Explore Local Trails

Taking kids on field trips is great, but nature can also be found here, right in OUR BACKYARD. Our vision is that kids and families can access outdoor recreation directly from all of our schools and communities, without getting on a bus or driving long distances. With the support of GOCO/Generation Wild, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local municipal partners, we have developed new trails across our community.

CROSSROAD TRAILS

The pump track is a perfect place to introduce new riders to mountain biking. Trails surrounding the pool are the most accessible to beginners and the high school side provides longer loops for a full morning adventure.

FEATURED ROUTE

MINERS TRAIL

The 1.2-mile Miners Trail connects the Delta County Fairgrounds and downtown Hotchkiss with the North Fork High School, Nature Connection, North Fork Pool, and Crossroads Trails system.

FEATURED ROUTE

DELTA CONFLUENCE PARK TRAILS

Families new to mountain biking and experienced riders looking for a close to home adventure will enjoy hours of fun on these trails and the bike park.

FEATURED ROUTE

PAONIA RIVER PARK TRAILS

This is an ideal place for people of all ages to explore Paonia’s “bosque” along the North Fork of the Gunnison. This trail provides access to Paonia K8 school.

FEATURED ROUTE

North Fork Crossroads Trail System

The North Fork Crossroads Trail system is a prime example of the collaborative spirit of The Nature Connection. Almost 9 miles of hiking, biking and running trails have been constructed on the North Fork Recreation District, Delta County School District and BLM properties surrounding Hotchkiss High School. Local high school students and volunteers from the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association forged beautiful singletrack that snakes through the desert and sagebrush terrain.

This is a perfect place for families new to mountain biking and riders looking for fun trails close to home. Spring provides gorgeous wildflowers and the low elevation and open exposure allows for great conditions when many mountain trails are still snowbound.

Start your adventure at The Nature Connection headquarters or the North Fork Pool. Spend some time honing your skills at the pump track and then head out. See the map below for more details about the trails! Trails can also be explored on the COTREX site managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Miners Trail

The 1.2-mile Miners Trail connects the Delta County Fairgrounds and downtown Hotchkiss with the North Fork High School, Nature Connection, North Fork Pool, and Crossroads Trails system. For decades this trail has been needed to enhance connectivity and accessibility for the Hotchkiss community. With the community’s unwavering support and the collaboration of dedicated stakeholders and landowners, the trail is now a cornerstone of local recreation and transportation.

Historical Context:

Fairgrounds: Established in 1919, with updates in 2008 and 2021.
Hotchkiss High School: Opened in 1982-1983, merged with Paonia High School in 2021 and rebranded as the North Fork High School with the Miners mascot.
North Fork Pool, Park, and Recreation District: Founded in 1994, this facility includes a pool, soccer fields, parking, and concessions.
Hotchkiss Home Plate: Three new ball fields were added in 2019, along with improvements like a concession stand and restrooms, and there are plans for another baseball field.
The Nature Connection: Established in 2017, it offers year-round outdoor programming throughout Delta County and Olathe, including school programs, summer camps, gear lending, and family/community programs.
Crossroads Trail System and Pump Track: Almost 9 miles of hiking, biking and running trails have been constructed on the North Fork Recreation District, Delta County School District and BLM properties surrounding North Fork High School.

Become a Friend of the Miners Trail

Your involvement as a Friend of the Miners Trail ensures that this significant pathway continues to serve as a safe and accessible route for locals and visitors alike. Make a donation and/or sign up to help with seasonal volunteer clean-ups and native planting events along the trail.