Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
other trails connect with other canyons; pick up a brochure at the local ranger office
(
Click here
)
in Del Norte.
Seventeen miles of the same trails (but not the Penitente Canyon Loop) are also open to
mountain bikers.
Sleeping & Eating
Penitente Canyon
CAMPGROUND
$
Campground
(campsites $11; )
There are 13 first-come, first-served tent sites at the main campground
and a further eight sites at Witches Canyon. In theory there is a water pump here near the
turnoff for the canyon, but play it safe and bring plenty with you. The campground is open
year-round.
La Garita Cash Store
( 7am-6pm Tue-Sat, 7am-11pm Sun)
The cash store is the closest place to stock up on supplies
(gas, firewood, groceries) and get a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch. It's located in La
Garita (which barely qualifies as a town), 2 miles west of Penitente.
AMERICAN
Getting There & Away
Penitente Canyon is located 7.5 miles west of Hwy 285, off County Rd 38A. From Hwy
285, take County Rd G to La Garita, then continue on County Rd 38A to Penitente. You
can also get here from Del Norte, 13 miles south. Take Oak St (County Rd 112) north out
of town, then turn onto County Rd 33 which will turn into County Rd 38A.
You'll pass a turnoff for a natural arch 3 miles south of Penitente. Although the arch is
not particularly impressive (in addition to being quite hard to find), the drive through the
caldera is quite beautiful.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Del Norte
POP 1683 / ELEV 7879FT
Sun-bleached and lazy, Del Norte (rhymes with 'port') is a place most travelers blast
through on the way to or from sites in Colorado's southwest. The town is seated next to
