Skip to main content

South Fork Region

In the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest lies the town of South Fork, Colorado. A popular location to base forest adventures, visitors and locals alike head from South Fork in every direction to access the Forest. 

From Greenie Mountain south of Monte Vista, the region's east side goes up to Penitente Canyon then west to Hanson Mill. The west boundary then goes south to Little Goose Lake and continues southeast over Wolf Creek Pass and down to the Conejos Peak District boundary. Follow the boundary east back to Greenie Mountain for the southern border of the region. 

General Information

Camping, hiking, climbing, backpacking, horseback riding, OHV riding and more activities are available. This are encompasses the popular BLM mountain bike areas at Penitente Canyon, Stone Quarry and Limekiln.

The region is managed by the Divide Ranger District.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 36 results

Alberta Lake Fishing Site
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Small impoundment holds Rio Grande Cutthroat and Brook Trout. Site has a concrete boat ramp and parking lot, and one dispersed camp site. Great place for canoes, small boats, float tubes.Fishing is…

Alder Bench Trailhead #799
Site Open
Hiking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Horse Riding and Camping
This Trailhead sits right behind  the Alder Guard Station Cabin and the trail climbs the ridge to the west.  From here you have excellent views of the Rio Grande Canyon between South Fork and…

Alder Guard Station Cabin
Site Open
Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
The Alder Guard Station is located two miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek. The guard station was built in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. The…

Beaver Creek Reservoir Boating Site
Site Open
Water Activities Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Winter Sports Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Concrete boat ramp next to gravel boat trailer parking area with restroom. Serves as plowed parking in winter also for ice fisherman and snowmobilers. Motors are allowed on Beaver Creek Reservoir,…

Beaver Mountain Trailhead #933
Site Open
Hiking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This trailhead is accessed on the east end by Forest Road 350.1A and on the west by the Beaver Creek road at the South Fork Guard Station.

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Hiking Scenic Drives Picnicking Winter Sports
Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork, CO. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow…

Big Meadows Reservoir Boating Site
Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
 The Big Meadows Boating site is a 600 acre impoundment. It offers a small boat ramp, restroom, parking lot. Motorboats are allowed but must control excessive wakes.Ice fishing is possible in the…

Big Meadows/Archuleta Trailhead # 839
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead is located at the reservoir Boat Ramp on the northeast corner of the lake.The facility consists of a parking lot, pit toilet, and trail signing.  This is a major trailhead to the…

Burro Creek Trailhead #873
Site Open
Hiking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking
This facility consists of a gravel parking lot and some trail signing.  This is a major ATV friendly trailhead for the lower approach to the Burro Creek Trail # 873 right off the Pinos Creek Road #…

Cathedral Campground
Site Open
Biking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Winter Sports
Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork on Embargo Creek. The campground has 22 sites, all first come, first served. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull through…

Last updated April 1st, 2025

Return to top