Hiking
Visit AllTrails.com for detailed info on these hikes, including descriptions, directions, and recent trail condition updates from hikers. Be cautious of rattlesnakes during the summer months.
Penitente Canyon Loop
Penitente Canyon Loop, located near Del Norte, Colorado, is a captivating trail that weaves through a landscape rich in natural beauty and historical significance. This loop is part of the Penitente Canyon Recreation Area, a 4,552-acre site managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 2.5 to 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Ranging from 7,856 to 8,289 feet
- Tip: Watch out for rattlesnakes in the summertime
Middle Frisco Trail
Beginning at the Middle Frisco Trailhead off County Road 13, the trail meanders alongside Middle San Francisco Creek, ascending steadily through lush aspen and pine forests. Hikers will encounter several wildflower-filled meadows and a series of switchbacks that lead through dense, enchanting woodlands. As the trail progresses, it opens up to high mountain ridges, offering expansive views and leading to the serene Lower San Francisco Lake nestled below Bennett Peak.
Highlights of This Activity
- Length & Difficulty: 12.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,500 feet -- Highest Point: Around 11,890 feet at Lower San Francisco Lake
- Tip: Don’t be intimidated by the 12.5-mile distance—the views are stunning right from the start!
Lookout Mountain Trail
Starting just a few blocks from downtown Del Norte, the trail ascends through a series of steady inclines and switchbacks, particularly if taken counterclockwise. Hikers are rewarded early on with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding San Luis Valley. As the trail loops around the mountain, it offers glimpses of distant buttes, hills, and peaks, showcasing the diverse landscapes that characterize the region.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: Approximately 2.4 to 3 miles, depending on the chosen loop
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Around 410 to 600 feet
- Tip: Watch out for rattlesnakes in the summertime
Blue Sky and Penitente Canyon Loop
Starting from the Penitente Canyon Trailhead, the loop combines the Blue Sky Trail with sections of the Penitente Canyon Trail, guiding adventurers through a diverse array of terrains. The trail ascends to the canyon rim, offering expansive views of the surrounding high desert and volcanic formations, before descending into the heart of Penitente Canyon. Here, hikers navigate through narrow passages flanked by towering rock walls, showcasing the area’s unique geological history.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet
Pronghorn Loop
Starting from the north trailhead on County Road 13 (French Street), the loop can be traversed in either direction, though a clockwise route is often recommended. The eastern section features gentle contours along the hillside, weaving through unique rock formations and offering views of San Francisco Creek. As the trail progresses westward, it ascends into high meadows, providing expansive vistas of the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The terrain includes a mix of rock features, canyons, and open grasslands, with occasional clusters of pine trees.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 9.5 mile loop
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet
- Tip: Watch out for mountain bikers!
Limekiln Peak Trail Loop
The Limekiln Peak Trail Loop near Del Norte, Colorado, offers a moderately challenging 6.1-mile hike that showcases the diverse terrain of the San Luis Valley. This loop features rocky paths, gradual inclines, and sweeping views of the valley and the southern San Juan Mountains. Hikers can expect a mix of shaded areas and open vistas, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a scenic yet manageable adventure.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
Additional Hikes
Continental Divide Trail
Beginning at the Middle Frisco Trailhead off County Road 13, the trail meanders alongside Middle San Francisco Creek, ascending steadily through lush aspen and pine forests. Hikers will encounter several wildflower-filled meadows and a series of switchbacks that lead through dense, enchanting woodlands. As the trail progresses, it opens up to high mountain ridges, offering expansive views and leading to the serene Lower San Francisco Lake nestled below Bennett Peak.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
Limekiln Peak Trail Loop
The Limekiln Peak Trail Loop near Del Norte, Colorado, offers a moderately challenging 6.1-mile hike that showcases the diverse terrain of the San Luis Valley. This loop features rocky paths, gradual inclines, and sweeping views of the valley and the southern San Juan Mountains. Hikers can expect a mix of shaded areas and open vistas, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a scenic yet manageable adventure.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
Middle Frisco Trail
Beginning at the Middle Frisco Trailhead off County Road 13, the trail meanders alongside Middle San Francisco Creek, ascending steadily through lush aspen and pine forests. Hikers will encounter several wildflower-filled meadows and a series of switchbacks that lead through dense, enchanting woodlands. As the trail progresses, it opens up to high mountain ridges, offering expansive views and leading to the serene Lower San Francisco Lake nestled below Bennett Peak.
Highlights of This Activity
- Length & Difficulty: 12.5 miles round trip and Moderate to Difficult
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,500 feet -- Highest Point: Around 11,890 feet at Lower San Francisco Lake
- Estimated Time: Approximately 6 hours round trip
- Tip: Don’t be intimidated by the 12.5-mile distance—the views are stunning right from the start!
Limekiln Peak Trail Loop
The Limekiln Peak Trail Loop near Del Norte, Colorado, offers a moderately challenging 6.1-mile hike that showcases the diverse terrain of the San Luis Valley. This loop features rocky paths, gradual inclines, and sweeping views of the valley and the southern San Juan Mountains. Hikers can expect a mix of shaded areas and open vistas, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a scenic yet manageable adventure.
Highlights of This Activity
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
The Best Mountain Play Experience
Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Fusce porttitor metus eget lectus consequat, sit amet feugiat magna vulputate. Phasellus iaculis tellus augue, at ultrices lacus efficitur a. Mauris a nibh erat. In sed massa sed erat vel vitae felis.
