Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in DEL NORTE, Colorado
Del Norte sits in the southern San Luis Valley at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, and the hiking around it covers a wider range of terrain than most people expect.
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Del Norte sits in the southern San Luis Valley at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, and the hiking around it covers a wider range of terrain than most people expect. You have high-route options like the Continental Divide NST passing through the backcountry, ridge and summit trails that push into serious elevation, and a whole network of road-width tracks — Nicomodes Gulch Road, North Carnero Road, Eagle Rock Road, Wagon Ruts Road — that work well for hikers who want mileage without technical scrambling. Trails like Bonito Pass Trail and Deadman Loop Trail give you structured out-and-back or loop options, while Loma de San Jose Trail and Miner's Creek Trail offer more intimate canyon and drainage walking. The area around Sidewinder Canyon Road and Nicomodes Gulch adds some geological interest, with the kind of dry, open terrain that the southern Rockies do well. With 219 active listings in and around Del Norte, there is enough variety here to fill a long weekend or anchor a week-long trip. The valley floor sits above 7,800 feet, so even the flatter walks carry some altitude, and the mountain routes climb considerably higher from there.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Del Norte?
Late May through early October covers most trails reliably. The high-country routes like Bonito Pass Trail and anything connecting to the Continental Divide NST can hold snow into June and see early storms by late September, so July and August are the safest window for those. The lower road-width tracks — Nicomodes Gulch Road, Eagle Rock Road, Wagon Ruts Road — are often accessible earlier in spring and later into fall.
What skill level do these hikes require?
The range is broad. Trails like Fullerton Park Road, Prairie Dog Alley Road, and Mann Creek Road are low-gradient and accessible to most fitness levels. Bonito Pass Trail, the Summit route, and sections of the Continental Divide NST require solid fitness, good navigation, and comfort at elevation. Deadman Loop Trail and Miner's Creek Trail fall somewhere in the middle — manageable for hikers with moderate experience.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
Even on shorter hikes, the San Luis Valley is high and dry, so sun protection and more water than you think you need are non-negotiable. For any trail pushing toward the Continental Divide or Bonito Pass, bring a rain layer — afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August and move in fast. Trekking poles help on the steeper terrain around Sidewinder Canyon Road and Nicomodes Gulch.
Are the road-width tracks like Nicomodes Gulch Road and Eagle Rock Road open to foot traffic?
Yes, many of the routes listed are forest roads or two-track roads that see mixed use — hikers, mountain bikers, and sometimes OHVs or vehicles. Check current access status with the Rio Grande National Forest before heading out, as seasonal closures and road conditions can change. Hiking them early in the morning generally means less traffic from other users.
Is there any permit or fee required to hike these trails?
Most of the trails and roads in this area fall within Rio Grande National Forest land, which does not currently require a general hiking permit or day-use fee for standard trail access. That said, regulations can change, and specific trailheads may have posted requirements. Check with the Del Norte Ranger District office before your trip for the most current information.
