Delta is a vibrant small city located on Colorado’s Western Slope, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. But what exactly does this city of 8,900 people have to offer visitors? As it turns out, Delta provides unique attractions and activities for every season.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Spring brings opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and agritourism.
- Summer features water recreation, music festivals, county fairs, and U-pick fruit harvests.
- Fall shines with the turning aspens, seasonal harvests, and cultural events.
- Winter offers ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, seasonal light displays, and small-town charm.
Spring Awakening
Spring is a delightful time to visit Delta, with mild weather perfect for outdoor exploration. As the snow melts, an abundance of scenic hiking and biking trails become accessible. Popular routes include the 32-mile Delta County Grand Mesa trail system and the trails in Confluence Park. Early spring is also an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory species pass through the region.
From May to early June, wildflowers carpet the mountainsides in vibrant colors. Some of the best wildflower displays can be viewed along Kebler Pass, famous for its columbines.
Summer Fun
Summertime kicks off festival season in Delta. Annual events like the Delta County Fair celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. Live music and carnival rides draw families and friends together during the multi-day festivities. The city also hosts a summer concert series featuring local musicians and bands.
For water lovers, Delta provides both river and reservoir recreation. Popular activities include kayaking down the Gunnison River and paddleboarding or jet skiing at Crawford State Park. Anglers can also cast lines for trout and bass on nearby lakes and streams.
Fall Foliage
Fall brings a blaze of color to the region as cottonwood, oak, and aspen trees transition to dazzling shades of gold. Prime leaf peeping spots include the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. Photographers flock to capture images of the vibrant foliage set against mountain backdrops.
Fall also marks harvest time for vineyards and orchards. Visitors can pick their own apples and grapes through September and October. Meanwhile, seasonal farmers markets pop up across Delta, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts from local artisans.
As the air cools in late fall, area ranches and farms host cultural events. These include corn mazes, hay rides, and pumpkin patches that provide old-fashioned family fun. Festival goers can also enjoy seasonal craft beverages, like award-winning wines and ciders, at regional winery tasting rooms.
Winter Wonderland
While summer draws the largest crowds, winter reveals a more peaceful side to Delta. Light snow dusts the Grand Mesa, opening up scenic backcountry areas for activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and more. Families can also tube or sled at smaller hills around town.
The holiday season brings cheer to Delta in December. Community light displays color the long winter nights, while churches and concert halls host special performances. Wintertime also exemplifies Delta’s small-town charm, with locals gathering around fireplaces in cozy cafes and restaurants.
Dedicated outdoor lovers can ski or board at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, located just over an hour outside of Delta. This family-friendly resort features over 1,600 skiable acres and stunning views of the Grand Mesa. While smaller than Colorado’s world-famous ski towns, Powderhorn offers a more laidback and affordable winter experience.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Drives
Beyond its seasonal attractions, Delta serves as a gateway to some of Colorado’s most iconic natural landmarks. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, the city lies in close proximity to national forests, striking rock formations, historic byways, and more.
One of the most popular scenic drives is the 63-mile Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. Also known as the Lands End Road, this route winds through aspen and evergreen forests before emerging above the tree line. At over 10,000 feet elevation, the flat top Grand Mesa plateau provides stunning vistas of the surrounding canyons and mountain ranges. Visitors can access hiking trails, campgrounds, lakes, and all-terrain vehicle paths from the byway.
Just 45 minutes southeast of Delta, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park awes visitors with its sheer cliffs, narrow openings, and plunging depths. The park features numerous overlooks perched along the canyon’s dramatic edges, allowing you to take in the sights from above. More adventurous travelers can also descend into the canyon on challenging hiking routes.
For a scenic drive combined with outdoor recreation, the West Elk Loop offers the best of both worlds. This byway winds through the heart of the West Elk Mountains and Gunnison National Forest, with opportunities to fish, hike, and spot wildlife around every turn. A standout highlight includes the historic Crested Butte and the wildflower-filled Paradise Basin.
Family and Kid-Friendly Activities
In addition to its wealth of outdoor recreation, Delta and the surrounding area cater to families and kids through interactive museums and hands-on learning.
The Dinosaur Journey Museum in nearby Fruita takes visitors back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the area that is now Colorado. This natural history museum features dinosaur skeletons, fossil dig boxes for children, and an onsite paleontology laboratory.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Beyond natural wonders, Delta County provides opportunities to engage with the region’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore sites linked to indigenous history, the Old West, mining and railroad development, and even dinosaurs.
In downtown Delta, history buffs can visit the Delta County Museum. Exhibits profile Delta’s founding and early settlement in the late 1800s following the construction of narrow gauge railroad lines.
Just north of town, the Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center reconstructs an 1828 fur trading post. Costumed interpreters recreate scenes of early Western life through blacksmithing, trapping, and trade reenactments. Visitors can also tour replica fur trappers’ cabins and a Ute Indian village.
Lodging and Dining Recommendations
Fortunately for visitors, Delta provides quality lodging and dining options to refuel between adventures. The city serves as an ideal home base with comfortable accommodations and easy access to surrounding attractions.
For upscale lodging, the Hampton Inn and Suites features contemporary rooms less than a mile from downtown. Hot breakfast and an indoor pool cater to families, while business travelers appreciate the meeting rooms and fitness center. Just outside downtown, the Western Lodge also provides spacious, pet-friendly rooms ideal for longer stays.
Unique local flavors shine at eateries like Tacos Garcia and Daveto’s. Mexican fare stands out at Tacos Garcia, which serves fresh tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and more. For Italian, Daveto’s crafts pizzas, pastas, and calzones from family recipes, all heavily seasoned with garlic. Be sure to also sample local wines and ciders at the many regional tasting rooms.
Planning Your Delta Getaway
Hopefully, this overview has showcased some of what makes Delta a compelling four-season destination. While the summer and fall tend to draw larger crowds, travelers can find beauty and adventure in Delta during any season.
Spring and fall may provide the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Late spring is also ideal for vineyard visits and agritourism. Summer offers the most festivals, cultural events, and family-oriented programming. And winter reveals Delta’s peaceful character, with snow-dusted landscapes begging to be explored.
No matter when you choose to visit, a trip to Delta promises opportunities to immerse in colorful mountain scenery, engage with regional history, and revel in small-town charm. You may just find that the city’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures keep calling you back through the seasons.
FAQ
What is the best way to get to Delta, Colorado?
Delta sits conveniently along Highway 50 midway between Grand Junction and Gunnison. Visitors can access the city via car or shuttle service from nearby airports. Rental cars provide the greatest flexibility for exploring the surrounding mountains and byways.
When is peak tourist season in Delta?
Summer and fall see the highest tourism, with nice weather and events drawing crowds. However, travelers on a budget can find lower prices and fewer people during spring and
Where are the best places to see fall colors around Delta?
Prime fall foliage can be found in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. Scenic drives like the Grand Mesa and West Elk Loop byways offer stunning vistas of golden aspens each autumn.
Does Delta have winter recreation opportunities?
While smaller than the well-known Colorado ski towns, Delta offers seasonal activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. The nearby Powderhorn Mountain Resort also provides downhill skiing and snowboarding.
