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A Trip to Powder Country

2023-09-08T20:00:44+00:00

Plan a Weekend in South Fork, Colorado

Download our 2024
Winter Adventure Guide

Download our 2024
Family Winter Guide

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xqPAbUSyiq0

Why rent from Local Shops?

Pick up rentals the day before so you hit the slopes early and skip the lines!
Get the best rates from our local shops
Our shops also rent XC Skis, Sleds and Snowshoes

Why Ski Wolf Creek?

Affordable Lift Tickets ($85 Adult/$42 Child)
Most Snow in Colorado, season after season (430" per year)
Fewer People: A low-density skiing experience is ideal for powder hounds, families and new skiers

Map Copywrite B4Studio, LLC

Beaver Creek Reservoir

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Classic Rocky Mountains

Encompassing 102 acres within Rio Grande County, the Beaver Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area beckons as a captivating outdoor recreation area, renowned for its fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping opportunities. Its scenic expanse features sandy beaches and rugged shores. The historic Beaver Creek Reservoir Dam, with over a century of history, holds immense importance in the water management of the San Luis Valley. In the 2010s, notable enhancements were undertaken by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, followed with regular reservoir fish stocking ever since.

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Features of the Recreational Site

Campgrounds: Three campgrounds provide access to the reservoir. Cross Creek is closest (12 sites with tables and fireplaces; access to vault toilet). Upper Beaver Creek and Lower Beaver Creek are nearby.
OHV riders will enjoy the staging areas and access to nearby Cross Creek Trail.
Fishing: Endless reservoir banks and boating options allow anglers to cast for rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon.
Boaters have use of a concrete boat ramp to gain access to more than 4,400 acre-feet of water. No wakes are allowed, trolling motors are okay. Canoes and float tubes are allowed. Learn More
Winter Recreation: South Fork's favorite sled hill is located on the upper end of the reservoir and it's a favorite location for local ice fishing.

To Acces the water at Beaver Creek Reservior State Wildlife Area:
All visitors aged 16+ are required to purchase a State Wildlife Area pass
or carry a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license!

Giant Fir Tree

Hikers of all ages will enjoy the 1/2 mile hike up Cross Creek Trail 512 on the south end of the reservoir. This trail offers a straightforward hike through picturesque meadows and into the alpine forests, leading to the Rio Grande National Forest's largest fir tree. While it doesn't rival the towering redwoods of the west coast, this tree is a distinctive marvel within Colorado. Its stunted top hints at a past encounter with lightning, adding to its allure. The trail is ideal for hiking between May and November, while winter visitors can access it with snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Photo of Giant Fir Tree courtesy of the South Fork Silver Threaders; photo by Michael David Lick

To Get There

Go south of town on Hwy 160 and turn left on Beaver Creek Road. Follow this road for 7 miles to the Beaver Creek Reservoir. Fish, boat or just admire the scenery. Great creek fishing stretches below the dam for several miles. Continue on this road another 13 miles to Poage Lake. A short 1/4-mile hike gets you to the banks of the picturesque lake. Back-track to the turnoff, and the route also continues on to Summitville and loops back through Del Norte, for a full day’s trip.

Nearby Shaw Lake and Hunter's Lake

Depending on road conditions, you may choose to continue past Big Meadows for 3 miles to Shaw Lake. If you still have a few hours of daylight, drive an additional 11 miles to the parking area for a short walk into Hunter’s Lake. A nice 1-mile hiking trail circles the lake and gives fishermen access to the trout swimming in its waters.

Cross Creek Campground & Picnic Area Boating Site The Reservoir

Big Meadows Reservoir

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Into the High Country

This State Wildlife Area is a delight to campers, fisherman, hikers, and boaters alike, and is a state wildlife area, where deer, bear and moose are easy to spot.

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Features of the Recreational Site

The Campground: The campground meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir in a series of 3 loops. Sites offer campfire ring, picnic tables, and access to toilets and drinking water. No electricty.
Learn More and Book a Site
Hikers and horseback riders will enjoy the nearby, 6-mile Archuleta Trail, that gives access to the Weminuche Wilderness
Fishing: Endless reservoir banks and an accessible fishing pier, located on the north shore of the reservoir, allows anglers to cast for rainbow, brown and brook trout.
Boaters have use of a boat ramp to gain access to more than 600 acres of water. No wakes are allowed, trolling motors are okay. Canoes and float tubes are allowed.

To Acces the water at Big Meadows Reservior:
All visitors aged 16+ are required to purchase a State Wildlife Area pass
or carry a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license!

To Get There

Take Hwy 160 southwest of town 12 miles and turn right on FSR 410 to Big Meadows Reservoir, a 600-acre lake with a spillway waterfall, boat ramp, fishing pier and amenities.

Nearby Shaw Lake and Hunter's Lake

Campground & Picnic Area Boating Site The Reservoir

Ice Fishing

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Several of the most popular summer spots for fishing make for great ice fishing, too. Beaver Creek Reservoir, Big Meadows Reservoir and Road Canyon Reservoir west of Creede are a few that freeze over sufficiently for safe access. Some equipment and snowmobiles can be rented in town.

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Map Copywrite B4Studio, LLC

Kids Activities

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Disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your kids!

South Fork offers numerous attractions and activities that make it an excellent destination for a family vacation. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly events and festivals, parents will find plenty to keep kids busy! Most area ccomodations and dining options cater to groups and children, making vacations stress-free.

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Go Horseback Riding

Imagine you are a child from the Ute Tribe: you have just traded the Spaniards for your first horse and now venture out to explore the area’s backcountry. Many of the hunting and traveling trails used by natives are still used today, and most offer the same view from the saddle you would have seen hundreds of years ago! Cottonwood Cove and Freemon’s Ranch offer guided trips. Learn More

Hike a Trail, any Trail

We suggest the 1/2 mile hike from Million Reservoir, a hike around Big Meadows Reservoir (2 miles), or a hike to the Largest Fir Tree in the Rio Grande Forest (1/3 mile) near Beaver Creek Reservoir.

Sit around a Campfire at Tucker Ponds

Roast a marshmallow, tell a ghost story, or marvel at the vast expanse of stars overhead.

Ice Skate in Town

Gear up for an afternoon skate and Bonfire! Rickle Park is located right in town, and its skate shack holds free-to-use hockey and figure skates. Town puts on a big bonfire every Saturday evening, complete with music, hot drinks, and pick-up hockey games! A small sledding hill is perfect for those who need a skate-break. Learn More

Visit Creede for the Afternoon

Creede is best known for two things: silver mining and live theatre. Get a taste of both in an afternoon: Become a miner for a few hours in the Underground Mining Museum. Enter mine shafts bored into the cliff face, wander through tunnels mined from solid rock, and visit with former hard-rock miners! Next, visit the Creede Repertory Theatre for an award-winning show. Specifically look for the adventurous and entertaining KID Show or a seasonal general audience show. Check their website for kid-specific camps and events!

More Fun Things to Do with the Youngsters

Sled down a Mountain
Ice Skate
Learn to Fish

Become a Wolf Creek Wolf Pup
Raft the Rio Grande
Play Lumberjack or Cowboy

Railbike
See a Show
Take Bikes Out on the Trail
Picnic at Big Meadows

https://youtu.be/Hr-u5bnd-k0?si=wEjNzrqCkhrxjkPk

https://youtu.be/_CgDbYuGzB8?si=jOKvkwe22w6hz2d9

https://youtu.be/z5Pm-E-fcw8?si=lTphMfYBTkbXmw0P

Nordic Ski / Snowshoe

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Because of the area’s plentiful snow and wide variety of terrain, those who prefer less-developed places to ski have a bounty of options. Local outdoor clubs groom trails perfect for snowshoers and will link cross-country skiers to the freshest back-country available. Both adventurous and inexperienced snow bunnies will find something to their liking.

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Know Before You Go

Tell Someone: Where you’re going When you’ll be back
Buy a Search & Rescue Card ($3 online). The card helps reimburse local SAR team’s expenses for search and rescue missions
Check the Weather and for Avalanche Danger
Ask at the Visitor Center for a Winter Recreation Map
Rent Snowshoes and XC Skies at local outdoor shops
Dress in layers - that sun will get HOT, but temperatures can just as easily drop 250 in 10 minutes! Be prepared with extra clothing and goggles.
Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses - necessary in the high altitude sun.

South Fork Nordic Club

Their primary grooming focus is the South Fork Guard Station Trail (SW of South Fork) but they also groom Home Lake (East of Monte Vista); Beaver Reservoir Area (South of South Fork); and various other higher elevation sites based on snow availability and skier needs. All trail maintenance and grooming is done by volunteers of South Fork Nordic.
www.southforknordic.org

San Juan Nordic Club

They groom Big Meadows (11 miles southwest of South Fork), Rock Creek and Bishop Rock(southwest of Monte Vista), and the Monte Vista Golf Course. The trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing and they are free and open to all!
sjnordic.wordpress.com

Upper Rio Grande Nordic Club

They groom Creede area trails at Ivy/Lime Creek, Six Mile Flats, and Deep Creek. Contact info: dpaulwhit@gmail.com

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek has nearly 10 kilometers of cross country trails. To get there, take the ski road at the end of the lower parking lot to Alberta Park. A 4 kilometer loop goes around the natural meadows. An additional 6 kilometer loop takes you down to Alberta Reservoir and back through the trees. Tracks are groomed regularly for both classic and skate skiers. Snowshoers are welcome. If you bring your dog, please clean up after it. Use of the cross country trail is compliments of Wolf Creek Ski Area - no charge.
https://wolfcreekski.com/wolf-creek-back-country-hikes/

Map Copywrite B4Studio, LLC

Powder Busters

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The South Fork Powder Busters (SFPB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the winter sports trails in the South Fork area. For over 35 years, the organization has worked tirelessly to provide high-quality trail grooming services and ensure that visitors to the area have safe and accessible trails for multiple winter activities.

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The organization grooms and maintains over 150 miles of trails and parking/staging areas. Trails are multi-use:

Snowmobiling (all ability levels)
Cross-county skiers
Snowshoers / hikers
Fat bikers
Snowboarders
Dog sledders
Hunters / fisherman

Latest Grooming Report

Tails Map

On the Map

Pink trails marked with a PB number (Powder Busters Trails 1-6) are multi-use, well-marked and frequently groomed. Many are connecting trails that make large loops. This trail system provides access to unlimited off-trail riding areas: a great mix of meadows, smaller mountains and easy tree riding -- to extreme riding areas on the Continental Divide and Wolf Creek Pass.

Yellow Trails are groomed for Nordic sports (cross country skiing and snowshoeing

Map Copywrite B4Studio, LLC

Silver Thread Byway

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117 mile road trip through the Rockies

The colorful old mining and logging camps of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway offer a wealth of history, while the surrounding Wilderness and National Forest lands serve up a huge dose of scenic beauty. Follow the Byway as it traces the routes of old toll roads, stagecoach lines and railways.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/UYyfGoKVx7w

Grab breakfast in South Fork, and start the first leg of your trip at the old water tower, which serviced steam locomotives til 1956.

Hwy 149 then winds along the banks of the mighty Rio Grande. Catch a glimpse of an elk or deer as you travel by Coller State Wildlife area (where the Ute Indians set up their hunting camps). Marvel at the Palisade rock formations and take a quick peak inside Post Office Rock, where early settlers would leave notes for those in the mining camps.

Pass through Wagon Wheel Gap and travel on to the historic mining town of Creede. Browse art galleries on their dramatic main street and tour the Underground Mining Museum (yes, visitors enter mine shafts bored into the cliff face, wander through tunnels mined from solid rock, and visit with former hard-rock miners!). Continue up the canyon a bit for a spectacular view of the Commodore mines.

As you get back on Highway 149, Bristol Head Mountain looms ahead. You will loop around its southern side, and meet back up with the Rio Grande as it snakes its way through the outer rim of an ancient volcano. Travel by San Juan City, a former toll road stop, and begin climbing Spring Creek Pass. A bounty of natural wonders preside, including the sparkling and spectacular North Clear Creek Falls, the Slumgullion earth slide, and the shark-like fin of Uncompahgre Peak.

Spring Creek Pass is steep, and must be traveled carefully. These mountains can be unforgiving so be prepared before embarking on any journey. (Legendary John C. Fremont lost 1/3 of his men in 1848 here, and a quarter of a century later Packer cannibalized his companions in two ill-fated winter expeditions).

Take in the turquoise-colored Lake San Cristobal from a steep vantage point, and descend into Lake City. This picturesque town has over 200 buildings in the historic register. Stop for lunch and a walk around town.

Head out through the steep canyon walls of the Lake Fork, passing by The Gate, an impressive rock formation. This final leg of the trip takes you towards Gunnison, through widening valleys where successful ranching communities sprang up and prospered. End your trip crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir (a hot-spot for trophy lake trout) and entering Gunnison, a former Ute Indian summer camp - turned ranching community / college town.

Your return trip back over Spring Creek Pass will be met with a spectacular view of the sun setting over the San Juan Mountains. Stop in Creede for dinner and a showing at the highly-acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre, then return to South Fork where hospitality is a big as the west!

View Google Map

Silver Thread Byway Website

Pick up a copy of the
Guide Book
at the Visitor Center

Silverthread Outdoor Club

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The Silverthreaders are a diverse group of locals, part-timers, and visitors that enjoy ATV riding, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting, skiing, and motorcycling. Their many organized activities aim to preserve the multi-use of our magnificent outdoors and impart responsible recreation use. The group organizes weekly outings for hiking, ATV/4x4 rides, and more.

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Organized Weekly Hikes

Explore new mountain trails every week. For all ages. All are welcome and all hikers stay together!

MONDAYS - A Hikes: Meet at the Visitor Center. These are on-trail, 4-6 mile hikes, that will take about 3-5 hours. We take a relaxed and social approach to these hikes!
WEDNESDAYS - B Hikes: Meet at the Visitor Center. These are off-trail/bushwacking, advanced mile hikes with significant elevation gains. Hikes will take 5+ hours.
ADVANCED SPECIALTY - C Hikes: Time and Location TBD in advance. These hikes will present difficult/technical terrain and will take all day or multiple days. Examples include climbing 14ers and overnight backpack trips.

Other Organized Outings

Check their Facebook Page for most reacent updates about outings, events, potlucks, meetings, and more.

Facebook Group

Memberships

The Group offers Supporting Memberships that get you monthly newsletters, access to an event calendar, and more. Cost is just $20 for the year per family and $30 for businesses. Sign up at silverthreaders.helloclub.com to get full access to the event calendar and member directory and to receive monthly newsletters and activity updates.

Skating and Hockey

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Free skating rink at Rickle Park. Its skate shack holds free-to-use hockey and figure skates, and is usually open mid-December through mid-February. Town puts on a big bonfire every Saturday evening, complete with music, hot drinks, and pick-up hockey games!

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LOCAL TIP: Pick up a thermos of hot chocolate before you head over - this will keep the little ones happy and skating for hours! A bike helmet and knee pads are also helpful for beginners. A small sledding hill is perfect for those who need a skate-break.

The Town of South Fork hosts a Saturday Night Bonfire & Skate Party (mid-January til Late February)

The South Fork Chamber hosts an annual Youth Hockey Tournament in early February.

Nearby Creede hosts a fun pond hockey tournament every January.

Home

A Trip to Powder Country

Plan a Weekend in South Fork, Colorado

Why rent from Local Shops?

Why Ski Wolf Creek?

Beaver Creek Reservoir

Classic Rocky Mountains

Features of the Recreational Site

Giant Fir Tree

To Get There

Nearby Shaw Lake and Hunter's Lake

Big Meadows Reservoir

Into the High Country

Features of the Recreational Site

To Get There

Nearby Shaw Lake and Hunter's Lake

Ice Fishing

Kids Activities

Disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your kids!

Go Horseback Riding

Hike a Trail, any Trail

Sit around a Campfire at Tucker Ponds

Ice Skate in Town

Visit Creede for the Afternoon

More Fun Things to Do with the Youngsters

Nordic Ski / Snowshoe

Know Before You Go

South Fork Nordic Club

San Juan Nordic Club

Upper Rio Grande Nordic Club

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Powder Busters

On the Map

Silver Thread Byway

117 mile road trip through the Rockies

View Google Map

Silver Thread Byway Website

Pick up a copy of the Guide Book at the Visitor Center

Silverthread Outdoor Club

Organized Weekly Hikes

Other Organized Outings

Memberships

Skating and Hockey

Pick up a copy of the
Guide Book
at the Visitor Center