Discover South Fork

South Fork is well suited to planning a trip that balances hiking, river activities, and annual events. The options described here differ in specific ways: trail lengths, rapids on the Rio Grande, fishing and boating opportunities at a reservoir, and historical and sporting points of interest. If you’re looking for hotels in South Fork, choosing a focus can help you tailor your trip to your group’s interests.

Forest Region and Waterside Destinations

South Fork is located in the South Fork region of the Rio Grande National Forest. Big Meadows Reservoir is nearby, 12 miles southwest of South Fork. It has a boat ramp and a fishing pier. This gives you a clearly specified location nearby, along with two specific facilities at the reservoir.

Trails of Different Lengths

Near South Fork, trails range from half-mile walks for beginners to five-mile hikes that connect to additional wilderness trails. This range helps you choose between a shorter walk and a longer hike that links up with other trails. Some trails are specifically designated as multi-use trails for bicycles. This designation is a useful point of reference when planning a bike ride, while the stated distances describe the range of walks and hikes.

The Rio Grande and Reservoirs

The headwaters of the Rio Grande pass by South Fork, where there are Class II–III rapids. Nearly 20 miles of the Rio Grande near South Fork are designated “Gold Medal Waters.” The designation comes from Colorado wildlife officials. The class rating describes the rapids, while the designation applies to a stretch of river.

Beaver Creek Reservoir is also located near South Fork. A road leads there for seven miles; fishing and boating are available. The two reservoirs can be distinguished by their respective features: Big Meadows has a boat ramp and a fishing pier, while fishing and boating are listed as activities at Beaver Creek.

Golf and Railroad History

The Rio Grande Club & Resort is an 18-hole golf course bordering the Rio Grande National Forest. South Fork, the starting point of the Silver Thread Byway, offers a connection to railroad history: its old water tower served steam locomotives until 1956. Alongside trails and waterways, golf and the water tower’s former use offer additional interests to choose from.

Annual Events

South Fork hosts the annual Alder Ass Pack Burro Race. Dates vary from year to year, so check the date for the year in question if you want to plan your trip around the race. The South Fork Chili Cook-off is also held annually. This visitor event includes a tasting and a vote on red and green chili. The focus here is on sampling and casting your vote. If the cook-off is the reason for your trip, check the event date for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Monte Vista, Del Norte.

Return to the main travel overview: Rio Grande County.