South Fork, Colorado is located at the junction of the Rio Grande River and its South Fork. In the middle of town is the intersection of Highways 160 and 149 which is the beginning of the historic Silver Thread National Scenic Byway. This route follows the Rio Grande River to its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains. Stops along this byway reveal the region’s historic past. There are also “dude ranches” to visit in the area.
The town of South Fork has become a bustling tourist and recreation area. In fact, the area of the Rio Grande above Creede through South Fork to Del Norte is known as the high-country angler’s paradise, particularly the area between South Fork and Del Norte. This area has been designated as Gold Medal Trout Water for having the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. And for both the new and old duffer, shooting for par on the Rio Grande Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course is a memorable experience.
The mountains around Wolf Creek Pass offer year-round activities. In the winter, whether you are a beginner or experienced skier, you’ll love the perfect powdered slopes at Wolf Creek Ski Area. Besides the esthetic beauty of this area, whether driving or hiking in the mountains, there’s a good chance you’ll get to observe deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a bobcat or a bear! Hiking and hunting in the Rio Grande National Forest is an awesome experience.
Just 22 miles from South Fork is Creede, CO which is a former mining town which was once capable of producing a million dollars of silver ore in a single month. One of the unusual attractions of this picturesque town is an underground fire station. In fact, this entire town has been declared a National Historic District.
More traditional entertainment in Creede is its renowned Repertory Theatre which is nationally acclaimed. Shows include musicals, comedies, classic drams, musical events, children’s shows, and Improv. It presents six productions in daily rotation, meaning that you can enjoy a different show each day.
There are several historic venues to visit such as the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad which is a fantastic example of early rail travel in North America during the steam locomotive era. Though that era has long past, you can relive what it was like to travel over high trestles, through tunnels, and over gaping gorges while experiencing the gorgeous views. One route of this historic railroad includes a stop atAlamosa, CO.
Near Alamosa is the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. The Dunes are the product of erosion of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains that encircle the San Luis Valley. The dunes are formed by prevailing winds from one direction blowing sand into winds from the opposite direction where the sand then falls to the valley floor and are held in place by water flowing from the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Though the dunes are stable because of the moisture content, they are ever changing on the surface due to varying wind directions.
Located near Hooper, CO, in the San Luis Valley, there is a natural pool where once an exploratory oil well was drilled. However, the drilling struck water in a thermal fault rather than oil and the result is the San Dune Pool, or the Hooper Pool. With a stunning view of the Great Sand Dune National Monument and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, this outdoor pool and family swimming area is open year round. The heated water in this swimming pool is maintained at 98 to 100 degrees, depending on the season.
Also in the San Luis Valley, in Mosca, CO, families can enjoy a visit to the Colorado Gator Farm, an exotic animal rescue facility that makes full use of natural surroundings while providing educational fun to the whole family. Besides alligators, they have Nile Crocodiles, rattlesnakes, giant pythons, ostriches, emus, and a working fish farm. Scheduled events run from March through December.
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