Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Rio Grande del Norte, for which it was named, in the San Juan foothills on Hwy 160.
One of Colorado's oldest towns, it was founded in 1860 and by 1873 it was a thriving sup-
ply point for mining in the San Juan Mountains. Now Del Norte marks the beginning of
Gold Medal fishing on the Rio Grande and is the closest big town for rock climbers and
hikers on their way to Penitente Canyon.
Sights
Rio Grande County Museum
& Cultural Center
( 719-657-2847; 580 Oak St; admission $1; 10am-4pm Tue-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat Apr-Oct; ) This mu-
seum and cultural center features Pueblo and Ute rock art, Hispanic history and early pho-
tographs of Monte Vista's 'potato row' wagons loaded high with valley spuds at the turn
of the 20th century. Special programs include talks and outdoor excursions led by local
historians and naturalists. The museum has information for people who want to visit local
rock-art sites.
MUSEUM
Activities
Mountain Biking
Fat-tire bikes are permitted on all public trails with the exception of designated wilderness
areas. One ride recommended by the USFS follows an old stock driveway along an alpine
ridge on USFS Trail 700 from Grayback Mountain (12,616ft) east 7 miles to Blowout
Pass (12,000ft). To reach the Grayback Mountain trailhead, you have to travel about 20
miles south of Del Norte on USFS Rd 14, then continue another 5 miles on USFS Rd 330.
Otherwise, the dirt roads heading into the caldera area near Penitente Canyon are easy rid-
ing and offer some remarkable scenery. It is hot and dry out there, though, so come pre-
pared.
Fishing
Gold-medal fishing on the Rio Grande begins a mile upstream at the Farmer's Union
Canal. From here to the Hwy 149 bridge at South Fork is one of Colorado's most product-
ive fisheries, producing 16in to 20in trout. You access the river and signed public property
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