Deep within the San Luis Valley hides a beautiful canyon, Penitente Canyon, with 100-foot walls that is a mecca for rock climbers in the Rockies. Because of the remote location on Bureau of Land Management land, this canyon wasn’t truly explored by rock climbers until the 1980s.

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For those adventurers who aren’t interested in climbing at Penitente Canyon, there are also a number of excellent hiking trails as well as singletrack biking trails. The entire recreation area’s over 7,000 acres is open to the public.

This canyon is not only great for its awesome recreational activities: the history of the Penitente Canyon space also draws historians of American Indian and Spanish early life in Colorado. Home to the Los Hermanos Penitentes, a Spanish religious sect in the 1880s, ruts of ox carts remain littered across the Penitente Canyon area. It’s even said that crucifixions took place in the area.

For biking enthusiasts, make sure to check out Wild Horse and the Blue Sky Loop as part of Del Norte Trails Organization. The entire trail system that is developed is 21 miles of well-maintained bike trails that cover some easy rides to the truly difficult “Rock Drops” trail.

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Penitente Canyon is easiest to approach from the south, about 20 to 25 minutes from Del Norte. Take Colorado Highway 112 for three miles, and turn left on Country Road 33 toward La Garta for 12.5 miles. Enjoy this beautiful, remote Colorado gem!