Alamosa / Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge
719 589-4021. 9383 El Rancho Lane, Alamosa, CO 81101
44 miles east of South Fork. The San Luis Valley has long been a sanctuary for humans and wildlife. Home to two wildlife refuges, you will find a variety of birds and small mammals. The Monte Vista site has an artificially created wetland for birds and waterfowl including Mallards, Canada Geese, American Avocets, Egrets and Herons. Sandhill Cranes migrate through the area twice a year. March and October are the north, south migration times for the Sandhills and many other birds. However, spectators will find the best time to watch and learn about the cranes during the annual Crane Festival each March in Monte Vista. This festival is complete with guided tours of the refuge, films, education classes and bird counts.
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
This beautiful 4-wheel-drive backcountry byway traverses 65 miles of the rugged heart of the spectacular San Juan Mountains.
The Colorado Directory.com
Lots of info about fun things to do in Colorado.
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
56 miles southwest of South Fork.
Chimney Rock is a San Juan National Forest Archaeological Area located in Colorado between Durango and Pagosa Springs and managed for archaeological protection, public interpretation, and education. It lies on 4,100 acres of San Juan National Forest land surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The site was home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians 1,000 years ago and is of great spiritual significance to these tribes.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
303 866-3437. 1313 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203.
Valuable information on hunting, fishing, and wildlife happenings & festivals around the state of Colorado.
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
719-378-2612. 9162 C R 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146
47 miles east of South Fork. Come see Bo Mangles, the albino alligator, Sir Kong, the 120 lb alligator snapping turtle, Monster, the 100 lb sulcata tortoise, and hundreds of other alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles.
Creede Repertory Theatre
719.658.2540 - 866-658-2540. 124 North Main Street, Creede, Colorado 81130
20 miles northwest of South Fork. Creede Repertory Theatre is the oldest repertory theatre in Colorado. Located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, CRT’s award-winning company produces the best of contemporary and classic theatre from the end of May through September. Each year, CRT hosts numerous musical events and concerts, and exhibits the best regional artists in its two lobby galleries.
Creede Underground Mining Museum
719 658-0811. 503 Forest Service Rd #9, Creede, CO 81130
27 miles northwest of South Fork. The Creede Underground Mining Museum is a mine tour that was created by retired hard rock miners who once worked for mining companies in the area and who blasted tunnels into the side of the mountain for this museum. Experienced miners describe not only the equipment but also the experience of working in the depths of a hard rock mine.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
888.286.2737. Antonito terminal: 5234 B Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120. Chama terminal: 500 Terrace Avenue, Chama, NM 87520.
53 miles south of South Fork. Experience the excitement of rugged, narrow gauge, coal-fired, steam powered mountain railroading on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. You will traverse 64 miles of unparalleled scenery as you climb from Antonito or Chama to the dining hall at Osier and on to your final terminal. Lunch is included of course. You will sense the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains as your train is handled by sure footed locomotives and able crews through tunnels, above deep gorges and over Cumbres Pass. This unique section of mountain railroad is owned by the states of New Mexico and Colorado and was designated a National Historic Landmark in October of 2012. It is truly a memorable experience not to be missed.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
970-247-2733. 479 Main Ave. Durango, CO 81301.
102 miles southwest of South Fork. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey.
Farm Tours
Thousands of years ago a glacier went raging across the land forming the largest alpine valley in the world, leaving behind some of the richest soil in the country. Here you will find a wide variety of crops grown each year including, Barley, Lettuce, Alfalfa, Potato’s and Carrots just to name a few. Some of the farms in the area offer tours of the facilities including the Rakhara Mushroom Farm, 719-589-5882, and the San Luis Valley Research Center that grows a wide variety of crops call 719-754-3594. Many farms also offer opportunities for hand picking your own potatoes and carrots in late summer to early fall.
Geocaching
Choose from more than 675 caches hidden within a 100-mile radius of the South Fork and Creede areas. Bring along your GPS unit and go on a geocaching treasure hunt in the amazingly beautiful surroundings of the Colorado Rockies.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
719-378-2312. 11500 Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146.
59 miles of South Fork. Visit this treasure of visual, geologic, and biological surprises - a high mountain valley holding the tallest sand dunes in North America that is flanked by some of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains.
Hard Tack Mine Tours & Museum
970-944-2506. County Road 20, Lake City, CO 81235.
45 miles northwest of South Fork. The Hard Tack Mine brings the unique history of mining to life. Underground mine tours, exhibits packed with mining history and machinery and a fantastic underground gift shop brimming with treasures. The mine is located on the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway, near the Hidden Treasure mill site and the ghost town of Treasure City.
Last Chance Mine
719-238-7959. Last Chance Mine Road, Creede, CO
19 miles northwest of South Fork. Travel back in time and visit this mine that was the last major strike in the Creede area.
Lookout Mountain
719-657-3718. PO Box 472 Del Norte, CO 81132.
Lookout Mountain is a USGS named summit at 8,475 feet. The Town of Del Norte owns part of the mountain, including the summit. Private land owners have donated trail easements to the town to help create the town’s Lookout Mountain Trails system. The non-motorized trails are open to hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians and provide diverse experiences. The more difficult one mile trail to the summit has an elevation gain of 600 feet with wonderful craggy switchbacks near the top. Its breathtaking summit view displays the entire San Luis Valley and the Upper Rio Grand corridor. Mid way and at the base of the mountain are nearly four miles of looping trails, which are easy to moderate in difficulty. They are flanked by sage, cedar, rabbit brush, prickly pear cactus, yucca, grama grass, Indian paintbrush, and many other wild flowers. The system of trails connects the town to BLM land on the south and to the Rio Grande Hospital and Medical Center on the west.
Mayflower Gold Mill
(970) 387-0294. 135 County Road 2, Silverton, CO 81433.
100 miles northwest of Silver Fork. A National Historic Landmark, this wonderful piece of mining history is open to the public. Witness first hand how the miners were able to extract gold, silver and base metals from the hard rock ores in this complete processing mill.
Mesa Verde National Park
800.449.2288. PO Box 277, Mancos, CO 81328.
Experience the largest archaeological preserve in the United States featuring cliff dwellings and artifacts of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway
(719) 539-4091. 24500 HWY 50 W, Salida, CO
59 miles east of South Fork. Astride the highest point on U.S. Highway 50, Monarch Crest Aerial Tramway offers visitors to "Colorado's High Country" an opportunity to ride to the top of the Continental Divide. There are vistas that must be seen to believe. From Pikes Peak in the east to Uncompahgre Peak in the west, the grandeur of Colorado presents itself.
Monarch Dog Sled Rides
719 640-9944. 22763 Highway 50, Monarch, CO 81227
62 miles north of South Fork. Looking for a unique and exhilarating experience? Monarch Dog Sled Rides provides exciting dog sled tours through the beautiful San Isabel National Forest located one mile south of the Monarch Mountain ski area!
Mountain Man Tours
719 658-2663. 702 S. Main Street, Creede, CO 81130
20 miles northwest of South Fork. Guided outdoor adventures on the Rio Grande Headwaters in Creede, Colorado.
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
(970) 387-5444. 721 County Road 4, Silverton, CO 81433
100 miles northwest of Silver Fork. Experience underground fun and adventure, pan for gold, ride the Mine Tram 1/3 mile into the heart of Galena Mountain near Silverton, Colorado.
Old Spanish Trail
This trail served as a trade route linking Sante Fe, NM and Los Angeles, CA used by fur, mule, and horse traders. The trail originated from trade routes used by Native Americans and Spanish colonization’s in the 1500’s After the Mexican war the trail was used less and less in favor of easier routes, to the north and south. More than 100 years after traffic along the trail has ended support for this rout as a national historic trail began in 1990. In December 2002 President George W. Bush signed S.R. 1926, designating the Old Spanish Trails Americas 15th National Historic Trail. For more information you can contact the Old Spanish Trail Association.
Ouray Ice Park
970-325-4288. P.O. Box 1058, Ouray, CO 81427
61 miles northwest of South Fork. The Ouray Ice Park (the Park) is a manmade ice climbing venue operated in a spectacular natural gorge just outside the town of Ouray, CO. It is home to more than 200 named ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-minute walk of the Park entrance.
Pagosa Hot Springs
800-225-0934 . 165 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
34 miles southwest of South Fork. Relax in the naturally hot, therapeutic mineral waters of the free-form hot springs pools overlooking the San Juan River.
Penitente Canyon
La Garita, CO.
27 miles northeast of South Fork. Penitente Canyon served as a place of worship for a small sect of the Catholic Church known as Los Hermanos Penitente. In some areas you can see historic/religious painting left behind on the rocks. Originally named for its seclusion over recent years this area has emerged as one of the states premier sport climbing areas. The Canyon and Rock Garden have fine bolted climbing routes with a difficulty level of 5.8 to 5.13. This area also includes Shaw Springs with 30 technical routes ranging in difficulty from 5.1 to 5.13. For more information, gear and gudebooks stop by the Casa De Madera Sports Shop in Del Norte or call 657-2723
Rio Grande Country
Information on attractions and activities in South Fork and the surrounding area.
Rio Grande County Museum
(719) 657-2847, (877) 365-9487. 580 Oak Street, Del Norte, CO 81132.
15 miles east of South Fork. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural and natural history of the area from the Indians and Hispanic settlers, the mountain men fur trappers and traders, to the later settlers who came in search of land, freedom, gold, and silver.
Rio Grande National Forest
Adjacent to South Fork. Including almost 2-million acres of public lands on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide the Rio Grande National Forest is the perfect setting for fishing, scenic driving tours, mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, hunting, photography and pure relaxation.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
877-726-7245. 610 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101.
45 miles east of South Fork. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is Colorado's newest train offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and over legendary La Veta pass on hundreds of miles of historic rail. Daily and weekend excursions offer riders a trip back in time on restored passenger cars that stop at historic towns, Great Sand Dunes National Park and connect with the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad.
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park
(970) 264-5546. 4821 Hwy 84, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
37 miles southwest of South Fork. Come and see native wildlife in a natural setting.
San Luis Valley
Southern Colorado’s beautiful San Luis Valley is one of the highest and largest intermountain valleys in the world. Bordered on the east by the steep and jagged Sangre de Cristo Mountains and on the west by the San Juan Mountains, this is the birthplace of the mighty Rio Grande River. Here visitors will find a variety of activities and natural wonders.
Silver Thread Interpretive Center
(719) 873-5512 ~ 1-800-571-0881. 28 Silver Thread Lane, South Fork, CO 81154
From South Fork, Colorado, begin the historic Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, a spectacular route that follows the winding Rio Grande to its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains.
Silverthread Scenic Byway
125 miles of breathtaking scenery, history, & wildlife viewing. The Byway ribbons over the Continental Divide through the quaint & historic communities of South Fork, Creede, and Lake City.
South Fork Chamber of Commerce
In South Fork. Great information about South Fork, Colorado.
Stone Quarry – 15 miles east of South Fork. Once a flourishing business in the valley this quarry provided much needed stone for a variety of historic buildings including the county court house. Visitors and still access this site which lies east of Del Norte and not only find 8 foot slabs of rock still strewn on the ground, but climb to the top of the site for a picturesque view of the San Luis Valley.
Summitville
Located about 36 miles south of South Fork and 25 miles south of Del Norte. Summitville is one of the most well preserved ghost town sites from the mining era. It ranks up there with Animas Forks, Ashcroft, and Tomboy. Two clearly definable rows of buildings still exist, and the worn roads are still visible. Located 11,000 feet above sea level, Summitville has had a rough 100-year history, which has given forth more than 7.5 million dollars worth of gold silver lead and copper. During it’s hey days this Town and Mine had six processing mills, stores, saloons, boarding houses, homes a school and slaughter house. Today the site is home to a multi million-dollar cleanup resulting from high levels of cyanide and arsenic in the soil, which was once used to extract the gold. Currently due to health dangers there is no direct access to the site, but visitors cans till see the remnants of the mine and the buildings.
Transportation of the West Museum in Monte Vista
(719) 849-0974 ~ (719) 849-9320. 916 First Avenue, Monte Vista, CO 81144
30 miles east of South Fork. Items on display include those of the horse and buggy days, the 1880s-1900s railroad, farming, sports, and numerous photographs.
Wheeler Geological Monument
20 miles northwest of South Fork. Incredibly picturesque example of geological pinnacles and spires in the La Garita Wilderness.
Wolf Creek Mountain Folk
(719) 588-3083. 9.5 Miles West of Southfork, 9.5 miles East of the Wolf Creek Ski area, on Highway 160 between mile marker 176 and 177.
Choose from a variety of mountain adventures including guided horseback rides, guided nature walks, carriage rides, sleigh rides, or campfire dinners.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
(970) 264-5639. Located 10,000 feet up at the top of Wolf Creek pass, on Hwy 160 between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, Colorado.
20 miles west of South fork. Enjoy a fantastic day of skiing and snowboarding at one of Colorado's oldest and finest alpine ski resorts whose trademark is "the most snow in Colorado!". Wolf Creek has 5 lifts, 50 trails and plenty of backcountry for the adventurous. Several sport shops are available in the area for rentals, equipment, clothing and novelties.
Zapata Falls
44 miles east of South Fork. Zapata Falls is a beautiful waterfall near Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. A short 0.5 mile hike (one way), the trail is popular for casual hikers and ends at the base of a creek, where one must travel through or on the creek (depending on the season), to waterfall in a tall rock crevasse. Zapata Falls is fueled by underground spring water and Zapata Lake, a high elevation lake far above in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. This is a unique place in the San Luis Valley that is a "must see" for those who love waterfalls.