20 Attractions to Explore Near South Fork Rio Grande

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is Colorado's newest train offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and over legendary LaVeta pass on hundreds of miles of historic rail. The train travels on the tracks that were laid in 1878 to bring supplies into the San Luis Valley and ship agricultural and mining products out. You can relive the golden age of railroads through miles of unspoiled Colorado territory, all the while learning about the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas

The Rio Grande National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in a forested ring around the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. It is located in southcentral Colorado and remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. There are four officially designated wilderness areas lying within Rio Grande National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. All of them extend partially into neighboring National Forests.

The South Fork of the Rio Grande is a tributary of the Rio Grande that flows through southwestern Colorado. The river originates in the San Juan Mountains and flows through the towns of South Fork and Del Norte before joining the Rio Grande near Alamosa. The South Fork is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and rafting. The section of the river between South Fork and Del Norte is designated as a Gold Medal Fishery by the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

Rio Grande National Forest comprises 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. It’s one of the more secluded national forests in the state and is located near Pagosa Springs and the town of Creede. It forms the scenic backdrop to the San Luis Valley. With a landscape of high peaks, geological wonders, and steep river canyons, the spectacular scenery beckons adventures from near and far.

Wolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,966 feet and is traversed by U.S. Highway 160. The road over the pass provides access to the Wolf Creek Ski Area and the towns of Pagosa Springs and South Fork. The pass lies within the Rio Grande National Forest and is popular with hikers, campers, and fishermen. The area around the pass is home to an abundance of wildlife.

The ski area is situated in the San Juan Mountains and is known for its high annual snowfall of 441 inches, which creates one of the longest ski seasons in the United States. The ski area spans four mountain peaks - Wolf Creek Pass, Ptarmigan Peak, Treasure Mountain, and Conejos Peak - and offers 12 lifts, 95 trails, and 1,600 acres of skiable terrain. Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes of Treasure Mountain, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the steeps of Conejos Peak.

The Summitville Mine is located in Rio Grande county, Colorado. The site was first mined in 1864 for gold, silver, and lead, and continued to be mined sporadically until the early 1990s. In 1992, the mine was purchased by a Canadian company with the intention of using cyanide leaching to extract gold from the ore. However, the operation was not well managed, and resulting environmental problems led to the mine being declared a Superfund site in 1994.

Wheeler Geologic Area is a preservation area located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The area is known for its striking geological features, including hoodoos, human-like figures made of rock, and a variety of other sedimentary formations, and interesting geology, which includes a variety of volcanic rocks, as well as minerals and fossils. The area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976, and it is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Bennett Peak is one of the many beautiful mountains in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It is known for its stunning views of the sangre de cristo mountains, as well as its proximity to the rio grande river. The peak is also a popular hiking destination, with several trails leading to the top. Despite its relatively small size, Bennett Peak is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

La Garita Caldera is a huge volcanic crater in southwest Colorado, about 45 miles wide. It is one of the largest known volcanoes on Earth. Today, the caldera is mostly filled with sedimentary rock, but it still has active geothermal features such as hot springs and fumaroles. The caldera is also home to a number of rare plants and animals. The caldera is located within the La Garita Wilderness area, and it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

The Rio Grande National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in a forested ring around the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. It encompasses the San Luis Valley, which is the world's largest agricultural alpine valley, as well as one of the world's largest high deserts located around mountains.

Halfmoon Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Saguache County, situated at an elevation of 12,059 feet and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area around the pass is popular with hikers, campers, and mountain bikers, and it is also a popular destination for backcountry skiers. Halfmoon Pass is one of several high mountain passes in Colorado that remain open year-round, and it provides access to a number of beautiful alpine lakes.

Elwood Pass is located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. It is a dirt road that runs for approximately 2.5 miles between the towns of Meeker and Rangely. The pass was originally used by ranchers and farmers to transport their goods between the two towns. Today, Elwood Pass is used primarily by recreationists. It is a popular route for fishing, camping, and hiking. The scenery along the pass is beautiful, with towering mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear streams.

Treasure Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Mineral County. The falls are created by the Treasure Falls Creek, which flows over a cliff of granite. The falls are about 100 feet tall and provide a stunning view for hikers and climbers in the area. There are several trails leading to the falls, and the area is also popular for camping, picnicking, and fishing. Visitors can view the falls from a platform at the top of the cliff or from the bottom of the pool.

East Fork San Juan River is a tributary of the San Juan River in southern Colorado in the United States. The stream flows from the confluence of Crater Creek and Elwood Creek in Mineral County to a confluence with the West Fork San Juan River in Archuleta County that forms the San Juan River.

Montezuma Peak is a Class 2 peak in the South San Juan Wilderness, with a trailhead accessible to most passenger vehicles. It is one of the iconic location with breathtaking views and also there are so many things to see and do.

Summit Peak is the highest peak in the beautiful, eastern San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It is the monarch of the South San Juan Range.The mountain is the highest point in the South San Juan Wilderness.

La Garita Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area established in 1980 and covers a total of 37,000 acres. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain, as well as its abundant wildlife. Visitors to the region can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. It is also home to several rare plant and animal species, including the Gunnison sage grouse. With its diverse landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities, this Wilderness is a cherished natural treasure.

Weminuche Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Colorado with several peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. The landscape is diverse, with forests, meadows, lakes, and alpine areas. There are several hundred miles of trails within the wilderness, providing opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. In addition to its natural beauty, the Wilderness is also rich in history. It was once home to the Ute people and later served as a hideout for outlaws.

West Fork San Juan River is a tributary of the San Juan River in southern Colorado in the United States. The stream flows from a source near South River Peak in Mineral County to a confluence with the East Fork San Juan River in Archuleta County that forms the San Juan River.