Quick Tips
- Great fly fishing on Rio Grande and South Fork
- Good area for Rocky Mountain bighorns
- Bring good optics
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Historic sheep country with great access on the Rio Grande National Forest provides an excellent opportunity to pursue Rocky Mountain bighorns.
Terrain
The Rio Grande River cuts deep into the mountains as it heads south out of Creede to South Fork. High mountains, broad mesas, open parks and deep drainages create a panoramic landscape. Some of these are Pool Table Mountain, Palmer Mesa, Wheeler Monument, Wason Park, Wagon Wheel Gap and Bellows Creek.
Roughly 160 square miles
87.5% public land
Elevations from 8,073-12,218 feet
Vegetation
High mountain parks with grasses, aspen, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, spruce and Douglas fir. Drainages and exposed slopes have oak brush, pinyon/juniper and mountain mahogany.
Access
Rio Grande National Forest Service Road 610 heads north off of County Road 15 in South Fork. Pool table Road off of Colorado Route 149 connects to FSR 601 and 610. US 160 reaches South Fork from the east and west. State lands along the Rio Grande provide fishing access. There are a lot of trails that lead through the backcountry.
Four-wheel drive is recommended
Camping and Lodging
Rio Grande National Forest has a few improved campgrounds. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national forest. The community of South Fork provides limited gas/diesel, cafés and motels. Alamosa 50 miles east provides a variety of motels, restaurants, gas/diesel and medical facilities.
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