"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
Page 1 , 2, 3

World Class Rock Climbing and Bouldering
     Years ago, Penitente Canyon served as a place of worship for a small sect of the Catholic Church known as Los Hermanos Penitente.
     The Brothers Penitente, mostly Spanish men of deep faith and commitment, lived secluded from outside influences in the foothills and canyons of the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains.  Living simply, they practiced their religion with a fervor few other sects could match.
     Penitente Canyon named for its seclusion, has emerged as one of the states premier sport climbing areas.  The area, which includes Penitente Canyon and the adjacent Rock Garden, Sidewinder and Witches Canyons have yielded as fine a concentration of high quality routes as any area in the region.  Visitors to the area include local climbers and climbers as far away as France, Germany, Spain, Canada, and Japan.  The area has been featured in Climbing Magazine, and two books written about the area describe the climbs.
     This area is part of BLM's 7,529 acre Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area.  Development in the canyon has been made possible through the partnerships formed between the American Mountain Foundation, the BLM, and local rock climbers.  Volunteers helped install wood and rock vehicle barriers to designate parking areas, campsites, trails and the construction of a permanent restroom facility.
     With recent construction of a new campground on the ridge adjacent and south of the canyon, the lower campground has been closed and re-vegetated.  Better facilities on the ridge make the Penitente experience more enjoyable.  A fresh water well will be provided at the entrance to the area.

     To get to the Penitente Canyon:
Travel north from Del Norte Colorado on Hwy 112  3.1 miles and follow map.
Travel north from Monte Vista on Hwy 285, 18 miles to County Road G and turn left at sign.  Follow the paved road until you reach La Garita Store (they have great Hamburgers!).  Keep going a little bit further until you reach the 'Y.  Take the south road (dirt) and follow the signs to the canyon.

    Getting There From Denver,
Take 285S. Keep going... When you're 12 miles N of Del Norte, take a right on 'G'. Follow for 7 miles. Stop at the La Garita Cash Store & spend a couple bucks. Say hi. Get back in the car, keep going West. After the pavement ends (roughly 1 mile after the Cash Store), keep to the left on Cty 38. At the 1 mile mark, as the road turns left (South), take a right. Follow the signs.

Hiking

Del Norte is like the hub of a wheel to great hikes from an hour, to a day or extended trips.

Short Trips:
  • Lime Kiln/Stone Quarry: East of Del Norte, desert, easy to moderate area just explore, no designated trails, no water, isolated. 1 hour to days.
  • Elephant Rocks: North of Del Norte, desert, no water, fantastic rock shapes, every corner is an experience, isolated, 1 hour to days.
  • Rock Garden Trail:  Trail from Penitente Canyon climbing area, desert, no water, great rock formations and views. Few people. 1 hour.
  • Witches Canyon Trail:  From Penitente Canyon to Witches Canyon Climbing area. Canyon bottom and top great variety. 2 hours.
  • River Walk:  On banks of the Rio Grande, starting at Town Park. 1 hour. Handicap accessible.
  • Mt. Lookout:  The mountainous backdrop for the town of Del Norte, moderate to strenuous. Great view of the mountains and valley 2 hours +.
Day Hikes:

  • Milk Cow Pass:  From Cathedral Campground north to Groundhog Park. Closed in with trees and mountains. Beautiful scenic vistas.
  • Adams Toll Road:  West from Blowout Pass, south of Del Norte to Greyback Mountain. Best to have someone drop you at the trailhead and pick up at Greyback. Views abound of San Luis Valley, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, South San Juan Wilderness area. Adams Toll Road was the main road from Del Norte to Summitville mines.
  • Adams Toll Road East:  Climbs the peaks east of Blowout Pass. Numerous views. This trip makes a nice overnighter or 3 day hike to Rock Creek.
Multi-Day Hikes:

Del Norte is a starting point for hikes on BLM and Forest Service Lands.

  • South San Juan Wilderness Area:  South of Del Norte, a relatively new wilderness area, uncrowded, high mountain lakes, streams, vistas, just what wilderness is about.
  • The Continental Divide:  (hiking) Trail passes north to south through the San Juan Wilderness area. This trail extends from Canada to Mexico. Info from Continental Divide Trail Alliance: Internet: CDNST@aol.com
  • Weminuche Wilderness Area:  West of Del Norte. Enormous chunk of wild great trails, high alpine trees, meadows, rugged peaks, lakes, all reserved for visits by foot, horse other non-motorized or wheeled means. Rio Grande National Forest:    Numerous trails, some isolated, some popular. All levels of commitment.
  • Fremont's Christmas Camp:  Visit to John C. Fremont's disaster site in the Fourth Expedition in 1848-49.
 
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.

Love of Jesus is why we gather