Del Norte

1. Del Norte sits at 7,884 ft so make sure you hydrate and take it easy on the first day.
2. Del Norte's outdoor activities are best enjoyed during the spring, summer, and fall.
3. Del Norte is a close-knit community, so be respectful and friendly.

Please pack-in/pack-out on trails, yield appropriately (uphill users and equestrians), and give anglers space on the Rio Grande.

With preparation, Del Norte is generally a safe and welcoming small town—most hazards come from nature and high-elevation conditions rather than crime. Stay hydrated and keep track of any inclement weather that may come in while you're recreating outdoors.

Del Norte is a pet-friendly town as long as the dogs are on leash and under control.

Del Norte is working to ensure accessibility—both in physical spaces and digital experiences:

• ADA-Accessible Outdoor Facilities
  The Riverfront Project includes ADA-accessible picnic areas, parking, and a pavilion for community enjoyment along the riverfront. Additionally, the Riverwalk Trail features a 2,600-ft concrete, ADA-wind walk along the Rio Grande for inclusive outdoor access.
• Digital Accessibility Commitment
  The Town of Del Norte has publicly committed to making its website accessible to people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities by aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This includes encouraging feedback to continuously improve usability.

Del Norte is making strides toward environmental stewardship, balancing public access with ecological health:

• Del Norte Riverfront Project
  This major initiative has transformed the Rio Grande riverside with ADA-accessible picnic areas, a boat ramp, and a multi-use play wave that supports recreation while restoring riparian habitat and fish passage through a fish ladder. It enhances both community access and ecological conditions.
• Trail Development with Environmental Education
  The Del Norte Trails Master Plan, funded by Colorado State Parks and others, incorporated Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles into local trail design. It fostered partnerships with CSU and youth conservation groups—linking outdoor recreation with sustainability education.
• Local Agricultural Sustainability
  Corset Ranch, located just outside Del Norte, practices sustainable ranching—raising grass-fed beef and hay while preserving The Centennial Ranch’s legacy and landscapes along the Rio Grande.
• Waste and Recycling Services
  Waste Management offers both residential and commercial recycling and waste pickup in Del Norte, promoting recycling right and environmental stewardship across the community.
• Regional Conservation & Education
  The Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center at Adams State University leads conservation efforts, watershed health education, and community engagement across the Rio Grande Basin—advancing land and water stewardship in the San Luis Valley.

Del Norte is generally a welcoming and safe community with no recorded patterns of scams or tourist traps. Your main risks mirror those in many destinations: phishing, overpayment, or hasty decisions. Staying informed, doing a bit of research, and using common sense go a long way.

Emergency: 911, Del Norte Police: 719-657-2600, Non-Emergency Number: 719-589-0810