South Fork, Colorado, is a small town in Rio Grande County, Colorado, with a population of 500 as of the 2022 census. Located at the confluence of the South Fork and Rio Grande rivers, South Fork is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
In This Article
TL;DR
- South Fork was founded in 1882 and became a statutory town in 1992, making it the youngest statutory town in Colorado.
- The town's economy has shifted from forestry and mining to tourism in recent decades.
- South Fork offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, hunting, biking, golfing, wildlife viewing, camping, and skiing.
History and Geography
South Fork was once a site for timber milling operations and was founded in 1882, coinciding with the construction of the Rio Grande Western Railroad line to Creede. The town achieved independent statutory status in 1992, making it the youngest statutory town in the state.
Geographically, South Fork is situated at 37°40_09″N 106°38_34″W, with a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km), all of which is land. The town lies at the foot of Wolf Creek Pass, which is home to the Wolf Creek Ski Resort.
Economy and Demographics
While forestry and mining were once the primary economic activities in South Fork, tourism has overtaken these industries in recent decades. The town has about 600 permanent residents but experiences a substantial increase in population during the summer months due to seasonal residents and visitors.
Outdoor Recreation
South Fork is an outdoor adventure center offering a wide range of activities for nature enthusiasts:
- Fishing: The Rio Grande between South Fork and Del Norte has been designated Gold Medal trout water, offering excellent opportunities for trophy trout fishing and fly fishing. Ice fishing is also fun during wintertime.
- Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding mountains are home to deer, elk, grouse, ptarmigan, bighorn sheep, snowshoe rabbits, and occasional sightings of bears, bobcats, and cougars.
- Other Activities: Visitors can enjoy biking, golfing, hunting, Jeep and ATV tours, camping, and skiing at the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Here are a few locations for outdoor activities near South Fork in Southern Colorado:
- Rio Grande National Forest
- Rio Grande River
- San Luis Valley
- Monte Vista
- Pagosa Springs Hot Springs
- Weminuche Wilderness
- Continental Divide Trail
- San Juan Mountains
Nearby Attractions
South Fork is located near several other attractions in the region:
- Del Norte: This town, first inhabited by the Folsom Peoples 10,000 years ago, has a rich history and is known for its moderate high desert climate.
- Summitville: This old mining town is home to the tale of the Frenchman's Treasure, which tells of 300 French miners who discovered a mountain of gold but met with misfortune.
- Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway: This scenic route begins at South Fork, continues through Wagon Wheel Gap and Creede, and ends at Lake City.
Lodging
There are various places to stay in and around South Fork. There are options such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, and resorts. Here are a few options:
- Wolf Creek Ski Resort
- The Spruce Lodge
- Riverside Meadows Cabins
- Rainbow Lodge & RV Park
- Tiny Timbers Resort & Coffee Bistro
- Grandview Cabins & RV Resort
- Lower Beaver Creek Campground
- Upper Beaver Creek Campground
FAQ
What outdoor activities can I enjoy in South Fork?
South Fork offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, hunting, biking, golfing, wildlife viewing, Jeep and ATV tours, and skiing at the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Is South Fork a good destination for fishing?
Yes, the Rio Grande between South Fork and Del Norte has been designated Gold Medal trout water, which means it offers excellent opportunities for trophy trout fishing.
What is the population of South Fork?
As of the 2022 census, South Fork had a population of 500 permanent residents. However, the town experiences a substantial increase in population during the summer months due to seasonal residents and visitors.
When was South Fork founded?
South Fork was founded in 1882, coinciding with the construction of the Rio Grande Western Railroad line to Creede. The town achieved independent statutory status in 1992, making it the youngest statutory town in Colorado.
What are some attractions near South Fork?
Some nearby attractions include the towns of Del Norte and Summitville, as well as the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway, which begins at South Fork and continues through Wagon Wheel Gap and Creede, ending at Lake City.
