Silver Lining in South Fork, Colorado

In a state known for its abundant wild places, you might ask yourself how South Fork stacks up. Head to the Weminuche Wilderness, just two miles from town, to find out. It’s one of the wildest places in Colorado. In 1979 the state’s last grizzly was killed here, 27 years after the creatures were thought to be extinct. The Continental Divide Trail also runs through town, giving easy access to the gorgeous San Juan Mountains.

For an off-the-beaten track adventure, check out Wheeler Geological Area, a haunting wilderness canyon filled with lava formations that have created strange pinnacles and hoodoos. The four-wheel-drive road to access the area is 14 miles of rough driving and usually opens mid-summer. An additional half-mile hike will reward you with stunning panoramic views.

If you prefer to travel on wheels, bring your off-road vehicle, ATV or bike. The South Fork area offers hundreds of miles of trails designated for motorized traffic. These routes will take you to mountain peaks and amazing vistas of the San Luis Valley, to creek bottoms and dense forest growth. Mountain bikers should check out Middle Frisco Creek. The lower 4 miles are beginner friendly while the upper 7 miles are more moderate.

If you’re craving a peaceful scenic drive, hop on the Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway from South Fork and follow it 117 miles as it weaves in and out of mountain towns. Stop at beautiful North Clear Creek Falls for an accessible photo op, or stretch your legs to reach South Clear Creek Falls on a quick, quarter-mile hike that’s family friendly. The drive is spectacular in the autumn when the area’s many aspens turn yellow. Find directions, a map and download the app at southfork.org/silver-thread-scenic-byway.

Find a Winter Wonderland in the San Juans

While Colorado’s mega resorts get all the attention, there’s a secret corner of Colorado that gets the most snowfall in the state. Just an hour from Great Sand Dunes National Park, South Fork is home to wonderfully uncrowded slopes where lift lines give you just enough time to say hello to those around you before you’re whisked away: Wolf Creek Ski Area. A bonus? Lift tickets are more affordable than at huge resorts, making it easy to take a family ski vacation.

Beyond Wolf Creek Ski Area’s powder-filled downhill terrain are 255 miles of groomed backcountry trails. Put on snowshoes or your cross-country skis and explore snow-drenched forests filled with solitude. At Wolf Creek, check out 6 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers that meander through meadows. Many local ski shops in town rent cross-country gear and snowshoes in addition to downhill set-ups. For those wanting to go deep into the backcountry, climb aboard a snowmobile for fresh tracks. Download a winter trail map at southfork.org.

After a day spent on the slopes or the trails, head back to South Fork where you can twirl around on the town’s free ice rink. Even skate rentals are complimentary. On Saturdays mid-Janaury through mid-March, enjoy a community bonfire next to the rink sponsored by a different local business each week. You’ll find food, live music and locals enjoying a gorgeous winter evening. Make sure to cruise through town and enjoy the impressive holiday light display before calling it a night. Plan your visit the weekend after Thanksgiving to enjoy Yuletide and Winterfest. On Friday, watch as the tree is lit and the holiday lights turn the town into a wonderland. On Saturday, support local artisans and start your holiday shopping at Winterfest Craft Festival with locally made products, food and more.

Go Fish in South Fork

Closer to town, you’ll find a fisherman’s paradise. South Fork boasts Colorado’s longest stretch of Gold Medal trophy trout fishing waters. Nearly 20 miles of the Rio Grande receive this designation, a portion of which can be publicly accessed from right in town. For an incredible view of the river, book a rail biking excursion with Revolution Rail Co. On your guided tour, you’ll pedal a two or four-seat bike designed to move along railroad tracks. Book a two-hour pedal along the Rio Grande or opt for a Pedals to Paddles package where you pedal up-river five miles before returning via raft. For an incredibly unique experience, head out on a full moon tour lit by glow sticks and flashlights to a firepit where you’ll roast s’mores.

Fish the legendary waters of the Rio Grande River that meets the South Fork in town or try fly fishing with a local guide. Big Meadows Reservoir is an accessible state wildlife area and fishing haven, where deer, bear and moose are easy to spot.

Up for more? If the backcountry road is dry and in good condition, continue past Big Meadows Reservoir to get to two smaller lakes. You’ll reach Shaw Lake after three miles and Hunter’s Lake parking area after another 11 miles. A scenic 1-mile trail loops around the lake and is a great way to access the banks for fishing.

Plan Your Visit

For more information:
South Fork Visitor Center
(719) 873-5512
28 Silverthread Ln., at the junction of Hwy. 160 and Hwy. 149
South Fork, Colorado
southfork.org