South Fork Area - Southwest Colorado

The South Fork Area is where the South Fork of the Rio Grande joins the main body of the Rio Grande. Situated at the western edge of the San Luis Valley, it is one of the biggest intermountain valleys in the world. Since the late 1880s until just recently, South Fork, at 8,250', has been a logging and lumbering community.

Colorado's upper Rio Grande from the Rio Grande Reservoir above Creede through Wagon Wheel Gap and South Fork to Del Norte is "a high-country angler's paradise...an undiscovered paradise," according to American Angler, the magazine of fly fishing and fly tying. The Rio Grande between South Fork and Del Norte has been designated Gold Medal trout water, which means it offers the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing success in Colorado.

The area, at the foot of Wolf Creek Pass with its deep-power ski resort, is near numerous, year-round recreational possibilities. Whether you hike it or drive it, the surrounding mountains have deer, elk, grouse, ptarmigan, bighorn sheep, snowshoe rabbits, and even an occasional bear, bobcat or cougar!

Railroad water tower in South Fork Colorado
South Fork in the Fall
Railroad cars lining the tracks in South Fork Colorado
Railroad Cars Line the Tracks
 

The South Fork area includes Del Norte, first inhabited by the Folsom Peoples 10,000 years ago. They were followed by the Anasazi, Pueblos, Kiowas, Navajos and Apaches, which led the way for a rich history of Spanish inhabitants. Today, mining, farming and ranching flourish and are the mainstays of the local economy. Del Norte is known for a moderate high desert climate. Downtown Del Norte includes the famous Historic Windsor Hotel as well as shopping and dining facilities.

Snowmobiling in the South Fork Area, Colorado
Explore South Fork on a Snowmobile
Fishing in South Fork, Colorado
South Fork has Great Fishing
 

Travel a little way and visit the old mining town of Summitville. This is the home of the old Frenchman's Treasure tale. The story tells of 300 men coming from France who mined a mountain of gold, yet many died from natural disasters, Indian attacks, and possible Spanish attacks. The French hid the mountain of gold. Only one returned to France with the map leading to the location of the gold. Some believe it was found, yet others continue to hunt for it. Also travel the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway beginning at South Fork, continuing through Wagon Wheel Gap and Creede, ending at Lake City.

South Fork is near: Del Norte, Pagosa Springs & Wagon Wheel Gap

Premium South Fork Area Businesses

Doc's Outdoor Sports and Ski Rentals
A full service ski shop and outdoor goods store in South Fork, minutes to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Doc's has Snowboard and ski rentals, fishing tackle, snowshoe and sports rentals. Fishing and Hunting licenses.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Fishing Hunting Downhill Skiing 


Riverbend Resort Cabins and RV Park
Between South Fork and Wolf Creek Ski Area; Riverbend Resort is near Pagosa Springs and Alamosa. Year Round Full hookup RV Park. Cabins: fireplaces, decks overlooking privately stocked river frontage.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Lodging by water Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing Winter Lodging Snowmobiling Downhill Skiing 


South Fork Visitor Center - Gateway to the Silver Thread Scenic Byway
South Fork your outdoor adventure center at the base of the San Juan Mountains. Getaway along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and the Rio Grande! Fish, hike, hunt, bike, golf, wildlife, Jeep, ATV, and ski.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Groups and Reunions Activities and Fun Things to do Downhill Skiing 



Featured South Fork Area Businesses

Arbor House Inn Bed & Breakfast on the River
PACKAGES: Romance, Golf, Wedding. Near South Fork along the river with beautiful arbor, hot tub, and picnic area. Elegant Inn: full breakfast, themed bed-rooms, honeymoon whirlpool suite with fireplace.

 Web page link icon Reservation link icon Photos on page icon Lodges Bed and Breakfast, B&B Romance Lodging by water 


Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch: Cabins, RV Park, Jeeps, Horse Rides, Rafting, Fishing, Restaurant and Gift Shoppe
Vacation along Silver Thread Scenic Byway (Hwy 149) between Creede and South Fork. Guest ranch mountain cabins: kitchens, fireplaces. RV sites: full hookup, pull-thru. Jeep Rentals, Horse Rides Here!

 Email link icon Reservation link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Family Friendly Scenic Byways and Drives Horseback Riding, Trail Rides Jeeping and Offroad Vehicles White-water Rafting and Kayaking Restaurant Activities and Fun Things to do 


Doc's Outdoor Sports and Ski Rentals
A full service ski shop and outdoor goods store in South Fork, minutes to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Doc's has Snowboard and ski rentals, fishing tackle, snowshoe and sports rentals. Fishing and Hunting licenses.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Fishing Hunting Downhill Skiing 


Fun Valley Family Resort: Cabins, RV Park, Campground
Since 1959 families have been coming to Fun Valley for a safe place to experience nature. South Fork is deep in the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Our resort offers cabins, RV park sites and campground tenting.

 Web page link icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages RV Parks and Resorts Scenic Byways and Drives 


Lazy Bear Cabins and Elk Country Jeep Rentals
In South Fork near the Rio Grande, Lazy Bear Cabins have 2-bedrooms, WiFi, Cable TV, kitchen with full sized appliances. Elk Country Jeep Rentals on-site. Snowmobile, hike, fish! Play at Wolf Creek Ski Area.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Jeeping and Offroad Vehicles Winter Lodging Downhill Skiing 


Peacock Meadows Riverside RV Park
Contemporary BIG RIG RV Park with modern amenities. Enjoy Peacock Meadows Riverside full hookup sites in South Fork! New in summer of 2016. A year round destination: Hunt, Ski, Sightsee. Dog friendly.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Winter Lodging 


Rainbow Lodge, Cabins, RV Park and UTV Rentals
In South Fork. Rainbow RV Park is open May-October with WiFi, Full Hookups and Cable TV Hookups. Rainbow Lodge Rooms and Cabins have full kitchens; open year round. On-Site UTV/ATV Rentals!

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon New Colorado business icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Lodges RV Parks and Resorts Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing ATVing, UTVing, and Offroading Downhill Skiing 


Riverbend Resort Cabins and RV Park
Between South Fork and Wolf Creek Ski Area; Riverbend Resort is near Pagosa Springs and Alamosa. Year Round Full hookup RV Park. Cabins: fireplaces, decks overlooking privately stocked river frontage.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Lodging by water Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing Winter Lodging Snowmobiling Downhill Skiing 


South Fork Lodge, Cabins and RV Park
In South Fork on Highway 149. Year round cabins with Satellite TV, Free WI-FI, pets welcome. Spacious SEASONAL Park with full hookup RV sites. Lodge hot tub. Discounted ski tickets. Near Rio Grande River.

 Email link icon Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Fishing Hunting Winter Lodging 


South Fork Visitor Center - Gateway to the Silver Thread Scenic Byway
South Fork your outdoor adventure center at the base of the San Juan Mountains. Getaway along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and the Rio Grande! Fish, hike, hunt, bike, golf, wildlife, Jeep, ATV, and ski.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Groups and Reunions Activities and Fun Things to do Downhill Skiing 


Tiny Timbers Resort and Coffee Bistro
Start a Family Tradition at Tiny Timbers Resort in South Fork. Small cabins with covered deck for wildlife viewing. Surrounded by National Forest! Coffee Bistro: espresso, freshly baked pastries, sandwiches.

 Reservation link icon Photos on page icon New Colorado business icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Lodging by water 


Woods & River RV Park
Friendly, quiet, campground in the woods along Rio Grande. BIG RIG RV Park: full hookups, 76 pull-thru sites with room for slideouts. Trout Fishing River Here! In Del Norte between Alamosa and South Fork.

 Email link icon Web page link icon Photos on page icon Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Lodging by water ATVing, UTVing, and Offroading 



For more travel information contact:

South Fork Area Activities & Maps

Scenic Byways:
Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway

Fishing:
Rio Grande Area Fishing Map

Rafting & Kayaking:
Rio Grande River Rafting & Kayaking

Jeep & 4WD:
South Fork Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails

Ski Areas & Resorts:
Wolf Creek Ski Area

Snowmobiling:
Rio Grande Area Snowmobile Trails

Local Area Maps:
Lake City, Creede, South Fork Area Map


 
 

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