Tiny South Fork is surrounded by scenic wonders. This remote mountain town resides on the mighty Rio Grande River, whose nearly 1,900 miles stretch from the Colorado Rockies to the Gulf of Mexico, and is nestled in the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. It is the gateway community for the Continental Divide Trail, a rugged 3,100-mile passage that links Canada and Mexico and crosses five states. If you prefer to drive, South Fork sits on the 117-mile Silver Thread Historic Byway. The loop connects the town to nearby historic towns, winds through mesas and canyons, rises above glorious river vistas, and runs through verdant forests. In the summer, South Fork is a hub for outdoor recreation of all kinds, including hiking, rafting, horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking. In the winter it's a secluded base for visitors to Wolf Creek Ski Area, who flock here to play in the more than 430 inches of snow that typically blanket its slopes every year. A former timber town, South Fork’s streets are lined with outdoors outfitters and eateries serving up hearty fare to fuel your hike or ski run.

Summer is high season in South Fork, and the small town’s numbers swell with visitors who come to book the area’s cabins and enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer. The weather is warm and sunny, although mountain evenings can still be crisp, and summer thunderstorms are common. In July South Fork celebrates Logger Days with arts and crafts vendors, live music, and axe throwing and chainsaw carving competitions. In the fall, crowds and temperatures drop and the surrounding forests are dotted with brilliant autumn leaves. In winter, visitors make their way up the mountain to enjoy the fresh snow, and in spring, the melt allows local waterfalls to put on a spectacular show.

Rio Grande National Forest

Encompassing 1.83 million acres, the wild and pristine Rio Grande National Forest is so much more than trees — although the trees are spectacular. The park is home to high desert, mountain peaks soaring more than 14,000 feet into the sky, volcanic rock formations, and alpine lakes. Although a grizzly bear hasn’t been seen here since 1979, evidence suggests this vast wilderness may be the last place these magnificent animals live in Colorado.

Creede Underground Mining Museum

Hop on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and visit nearby Creede and its unique museum, a recreation of an underground mine that opened in the 1990s. The 600-foot subterranean space includes exhibitions on mining, antique excavation equipment, and a community center with a fully stocked bar.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Drive just an hour east to marvel at the astoundingly diverse landscapes to be found here. Against a backdrop of alpine peaks, vast sand dunes — some as tall as 750 feet — rise from the ground, crisscrossed by flowing streams. For a truly unique experience, plan ahead and buy or rent a sandboard at a local retailer (they aren’t available at the park) and go surfing on the dunes.