windsor Hotel and Restaurant
HISTORIC ELEGANT LODGING
The Windsor Hotel and Restaurant is an elegantly restored historic building offering upscale dining and accommodations in Del Norte. This landmark establishment features American cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options in a refined atmosphere. The Windsor provides visitors with a glimpse into Del Norte's past while enjoying modern comforts and exceptional service.
5. Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center offers a pathway into the history and culture of the Del Norte area. The museum houses arrowheads, minerals, and artifacts that tell the stories of Native Americans, mountain men, trappers, and settlers who shaped the region. Visitors can also use the museum as an information center for walking tours through the towns of Del Norte and Monte Vista.
6. Penitente Canyon
WORLD-CLASS ROCK CLIMBING
Penitente Canyon, just outside Del Norte, is a premier rock climbing destination featuring more than 300 sport-climbing routes. Once a worship area for the devout Catholic sect Los Hermanos Penitente, the canyon now attracts climbing enthusiasts from around the world. With a year-round campground nearby, it has been featured in Climbing magazine and continues to draw adventurers seeking challenging ascents.
7. Lookout Mountain Park
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Lookout Mountain Park encompasses the 8,476-foot summit that offers breathtaking panoramas of the San Luis Valley and upper Rio Grande corridor. The park features 8 miles of singletrack looping trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. A steep one-mile trail to the summit rewards visitors with some of the most spectacular vistas in the region.
8. Rhythms on the Rio
RIVERSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Rhythms on the Rio is a benefit music festival held annually in early August on the historic Rio Grande in Del Norte. The event is hosted by the South Fork Music Association, a volunteer and non-profit organization that provides musical instruments and lessons free of charge to children throughout the San Luis Valley. Visitors can enjoy live music while supporting a worthy cause in a beautiful riverside setting.
9. Boogies Restaurant
LOCAL FAVORITE EATERY
Boogies Restaurant is a popular dining establishment in Del Norte offering American cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options. The restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy quality meals at moderate prices. Boogies has established itself as one of the most beloved eateries in town, perfect for refueling after a day of exploring the area.
10. Bishop Rock Area
BLM RECREATION SITE
The Bishop Rock Area is a Bureau of Land Management recreation site featuring gradual climbs and descents through diverse terrain. The area showcases a mix of rock features, canyon landscapes, and expansive vistas of San Francisco Creek, the San Luis Valley, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. Visitors might spot local wildlife including mule deer, elk, falcons, hawks, and various desert flora and fauna while exploring the trails.
11. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
MAJESTIC DESERT LANDSCAPE
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a spectacular natural attraction located near Del Norte featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America. The park offers visitors the chance to hike, sled, or sandboard on the massive dunes that are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Beyond the dunes, the preserve includes alpine lakes, forests, wetlands, and diverse ecosystems that support a wide variety of plant and animal species.
12. Creede Repertory Theater
RENOWNED MOUNTAIN PLAYHOUSE
The Creede Repertory Theater is a celebrated performing arts venue near Del Norte that has been entertaining audiences since 1966. The theater produces a rotating repertory of plays and musicals throughout its summer season, featuring professional actors and production teams. Recognized nationally for the quality of its performances, this cultural gem provides a perfect evening activity for visitors exploring the Del Norte area.
13. The Perks Coffeehouse
COZY CAFFEINE STOP
The Perks Coffeehouse serves as Del Norte's welcoming café where visitors can enjoy quality coffee drinks and light fare. This local establishment provides a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing, catching up on work, or planning the day's adventures. The café serves as both a community gathering space and a convenient stop for travelers passing through the area.
14. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railroad operating between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, offering a day-trip option from Del Norte. This living museum takes passengers through spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery aboard vintage steam locomotives. The 64-mile journey crosses state borders numerous times while traversing steep mountain passes, deep gorges, and high desert plains.
15. Creede Underground Mining Museum
SUBTERRANEAN MINING HISTORY
The Creede Underground Mining Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore mining history beneath the surface near Del Norte. The museum is built into a mountainside, featuring realistic displays of mining equipment and techniques used in the area's silver mines. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the challenging lives and working conditions of miners who helped build Colorado's economy during the silver boom.