Delta, Colorado

Delta is one of the larger towns in the region with plenty of shopping, dining, and accommodation options. It’s located on the Western Slope, about 40 miles south of Grand Junction. Scenic Highway 50 runs through downtown.

About 8,893 people call the town home as of 2020. Although smaller, it’s still filled with lively activities, cultural celebrations, and phenomenal architecture. Delta resides at 4,953 feet in elevation in Delta County. It’s nicknamed the City of Murals.

History

Egyptian Theatre Delta CO Exterior — The historic Egyptian Theatre on Delta’s Main Street. Photo by: Jaknelaps

Delta was named for the “City of Delta,” which basically emphasizes the “delta” location of the county from the Uncompahgre River. Nearly a century ago, this was home to the Ute Indian people and when the explorers came to town, they transformed it into a place of agriculture, mining, and water development.

In the 1820s Delta was used as a trading post, and as the town grew, they formally incorporated it in 1882. During the time of the gold rush, Delta was relatively more peaceful than other boom towns. It was smaller, and no large mines were operating. Still, the people of the city preserved their culture, and you can see many of the artifacts in the Delta County Historical Museum.

The museum itself is an interesting part of the city’s history considering that it was burnt down before. Now, it’s home to items from Delta’s pioneering days including clothing, toys, farming, and ranch utensils.

Main Attractions

Delta Confluence Park Hiking Trail beside the Gunnison River — Hiking trail along the Gunnison River at Delta Confluence Park. Photo by: CAJC: in the PNW

Confluence Park – Open from dawn to dusk and full of recreational possibilities including a disc golf course and a 70-acre lake to explore. Biking, hiking, horseback riding, boating, and fishing are some local favorite activities.

Ultimate Skydiving Adventures – If you’re looking to get your blood pumping and take in beautiful aerial views of the Western Slope, consider this adventure sport spot. The hangar offers jumps from 7,500 feet, letting you freefall for a few seconds before peacefully parachuting down to the ground.

Read about the top things to do in Delta.

Recreation

Sweitzer Lake Delta Colorado — Sweitzer Lake State Park, Delta County. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Camping –

Crawford State Park to the east has 2 nice campgrounds, some with electric hook-ups.
Woods Lake campground is only 2 miles from town and includes over 40 sites and vault toilets. It is catered to equestrian campers, with hay and paddocks available at select sites.
Read about the camping near Montrose and Delta.

Fishing –

Nearby Sweitzer Lake offers year-round fishing on 137 acres of water. There is a ramp for motorized boats if you would rather cast a line from the water instead of the shore.
Gunnison River flows past town, offering great trout fishing.
Confluence Lake is situated only a few blocks from downtown and allows boating and fishing.

Hiking –

Dry Creek trail is only a 30 minute drive south and has beautifully varied scenery that includes canyons, mesas, and more. It totals about 14 miles and there is minimal shade so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Colorado National Monument is a hiking gem in the western part of the state. Explore one of the many hiking trails in this expansive system.
Read about the best hiking trails near Delta.

Accommodations

Entrance to red hotel — Riverwood Inn hotel in Delta, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/riverwoodinndelta

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Booking.com

Riverwood Inn Hotel – This conveniently located inn is walkable to the community park and many restaurants and shops. There are a few rooms to choose from in the modest one-story building, and 29 RV sites with full hook-ups if you’re traveling with a camper.

Fairlamb House Bed & Breakfast – Cozy up in this renovated 1906 Victorian-style house in one of the 3 unique rooms. This is a great place to stay if you want to have the comforts of home while on vacation. The owners have compiled a list of local activities to keep you busy during your visit.

Days Inn – A classic affordable hotel, this property has spacious rooms, a free continental breakfast, and a heated pool to enjoy.

Read about the best hotels in Delta.

Dining

Entrance to the Stockyards restaurant — The Stockyards BBQ restaurant in Delta, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/stockyards.restaurantandlounge

The Stockyards – The local spot for BBQ platters with homemade sides.

Butch’s Cafe – A vintage car hop turned cafe, Butch’s is a classic American that serves up 3 meals a day at affordable prices.

Creations on Main – One of the newer restaurants in Delta, this family-oriented eatery is the perfect place to try unique dishes and creative cocktails.

Special Events

Ute people dancing — Ute people at the Council Tree Pow Wow, held annually in Delta, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/council-tree-pow-wow

Jun-Aug – Outdoor Summer Concert Series – Select summer Fridays at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center feature live music and an open bar with free admission for all.

Jul – Deltarado Days – Small town, family-fun festival with a parade and rodeo held in late July.

Sep – Council Tree Pow Wow – Ute Tribes meet annually for a cultural festival. The Pow Wow typically happens in mid-September at the base of a nearly 200-year-old cottonwood. From the main road through Delta, turn west at McDonalds and proceed for 0.25 miles to the event.

Oct – Main Street Trick or Treat – Head out to downtown Delta with the little ones to score candy from local organizations, meet-and-greets with first responders, and plenty of live music.

Downtown is several blocks long.