South Fork Home Page

VISION STATEMENT

South Fork envisions itself as a vibrant, sustainable, mountain town that cherishes its rich logging heritage, protects its vast natural beauty, and fosters a strong sense of community.  We see a future where our town thrives on small local businesses, responsible outdoor recreation and tourism.  We are committed to stewarding our land and creating a balance between growth and conservation where future generations can thrive. 

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to collaboratively plan and implement strategies that promote the social, economic and environmental sustainability of South Fork.  By engaging residents, local organizations, and stakeholders, we aim to enhance the Town’s livability, economic vitality, and overall well-being.  We encourage respectful, sustainable tourism and year-around outdoor recreation.  Through thoughtful and forward-thinking actions, we will celebrate our resilient community that honors our logging heritage and creates a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a gateway to adventure.   

The Utes: Prior to 1868, the Capote (Kapota) band of Ute Indians lived throughout the region of the southwest that includes the San Luis Valley. A hunting and gathering people, they called themselves "Nuche" or "Nuustiyu," meaning "the people" or "the mountain people." They were called "Yutas" by the Spanish explorers, then "Utes" as the United States expanded. In the summer, the "Nuustiyu" lived in extended nomadic family groups, and often wintered in New Mexico or Northern Arizona. The Utes made a treaty of peace with the United States in 1849. Shortly thereafter, settlers from New Mexico established several settlements in Colorado. In 1968, the Utes were moved to a reservation in western Colorado, until they lost their expansive reservation as a result of the Meeker Massacre in 1879.

Masonic Park: This was the first Masonic Park in the United States. The land was homesteaded in 1892, and consisted of 160 acres. In 1914, the San Luis Valley Masonic Association purchased the property to be used as an annual meeting place. After a bridge was built over the Rio Grande and a water system was installed, the park was platted and lots were available for sale to approximately 800 members.

Barlow and Sanderson Stage Company: In 1874, the Barlow and Sanderson Stage Company\'s line reached from Missouri to Del Norte but needed to continue west. Alonzo Hubbard was hired to build roads to Antelope Springs, and on to Lake City. Not only was it a passenger route for the company, it provided freight to the quickly developing mining areas. A few toll roads built by a young Russian, Otto Mears, also became part of this route. From Del Norte going west, the first stage was at the Edwin Shaw Ranch, famous for their hay and hospitality. Located to the present Rest Area on Highway 160, the little cabin overlooking the highway is part of the original ranch. The way station for changing horses was at Bunker Hill, a mile down the road. In 1883, the Denver &, Rio Grande Railroad had achieved building rail lines from Del Norte to Wagon Wheel Gap and on to Lake City, making the Stage Route obsolete. Parts of the Barlow/Sanderson road can still be seen along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

General Palmer: General William Jackson Palmer was a visionary who possessed unbounded enthusiasm for building railroads across the west. His tremendous energy brought the Denver &, Rio Grande narrow-gauge line from Denver to Pueblo, and hundreds of miles of track across the San Luis Valley. These narrow gauge tracks (thinner by 1-2 feet) allowed rail cars to navigate the steep grades and sharp curves throughout the San Juans. Palmer\'s D&,RG routes ensured shipment of San Juan Territory resources throughout the western United States. Palmer became one of the richest railroad barons in America. 1883, Palmer\'s rails stretch to Wagon Wheel Gap, home to his newly opened hotel &, Hot Springs Resort, which today is the 4UR Guest Ranch. Due to a crippling horse accident in August of 1907, Palmer himself did not get to visit the resort much. His vacation home still stands, and serves as the Ranch\'s recreation hall.

D&,RG Rail Line: By 1883, the Denver &, Rio Grande Rail Line reached Wagon Wheel Gap, bringing tourists to a mineral springs resort owned by the Railroad\'s founder William Jackson Palmer. In 1891, it was extended to the mining towns north of South Fork to transport precious minerals and metals out of Willow Creek Canyon. Springtown, Jimtown and Amethyst were thriving mining camps. Jimtown was eventually renamed Creede after Nicholas C. Creede struck silver and opened the Holy Moses mine. The D&,RG Railroad shipped millions of dollars in high quality ore and minerals from these mines. The town of Creede was officially incorporated on June 13, 1892. It was the second town (Telluride, Colorado, being the first) to have electric lights along streets and in homes. This new phenomenon caused Cy Warman to pen the verse in his infamous poem about Creede: "It\'s day all day-time and there is no night in Creede."

Wolf Creek Ski Area: By 1930, a movement in the State of Colorado was made to promote skiing. In 1935, Wolf Creek Ski Area had begun. It originated from a San Luis Valley group of men and women who loved to ski. Invitations were sent to various Chambers of Commerce to discuss possible locations. An area near Creede was considered, however, skiers from Monte Vista found a spot on Wolf Creek Pass that offered ski slopes for all levels of skiers. The original area was on the north side of Highway 160. In 1955, the ski area was relocated across the highway to the present location, adding the installation of a rope tow. Shortly thereafter, the Wolf Creek Ski Development Corporation was formed. In 1960, the Corporation sold the area to a Dallas firm who ran it for two years, after which it came back under the control of the Wolf Creek Ski Development Corporation.

It is always a good idea to be aware of the wildlife in and around South Fork. Below are some helpful videos and links courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Though these videos are more for places on the front range the same concepts apply for the South Fork area.

A few helpful hints to remember when viewing wildlife are as follows:

• Observe animals from a safe distance (that animals consider safe). Get a close up with your camera or binoculars.
• "Safe Distance" is when you can observe the animals without them moving away from you. If most of the animals are looking at you and appear jumpy you are too close.
• Move slowly and casually, not directly towards the wildlife. NEVER chase any wildlife and keep ALL pets in the vehicles, away from direct contact with wildlife.
• DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS. While it may get you a close-up look, it is dangerous to you AND the wildlife.
• Also, regularly fed animals tend to become pests and invade campgrounds and picnic areas. Often times the only way to take care of problem animals is to have them exterminated.
• Lock up or bear proof your trash cans. If you cannot bear proof your trash cans then lock them up in a garage or shed. 

For more information on the areas wildlife visit our Visitors Center or their website at www.southfork.org and our local Carnegie Library, South Fork Branch has some wonderful books on Bears, Birds, Fish, Mushrooms, Wildflowers and more, located off Highway 160 on Mall Street behind The Cabin and beside the Malt Shoppe, you can reach the librarian at 719-873-5079. Or you can reach out to our local Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 719-587-6900.