Explore Recreation
Explore Recreation & Attraction Map: Below the map are detailed descriptions and a full guide of destination ideas for your visit to the greater South Fork Colorado area and beyond across the San Luis Valley. We hope to see you soon!
Outdoor Places
Wolf Creek Ski Area – 18.9 Miles
Silver Thread Scenic Byway, South Fork – 1 Miles
American Basin, 70 Miles
North Clear Creek Falls, 46 Miles
The Bachelor Loop, 23 Miles
Wheeler Geologic Area, 27 Miles
San Luis Peak 14’er – 31 Miles to Trailhead
Treasure Falls, Pagosa Springs – 36.2 Miles
Del Norte Trails, Del Norte – 17 Miles
Old Spanish Trail, Monte Vista – 17.2 Miles
Elephant Rocks – 29.9 Miles
Penitente Canyon, La Garita – 35.4 Miles
Natural Arch Trailhead, La Garita – 38.0 Miles
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge – 28.0 miles
Bishops Rock – 32.3 Miles
Rock Creek Park Rio Grande National Forest – 47.0 Miles
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway, Alamosa – 47.4 Miles
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge – 53.5 Miles
The Great Sand Dunes NP, Mosca – 74.0 Miles
Sangre de Cristo 14’ers – Various Mileage
Zapata Falls, Mosca – 74.0 Miles
Baca Grande National Wildlife Refuge – 82.4 Miles
Orient Mine, Hike & Bat Viewing – 74 Miles
Museums & Things to Do
Transportation of the West Museum, Monte Vista -30.0 Miles
Rio Grande County Museum, Del Norte – 16.8 Miles
Luther Bean Museum at ASU, Alamosa – 46.6 Miles
San Luis Valley History Museum, Alamosa – 47.7 Miles
Capilla de San Bautiste, La Garita – 40.4 Miles
Pfeiffer’s Grave and Freemont Camp, South Fork
Colorado Gators Reptile Park, Mosca – 54.4 Miles
UFO Watchtower, Hooper – 59.1 Miles
Saquache County Museum – 65.1 Miles
Jack Dempsey Museum, Manassa – 69.1 Miles
Summitville Gold Mine, Del Norte – 40.5 Miles
Museum in Ft Garland – 72.7 Miles
Narrow Gauge Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito – 74.1 Miles
Creede Repertory Theatre, Creede – 21.5 Miles
Underground Mining Museum, Creede – 21.8 Miles
Crestone Spiritual Center – 75.8 Miles
Stations of the Cross, San Luis – 88.2 Miles
Hot Springs
Splashland Hot Springs, Alamosa – 49.3 Miles
Sand Dunes Pool Hot Springs, Hooper – 59.3 Miles
Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Moffat – 80.6 Miles
Valley View Hot Springs – Moffat – 86.5 Miles
Pagosa Hot Springs – 42.5 miles
Rainbow Hot Springs – 25 miles
Noteable Events
Spring/Summer
Monte Vista Crane Festival, March
Mountain Film On Tour, Monte Vista, April
Rio Grande Club Golf Course Opens (ski & golf possible!) – South Fork, May
Taste of Creede – May
Summerfest on the Rio – Alamosa, June
The Market at South Fork – June through Sept.
Logger Days – South Fork, July
Annual July 3 Celebration – South Fork, July
Annual Arts & Crafts Fair– South Fork, July
Ski Hi Stampede – Monte Vista, July
Rhythms on the Rio – Del Norte, Aug.
South Fork Mushroom Foray – South Fork, Aug.
Covered Wagon Days – Del Norte, Aug.
Headwaters Music Festival – Creede, Aug.
Creede Rock & Mineral Show – Creede, Aug.
Fall/Winter
Alder Ass Pack Burro Race – South Fork, Sept.
Monte Vista Potato Festival, Monte Vista, Sept.
Silver Threaders Quilt Guild Show – Creede, Sept.
Mountain View Pow Wow – Monte Vista, Sept.
Fall Leaf Peeping – South Fork & Surrounding Areas, Sept/Oct
South Fork Par Fly Golf Tournament – South Fork, late Sept.
Kids Crane Festival – Monte Vista, Oct.
Wolf Creek Ski Area Opens – Nov.
Creede Chocolate Festival – Creede, Nov
South Fork Annual Yuletide Festival – South Fork, Nov.
Winterfest Arts & Craft Fair – South Fork, Nov.
Creede Pond Hockey Tournament – Creede, Jan.
Explore Recreation & Attraction Map: Below the map are detailed descriptions and a full guide of destination ideas for your visit to the greater South Fork Colorado area and beyond across the San Luis Valley. We hope to see you soon!
Outdoor Places
Wolf Creek Ski Area – 18.9 Miles
Silver Thread Scenic Byway, South Fork – 1 Miles
American Basin, 70 Miles
North Clear Creek Falls, 46 Miles
The Bachelor Loop, 23 Miles
Wheeler Geologic Area, 27 Miles
San Luis Peak 14’er – 31 Miles to Trailhead
Treasure Falls, Pagosa Springs – 36.2 Miles
Del Norte Trails, Del Norte – 17 Miles
Old Spanish Trail, Monte Vista – 17.2 Miles
Elephant Rocks – 29.9 Miles
Penitente Canyon, La Garita – 35.4 Miles
Natural Arch Trailhead, La Garita – 38.0 Miles
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge – 28.0 miles
Bishops Rock – 32.3 Miles
Rock Creek Park Rio Grande National Forest – 47.0 Miles
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway, Alamosa – 47.4 Miles
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge – 53.5 Miles
The Great Sand Dunes NP, Mosca – 74.0 Miles
Sangre de Cristo 14’ers – Various Mileage
Zapata Falls, Mosca – 74.0 Miles
Baca Grande National Wildlife Refuge – 82.4 Miles
Orient Mine, Hike & Bat Viewing – 74 Miles
Museums & Things to Do
Transportation of the West Museum, Monte Vista -30.0 Miles
Rio Grande County Museum, Del Norte – 16.8 Miles
Luther Bean Museum at ASU, Alamosa – 46.6 Miles
San Luis Valley History Museum, Alamosa – 47.7 Miles
Capilla de San Bautiste, La Garita – 40.4 Miles
Pfeiffer’s Grave and Freemont Camp, South Fork
Colorado Gators Reptile Park, Mosca – 54.4 Miles
UFO Watchtower, Hooper – 59.1 Miles
Saquache County Museum – 65.1 Miles
Jack Dempsey Museum, Manassa – 69.1 Miles
Summitville Gold Mine, Del Norte – 40.5 Miles
Museum in Ft Garland – 72.7 Miles
Narrow Gauge Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito – 74.1 Miles
Creede Repertory Theatre, Creede – 21.5 Miles
Underground Mining Museum, Creede – 21.8 Miles
Crestone Spiritual Center – 75.8 Miles
Stations of the Cross, San Luis – 88.2 Miles
Hot Springs
Splashland Hot Springs, Alamosa – 49.3 Miles
Sand Dunes Pool Hot Springs, Hooper – 59.3 Miles
Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Moffat – 80.6 Miles
Valley View Hot Springs – Moffat – 86.5 Miles
Pagosa Hot Springs – 42.5 miles
Rainbow Hot Springs – 25 miles
Noteable Events
Spring/Summer
Monte Vista Crane Festival, March
Mountain Film On Tour, Monte Vista, April
Rio Grande Club Golf Course Opens (ski & golf possible!) – South Fork, May
Taste of Creede – May
Summerfest on the Rio – Alamosa, June
The Market at South Fork – June through Sept.
Logger Days – South Fork, July
Annual July 3 Celebration – South Fork, July
Annual Arts & Crafts Fair– South Fork, July
Ski Hi Stampede – Monte Vista, July
Rhythms on the Rio – Del Norte, Aug.
South Fork Mushroom Foray – South Fork, Aug.
Covered Wagon Days – Del Norte, Aug.
Headwaters Music Festival – Creede, Aug.
Creede Rock & Mineral Show – Creede, Aug.
Fall/Winter
Alder Ass Pack Burro Race – South Fork, Sept.
Monte Vista Potato Festival, Monte Vista, Sept.
Silver Threaders Quilt Guild Show – Creede, Sept.
Mountain View Pow Wow – Monte Vista, Sept.
Fall Leaf Peeping – South Fork & Surrounding Areas, Sept/Oct
South Fork Par Fly Golf Tournament – South Fork, late Sept.
Kids Crane Festival – Monte Vista, Oct.
Wolf Creek Ski Area Opens – Nov.
Creede Chocolate Festival – Creede, Nov
South Fork Annual Yuletide Festival – South Fork, Nov.
Winterfest Arts & Craft Fair – South Fork, Nov.
Creede Pond Hockey Tournament – Creede, Jan.
Explore Recreation & Attraction Map: Below the map are detailed descriptions and a full guide of destination ideas for your visit to the greater South Fork Colorado area and beyond across the San Luis Valley. We hope to see you soon!
Outdoor Places
Wolf Creek Ski Area – 18.9 Miles
Silver Thread Scenic Byway, South Fork – 1 Miles
American Basin, 70 Miles
North Clear Creek Falls, 46 Miles
The Bachelor Loop, 23 Miles
Wheeler Geologic Area, 27 Miles
San Luis Peak 14’er – 31 Miles to Trailhead
Treasure Falls, Pagosa Springs – 36.2 Miles
Del Norte Trails, Del Norte – 17 Miles
Old Spanish Trail, Monte Vista – 17.2 Miles
Elephant Rocks – 29.9 Miles
Penitente Canyon, La Garita – 35.4 Miles
Natural Arch Trailhead, La Garita – 38.0 Miles
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge – 28.0 miles
Bishops Rock – 32.3 Miles
Rock Creek Park Rio Grande National Forest – 47.0 Miles
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway, Alamosa – 47.4 Miles
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge – 53.5 Miles
The Great Sand Dunes NP, Mosca – 74.0 Miles
Sangre de Cristo 14’ers – Various Mileage
Zapata Falls, Mosca – 74.0 Miles
Baca Grande National Wildlife Refuge – 82.4 Miles
Orient Mine, Hike & Bat Viewing – 74 Miles
Museums & Things to Do
Transportation of the West Museum, Monte Vista -30.0 Miles
Rio Grande County Museum, Del Norte – 16.8 Miles
Luther Bean Museum at ASU, Alamosa – 46.6 Miles
San Luis Valley History Museum, Alamosa – 47.7 Miles
Capilla de San Bautiste, La Garita – 40.4 Miles
Pfeiffer’s Grave and Freemont Camp, South Fork
Colorado Gators Reptile Park, Mosca – 54.4 Miles
UFO Watchtower, Hooper – 59.1 Miles
Saquache County Museum – 65.1 Miles
Jack Dempsey Museum, Manassa – 69.1 Miles
Summitville Gold Mine, Del Norte – 40.5 Miles
Museum in Ft Garland – 72.7 Miles
Narrow Gauge Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito – 74.1 Miles
Creede Repertory Theatre, Creede – 21.5 Miles
Underground Mining Museum, Creede – 21.8 Miles
Crestone Spiritual Center – 75.8 Miles
Stations of the Cross, San Luis – 88.2 Miles
Hot Springs
Splashland Hot Springs, Alamosa – 49.3 Miles
Sand Dunes Pool Hot Springs, Hooper – 59.3 Miles
Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Moffat – 80.6 Miles
Valley View Hot Springs – Moffat – 86.5 Miles
Pagosa Hot Springs – 42.5 miles
Rainbow Hot Springs – 25 miles
noteable events
Spring/Summer
Monte Vista Crane Festival, March
Mountain Film On Tour, Monte Vista, April
Rio Grande Club Golf Course Opens (ski & golf possible!) – South Fork, May
Taste of Creede – May
Summerfest on the Rio – Alamosa, June
The Market at South Fork – June through Sept.
Logger Days – South Fork, July
Annual July 3 Celebration – South Fork, July
Annual Arts & Crafts Fair– South Fork, July
Ski Hi Stampede – Monte Vista, July
Rhythms on the Rio – Del Norte, Aug.
South Fork Mushroom Foray – South Fork, Aug.
Covered Wagon Days – Del Norte, Aug.
Headwaters Music Festival – Creede, Aug.
Creede Rock & Mineral Show – Creede, Aug.
Fall/Winter
Alder Ass Pack Burro Race – South Fork, Sept.
Monte Vista Potato Festival, Monte Vista, Sept.
Silver Threaders Quilt Guild Show – Creede, Sept.
Mountain View Pow Wow – Monte Vista, Sept.
Fall Leaf Peeping – South Fork & Surrounding Areas, Sept/Oct
South Fork Par Fly Golf Tournament – South Fork, late Sept.
Kids Crane Festival – Monte Vista, Oct.
Wolf Creek Ski Area Opens – Nov.
Creede Chocolate Festival – Creede, Nov
South Fork Annual Yuletide Festival – South Fork, Nov.
Winterfest Arts & Craft Fair – South Fork, Nov.
Creede Pond Hockey Tournament – Creede, Jan.
Explore More…
Wolf Creek Ski Area Here visitors can enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding on 1600 acres of terrain for beginners and experienced downhill skiers, and snowboarders. Wolf Creek has 5 lifts, 50 trails and plenty of back-country for the adventurous. Several sport shops are available in the South Fork area for rentals, equipment, clothing and novelties.
Rafting Choose either a gentle, smooth ride on slow moving waters, or the excitement of white water, all of which can be found along the Rio Grande River. No matter what you pick, you are insured breath taking views. Guided raft trips are offered by Mountain Man Rafting on class I and II rapids. Unguided float trips are also offered 8200 Sports, Rocky Mtn. Ski & Raft.
Historic Summitville Gold Mines Located 11,000ft 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 its hay days this town and mine had six processing mills, stores, saloons, boarding houses, homes, a school and slaughter house. However, 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. Due to health dangers there is no direct access to the site, but visitors can still see the remnants of the mine and the buildings. Makes a great driving tour through the mountains. More on Summitville
Year-Round Fishing With an array of rivers, streams, creeks and lakes, South Fork is a serene paradise for fishing enthusiasts. The pristine Rio Grande boasts over 30 miles of designated “Gold Medal Waters” that have yielded plenty of record-breaking trout over the years. Plus, more than 13 lakes and a multitude of streams & creeks available within 20 minutes of town. Winter affords opportunity for ice fishing on several lakes in the area, the most popular are Beaver Creek Reservoir or Big Meadows.
Silver Thread Scenic Byway The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is 75 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. A mile post guide book of the Byway and its points of interest are available along the route. Don’t miss the turn for North Clear Creek Falls. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Colorado!.
Rio Grande National Forest Covering nearly 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.
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge 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 American Avocets, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Egrets, Herons. Sandhill Cranes, Mallards, Canada Geese, a variety of raptors and more. March and October are the north & south migration times for the Sandhill Cranes and many other bird species. Spectators will find the best time to watch and learn about cranes is during the annual Crane Festival each March in Monte Vista, when tens of thousands stop at the refuge to rest and refuel. The festival offers guided refuge tours, films, education classes, bird counts and a craft & nature fair.
Golf With 2 courses in Rio Grande County and several others in the neighboring communities you are sure to find a hole in one any day of the week from May to October. The Rio Grande Club located in South Fork is a semi private/public 18 hole championship course- amenities include driving range, pro-shop, fitness and exercise facilities, putting green, restaurant and bar. Monte Vista Golf Course is a municipal 9-hole regulation course with driving range, club rentals, pro-shop, lessons, RV-sites and memberships.
Hiking From the open valley floor to the surrounding mountain tops, we have a variety of terrain, scenery and ability levels available on more than 50 trails in the area. The Del Norte Trail Organization is a group of like-minded individuals who want sustainable world-class trail experiences in Rio Grande County and the Western San Luis Valley, working to improve, expand and connect our regional trail systems. For specific trail information please contact South Fork, Del Norte, or Monte Vista for descriptions and maps. The Silver Thread Outdoor Recreation Club sponsors group hikes from the South Fork Visitors Center each week, and love to take new comers along. See the Calendar. Trail Maps are available.
Mountain Biking Thousands of miles of multi use forest service trails & access roads are always available for riding, or try any of the 35 trails in the area. The trails and roads range from beginner to advanced terrain. The Del Norte Trail Organization is a group of like-minded individuals who want sustainable world-class trail experiences in Rio Grande County and the Western San Luis Valley, working to improve, expand and connect our regional trail systems.
Fall Colors Mother Nature provides us with thousands of miles of forest service access roads that will take you into the depths of the Rio Grande National Forest where you will find yellows, oranges, and reds as the temperatures changes and winter starts is journey to the area. Colors can be seen the starting the second week of September with peak season near the end of the month and the first of October. Hiking, Mtn. Biking and ATV trails also provide great access to the forest for viewing colors. However, for those who want to stay on paved roads there are also plenty of alternatives for viewing the amazing colors that splash the mountains throughout the area. Including Wolf Creek Pass, Pinos Creek, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and more Fall Foliage Driving Tours
Four-Wheeling (Jeeps, ATV’s, Dirt bikes) Surrounded by 2 million acres of National Forest opportunity abounds with endless miles of forest service roads and trails to wander down. ATV’s and dirt bikes can also find adventure on any of the 8 trails located in the area. Please consult a current forest service map for open roads and trails. The Silver Thread Outdoor Recreation Club takes group rides from the South Fork Visitors Center. They welcome anyone to join them on a ride for great scenery, friendship and tons of fun. FREE TRAIL MAPS ARE AVAILABLE. However, we also strongly recommend serious travelers purchase a Rio Grande Forest Service map for the most current details.
ATV/UTV Trails More Information
Jeep Off Roading More Information
Horseback Riding Get up close & personal with the beauty & rugged nature of the land from the back of a magnificent animal, the horse. Options include hourly, daily & overnight specialty trips. Please contact our local guides for further information.
Camping Tents, RV’s or sleeping under the stars, no matter what your choice, camping is easy in Rio Grande County. We have 10 National Forest campgrounds and numerous privately owned RV parks and campgrounds in the area. For a complete lodging list, click here.
Snowmobiling Whether you rent or bring your own machine, you will find over 255 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails courtesy of our two snowmobile clubs, plus plenty of open meadows and steep hill climbs, for both beginners and advanced riders. Guide services are available in the area. Other winter activities include: Snowshoeing, Sleigh rides, Sledding, and Snowcat tours. For more information on trail conditions, snow levels, and group rides please contact the Powder Busters or the Silver Thread Outdoor Recreation Club. FREE TRAIL MAPS ARE AVAILABLE at the South Fork Visitor Center!
View our popular places to play
Ice Climbing A relatively new sport to the area, many enjoy climbing on any of the waterfalls in the area as well as ice walls that form on the rocks located on Wolf Creek pass and Near Big Meadow Reservoir.
Hunting Elk, deer, moose, and bear are just some of the big game that can be hunted in the beautiful mountains. Starting in August, you can take a chance with your bow and arrow or try one of the rifle seasons starting in October. Small game such as water fowl foxes, and rabbits can be hunted throughout the year. Many game units are readily accessible for Rio Grande County Including 76, 79 and 80. More about Hunting in the Surrounding Greater South Fork Area.
Pfeiffer’s Grave and Freemont’s Camp Colonel Pfeiffer was a tough but understanding man during a time when no white man was trusted by Native Americans, however through his kind heart he was taken into their community and buried with honor. Freemont’s Camp is the site of an ill-fated group of settlers caught by snowstorms and stranded in the San Juan Mountains. Freemont Camp Trail #885
Natural Arch, Wagon Trails, and Elephant Rocks The Natural Arch was formed by the action of wind, rain and weather on a volcanic dome. The Elephant Rocks are part of the Fish Canyon tuff; volcanic ash welded together over time and has been determined to be at least 28.8 million years old. While the origin of the Wagon tracks is still greatly debated it is believed that these tracks were cut into the soft volcanic tuff by the action of Conestoga wagon wheels. More Info
Penitente Canyon “Rock Climbing” 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 state’s premier sport climbing areas. The Canyon and Rock Garden has a variety of 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. Also Penitente Canyon is home to Mountain Biking, Hiking and a Small Camping Area.
Rio Grande County Museum Located in Del Norte, which is also the county seat, the museum is open year round. Started in 1961 the museum moved to its current location on Oak Street in 1987 where it now features a gallery of contemporary as well as historic exhibits. Including Native American rock art, History on Hispanic settlers, horno baking, fur trappers, the search for land, freedom, gold and silver. Other museums in the area include: Transportation of the West Museum, in Monte Vista, Home Lake Veterans Center Museum
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 including 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 route as a national historic trail began in 1990. In December 2002 President George W. Bush signed S.R. 1926, designating the Old Spanish Trails America’s 15th National Historic Trail.
Farm Tours – Mushrooms and Potatoes 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, Potatoes and Carrots just to name a few. Some of the farms in the area offer tours of the facilities plus the San Luis Valley Research Center that grows a wide variety of crops. Many farms also offer opportunities for hand picking your own potatoes and carrots in late summer to early fall.
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 museums, cultural centers, activities and natural wonders to spark the mind including the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Lookout Mountain Lookout Mountains 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 Grande 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 trails also connect the town to BLM land on the south and to the Rio Grande Hospital and Medical Center on the west.
Stone Quarry 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.
South Fork Colorado offers more recreation opportunities than you can fit in one visit!