DEL NORTE — The “Trails, Trappers and Traders” exhibit will open on Saturday, July 21 at the Rio Grande County Museum. 

The exhibit will be kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with a one-hour program of short presentations on the early pioneers, travelers, and trails in the SLV region, a brief history, location and extent of Old Spanish Trail and a presentation on the geology of San Juan Mountains with an overview of the rather unique Summer Coon Volcanic Center, located just a few miles northwest of Del Norte.

Following the presentations, a half day geology road tour, led by retired geologist, Steve Nicolais, is offered to those interested in seeing the remnants of the deeply eroded Summer Coon Volcano, an 8 to 10-mile diameter volcanic complex. Space is limited to 10-12 cars. Carpooling has worked well in past. A donation of $10 for the tour is requested which will be split between the museum and La Verada del Norte Chapter of the Old Spanish Trail. 

Call the museum @ 719- 657-2847 early to reserve a spot on the tour. There are no limitations on the museum exhibit and talks.

The tour will entail several hours of driving across the basement of this major volcanic complex, with several stops, some with a short hike, to observe the details of some of the key geologic features, volcanic fissures and various volcanic deposits around the flanks.

High clearance vehicles are required for the tour, which will be over some deeply rutted dirt roads. Tour guides would like drivers to take on additional passengers to limit the number of vehicles. Bring lunch and consider also sunscreen, bug repellent, and possibly a walking stick. 

Museum address is 580 Oak Street, Del Norte.