July 2023: We have passed through the small town of Del Norte (population 1,458) several times on our way to a Rocky Mountain destination. This time we stop to dip our toes in the Rio Grande River and explore the historic downtown vibe. What we discovered was a town with the amenities of a larger community, including beautifully restored historic buildings and a variety of cool restaurants, a brewery and distillery, a popular coffee shop and many other opportunities to enjoy after a day of outdoor recreation! Hwy 160 runs through the downtown as Grand Avenue. Oak Streat runs North-South from downtown to the Rio Grande Riverfront.
Del Norte is the county seat of Rio Grande County.
Del Norte – A Brief History
The town of Del Norte is named for the Rio Grande “large river of the north”. Its origin story begins long before European settlers arrive, with the transitory presence of various Native American tribes using the area for hunting, fishing and agriculture.
Spanish Exploration: In the 1500s, Spanish explorers and later settlers arrived, establishing trade routes and missions – leaving a lasting influence on the culture and place names.
Mexican Jurisdiction: Hispanic families moved into the area during the early and mid-1800s as part of land grant to help the Mexican government fill and occupy the territory.
American Settlement: The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildalgo was singed in 1848, which triggered the transfer of territory from Mexico to the United States. By the early 18702, both mining and agricultural opportunities drew an abundance of settlers to the region.
Town founding: The town of Del Norte was founded in 1874. The influx of miners, farmers and ranchers to the area resulted in the town becoming a vital regional trade and transportation hub.
Boom, bust and new industries: Likes so many other small towns, Del Norte saw cycles of boom and bust throughout first half of the 20th century as mines opened and closed. Likewise, farmers and ranchers were impacted by a series of economic challenges. However, in recent years, Del Norte has turned to tourism as a significant economic driver given its abundance of recreational activities. Local geography provides many options for sand dune exploration, hiking, biking, running, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, rafting, Kayaking, cross country skiing, camping, etc.
5 ways to enjoy Del Norte’s Riverfront and Downtown Vibe
Conveniently located along Hwy 160 (a major highway artery into the south end of the Rocky Mountains), Del Norte is centrally located to several major outdoor attractions, including The Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge and Wolf Creek Ski Area. We stopped by to spend an afternoon exploring both the historic downtown and the new Rio Grande river access – and were impressed with the many local businesses and attractions. When experienced together, they create a place to spend time regardless of the big-name local attractions. And while we enjoyed our experience as a tourist, we also appreciated the variety of businesses and organizations that support local efforts to make Del Norte a great place to live and work.
Below are 5 great ways to enjoy the town of Del Norte.
1. Enjoy the many activities available at the Rio Grande Riverfront – the first phase is open and looking good!
The town of Del Norte has the FIRST dedicated recreational feature on a section of the Rio Grande in Colorado.Phase I was completed in 2020/21. Users can now access the river on both the north and south banks of the Rio Grande. We walked the couple blocks from the main street to the riverfront to enjoy the beautiful views. Next time we will bring our kayaks!
The park includes boat ramp, covered picnic areas and other structures. There is a massive whitewater feature, made of large boulders and concrete, and is available for boats and other water play. The information i read says the spring heavy flows create exciting kayaking and rafting opportunities, while later in the season the river is calmer and popular for paddleboarding, tubing, body surfing and swimming. Wildlife benefits as well as the structure incorporates a fish ladder and new trout habitat structures.
- Del Norte Town Park – Google Maps
- The Del Norte Riverfront project map is available on-line, courtesy of the Del Norte Trails Organization
2. Enjoy the history of the town – in the form of beautifully restored historic buildings with new businesses, beautiful churches and other community organizations
In all honesty, we love old architecture that has been restored and in use for community purposes. Del Norte has a significant collection of beautiful old buildings!
- The Windsor Hotel – Google Maps – The 1874 Distillery is located in the bottom floor of this building. it is an active hotel with good google reviews.
- General Specific Store – Google Maps – Antique store; we didnt’ stop by but it is located in a restored historic building and gets great google reviews
- Almost Home Flowers & More – Google Maps – we didn’t stop by, but this place is super cute and gets great google reviews
- Kathy’s Fabric Trunk – Google Maps – we didn’t stop by, but this place is super cute and gets great google reviews
- High Valley Community Center – Google Maps – A nicely restored building housing both a community center and the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce
- THE LA VEREDA FOUNDATION – Google Maps – A small restored building with a community mission – see Ruth Marie website
3. Enjoy the local grocery, bakery/coffee shop and restaurant scene
When visiting a new place, we like to explore food and coffee. Del Norte has some stand-out places to eat and drink!
- Simple Foods Market – Google Maps – located in a historic building on the main street, this food Market was really great! beautifully updated inside with a wide selection of food items. It gets near perfect reviews on google!
- Raisin’ Rye – Google Maps – we didn’t stop here because it was closed on our Sunday visit, but it gets near perfect reviews on google!
- Carthers Roadhouse – Google Maps – we didn’t stop here, but it gets great reviews on google!
- Also see the brewery and tap house below for good local food
4. Enjoy the local brewery, distillery and music scenes
An outdoor activity economy requires good food and drink after a long day of action. Del Norte has a terrific array of options!
- Three Barrel Brewing Co – Google Maps – we have visited several times and love this place! It has good food, great beer and a fun vibe. Both inside and outside seating available.
- 1874 Distilling LTD – Google Maps – we enjoyed our first time visit to this distillery, located in the old Windsor Hotel building. We recommend!
- Colorado Grille & Tap House – Google Maps – we didn’t visit, but this place gets great ratings on google!
- Wildwood Sounds – Google Maps – we didn’t visit, but it gets great reviews on google!
5. Like hiking and biking? Del Norte and the larger San Luis Valley has fantastic options!
A local nonprofit organization called Del Norte Trails Organizations (DNTO) are leading the effort to create sustainable world-class Trail experiences in the San Luis Valley. One of the things that impressed us about Del Norte, is that you can find trail heads on the edge of the town… no driving necessary! What better way to spend a day than to hike in the morning, play in the Rio Grande in the afternoon and enjoy their food and beverage scene in the evening! A map of hiking trails available from the town of Del Norte is available on their website, as well as maps of the area’s more extensive trails system.
Del Norte holds a unique importance for North American bicyclingn – from mountain biking to ultra-cycling
- The Race Across America – 3,000 miles coast to coast (Oceanside , CA to Annapolis, MD)
- The Tour Divide Race – 2,745 miles along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Rounte (Banff, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, NM)
- The Great Divide Race – same route as the Tour Divide Race but later in the year
Del Norte is the only place in the United States where all three of these trans-American races intersect!
Home – Del Norte Colorado
More to Explore!
I found the DelNorteTrails.org website highly interesting and jam packed with good area information (Del Norte Trails Master Plan).
Other organizational webpages with local information include:
- Town of Del Norte – city website
- Rio Grande Country – regional tourism board website
Del Norte Events
Del Norte tourism efforts appear to be largely sponsored by the Colorado’s Rio Grande County Tourism board, which also supports Monte Vista and South Fork. There are a wide variety of area events! Some of the events specific to Del Norte include:
- Summer Music in the park series
- Rhythms on the Rio (August)
- October-fest & Party (in September)
