Area Attractions2021-06-17T14:44:59-06:00

Area Attractions

South Fork is a great escape from the busyness of life. Time away in the beautiful San Juan Mountains is sure to bring a smile and a sense of peace to your soul. South Fork is a beautiful mountain town with endless opportunities for great adventures. Summers in South Fork offer Gold Medal fishing and white water rafting on the legendary Rio Grande River, as well as endless hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV trails to enjoy. Or you can relax and take it easy on a scenic drive, or play a round of golf. When you are surrounded by 2 million acres of National Forest Land, the possibilities really are endless.

Area ATV Trail Information

Hwy 149 – Town of South Fork OHV / ATV Trail Information: 
https://www.southfork.org/jeep-4×4-atv
Rio Grande National Forest OHV Trail Information: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/riogrande/recreation/ohv/?recid=28882&actid=93
Mountain Skillz – Guided RZR Tours: 
https://mountainskillz.com/summer-tours

Additional Riding Trails Are Available In The Area That Require Trailer’ing of OHV’s

Mining History

Summitville Mine The Summitville Mine is located about 36 miles east of South Fork and 25 miles south of Del Norte. The mine began operation in 1870 and still shows remnants of the old buildings and roads that were once heavily used. Summitville is located 11,500 feet above sea level. This site is now home to a multi-million dollar cleanup following its last working days as a mine in 1992. Last Chance Mine The Last Chance Mine is located about 5 miles outside of Creede, about [...]

National Wildlife Refuges

The unique ecosystems of the San Luis Valley have a plethora of birds and waterfowl. A tapestry of wetlands and agricultural fields are filled with the sounds of cranes, geese, ducks and more, including deer and elk herds. The San Luis Valley has two national wildlife refuges open to the public, the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Established in 1952, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is 14,804 acres of artificially created yet intensively managed fields and wetlands to provide habitat for a wide [...]

Riding the Rails

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad takes you from Alamosa to La Veta or to the top of La Veta pass for some entertainment and back again. This passenger train is located in Alamosa, CO, just a short 45 minutes from Aspen Ridge RV Park. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America and was awarded National Historic Landmark designation in 2012. The Cumbres & Toltec departs daily out of Antonito, CO (about 90 minutes from Aspen [...]

Scenic Drives

There is no shortage of beauty to behold in the San Luis Valley. Aspen Ridge RV Park is right in the middle of it all and a great place to venture out from. Sometimes being able to sit back and enjoy the ride makes for the perfect day. There are a lot of pathways through the mountains. Pack a picnic lunch, take the fishing poles, the blankets to sit on and maybe even your hiking boots and set out on one of the scenic byways for the day. Be sure to stop along the way [...]

Golfing

What is a vacation without a good round of golf. There are three great courses in the San Luis Valley. The Rio Grande Club The Rio Grande Club is an 18 hole private golf course set amidst the mountain scenery that South Fork is known for. It is just 5 minutes away from Aspen Ridge RV Park and the views are simply breathtaking. Monte Vista Golf Club The Monte Vista Golf Club is a public 9 hole golf course located a short 30 minutes away in Monte Vista, CO. Cattails Golf Course The Cattails Golf [...]

Rock Climbing

Aspen Ridge RV Park puts you just 35 minutes away from one of Colorado's premier rock climbing areas that is internationally known for its 300 rock climbing routes and is a Special Recreation Management Area (SMRA). Penitente Canyon area includes Penitente, Rock Garden, Sidewinder, and Witches Canyons all boasting a high concentration of world class rock climbing routes. If rock climbing isn't your cup of tea, the newly reworked trail systems offer 17 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking to enjoy among the twisty rock canyons and towering boulders, offering endless explorations. Information [...]

Hiking

Aspen Ridge places you in the best central location to choose your trail for the day. It is your pace and your adventure. We guarantee that no two hiking adventures are the same. There are so many area trails to choose from, below are a couple of our favorite ones. Big Fir Hike Just a 1/3 mile hike at the upper end of Beaver Lake, you will find a Rio Grande Forest Treasure. Up through the Aspens and over small creeks, you will arrive next to a large fenced tree that definitely stands out from [...]

Horseback Riding

South Fork is a wonderful place to explore the west on Horseback. The scenery is beautiful whether in an open valley or up in the mountains. There are several trails in the area that cater to horseback riding and are often shared with people on ATVs, hikers and mountain bikers. We have some wonderful Horseback Riding Outfitters in the area. Wolf Creek Ranch Please call 719-873-5371 for more information or to schedule a ride. Cottonwood Cove Rides Please call 719-658-2242 for more information or to schedule a ride. If you are traveling with horses, they [...]

Mountain Biking

Once again, Aspen Ridge places you in the middle of it all! If exploring the mountains on two wheels is what you enjoy, you've come to the right place. The Upper Rio Grande area provides and amazing variety of trails, from high alpine singletrack to slickrock, there is something for everyone. If riding through the mountain terrain isn't quite what you had in mind, there is a wonderful paved path right outside of Aspen Ridge RV Park that will take you to places for dinner, groceries, community events, and the Rio Grande River. Below are [...]

Fishing

The Rio Grande River is just less than at 1/4 of a mile away from Aspen Ridge RV Park. The Rio Grande River is the second longest river system in the United States. South Fork just happens to be located at the headwaters where the absolute best fishing to be found in the state. In fact, a 22 mile section of the river near South Fork has been designated as Gold Medal Water and is slated to be your best chance to catch a trophy fish. A section of the river from South Fork up [...]

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock became the 103rd National Monument in September 2012. This national monument sits on 4,726 acres of the San Juan National Forest and borders the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. This gem is an intimate, off-the-beaten-path archaeological site that will have you waling in the footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon. Enjoy Archaeological ruins and artifacts, abundant wildlife, and of course the breathtaking San Juan National Forest. All of this, and a short 1 hour and 15 minute drive, makes Chimney Rock a must see while staying with us at Aspen Ridge [...]

The Great Sand Dunes

The Great Sand Dunes National Monument is nestled against the Sangre De Cristo mountains and is one of the most notable and beloved sites in the San Luis Valley. The park became a national monument in 1932 and a national park and preserve in 2000-2004 to protect the park. Many visitors to the park find that their favorite part is the flowing Medano Creek where children and Adults can play in the waves and sand alongside the creek. While the water is fun, it is an integral part of the park, as it works to [...]

Creede Repertory Theatre

Creede Repertory Theatre, founded in 1966, is just a short drive up Hwy 149 to the mining town of Creede. A diamond in the rough, Creede Repertory Theatre is one the of the top 5 small theatres in the state of Colorado. This professional theatre company produces big city productions yearly from May through September. They also host numerous musical events, concerts and art shows. For show dates, times and tickets, please visit their website.

ATV / 4-Wheeling

Experience the outdoors on four wheels. The San Luis Valley offers hundreds of opportunities for all who are wanting a unique and relaxing ride through the wilderness as well as for those who enjoy the thrill of getting banged up a bit by the rocky roads. Whether you opt for a maintained forest service road or a rough back woods trail, you are sure to find something that you will never forget. There are opportunities for mid-morning trips or you can choose to spend a full day enjoying the rugged high mountain terrain that can [...]

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