Delta: River History, Conservation Areas and Water Activities

Delta lies at the confluence of the Uncompahgre and Gunnison rivers. As you plan your trip, the town offers a starting point for a wide range of discoveries: from murals and regional history to conservation areas, water activities and seasonal events. First decide which themes you want to shape your stay; this can also help you search more specifically for a suitable vacation rental.

Discover Local History and Culture

In downtown Delta, you’ll find more than 20 unique murals on the exterior walls of buildings. The city’s free Mural Virtual Tour app helps visitors find their way around the public murals. Fort Uncompahgre also tells the story of the area: it is a reconstruction of a fur-trading post that Antoine Robidoux established in 1828 near present-day Delta. Traders, trappers and Indigenous peoples used the trading post.

The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society permanently displays historic artifacts, an extensive collection of historical photographs and a diorama of a living room. Its reference library contains photo albums, yearbooks, transcripts and audio recordings of oral histories, as well as obituary files. Staff also assist visitors with genealogical research. The collection therefore ranges from illustrative exhibits to resources for a deeper exploration of family history.

The updated Historic Walking Tour in Cedaredge offers a different way to explore. It includes buildings designated as historic by the town. QR code signs on the buildings let you explore Cedaredge using your smartphone.

Nature and Conservation Areas

The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area encompasses 210,172 acres of protected public land and includes the 66,280-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Activities in the conservation area include hiking, boating, camping and wildlife watching. The southern part is accessible from Delta via Highway 348 and 25 Mesa Road, also known as D Road. Check road conditions before you drive, as they can change.

The 15-mile County Road through Escalante Canyon also provides vehicle access and a chance to see distinctive features of the landscape and its history. These include historic cabins, trails, rock walls bearing inscriptions by early settlers and Indigenous peoples, as well as geological formations. If the canyon is part of your plans, make sure to check current road conditions before driving there, too.

Water and Outdoor Activities

At Crawford State Park, options in a scenic mountain region include camping, fishing, water sports and hunting. The 400-acre reservoir is suitable for jet skiing and motorboating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and scuba diving. Diving is permitted in any safe area of the park. Activities are seasonal, and you should check water access before your visit, so factor both into your plans.

Sweitzer Lake State Park has a different focus, offering boating, water skiing, nature activities and picnicking. The area is open for day use only and has no overnight sites. This distinction can help with day-trip planning if water activities are important to you and you’re also deciding where to stay.

For cycling, Delta County has 24 designated road cycling routes of varying lengths and through diverse scenery. The Sidewinder Trail runs for 22 miles along the western edge of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in Delta County.

Seasonal Experiences and Trip Planning

The grape harvest in Delta County usually runs from mid-August to mid-October, most often in September. Visitors can watch the processing at some wineries; participation varies by winery. In Hotchkiss, Ela Family Farms offers a farm tour with lunch every year. Check dates and booking details in advance.

The annual Western Sky Balloon Festival takes place in early July at Confluence Park in Delta. The program includes hot-air balloon launches and evening balloon glows, as well as a drone light show, live music, a Main Street parade, a talent show and a craft market. Individual program details may change, so it’s worth checking the information for the date you plan to attend.

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Delta, consider whether local history and culture, water activities, or nature and outdoor pursuits should be the focus of your stay. Then check the location of the specific property in relation to the places that matter to you.

Discover More Towns and Destinations

Explore more towns: Cedaredge, Delta, Hotchkiss, Paonia.

Discover more destinations: Boulder, Morgan County, Pueblo, Archuleta.

Back to the main travel overview: Colorado.