Colorado · Hiking · La Garita Wilderness · Near South Fork

Middle Fork

16.9 mi
round trip
2,084 ft
climb
12,461 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Middle Fork open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rio Grande National Forest. It doesn't name Middle Fork, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Rio Grande National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Middle Fork is a hard hike in Colorado's La Garita Wilderness, part of the Saguache Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 17 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 2,084 feet, starting at a low point of roughly 9,992 feet and reaching a high of about 12,461 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The trail is natural-surface and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. The Middle Fork parking area is the trailhead. The route is long and steep, so plan on a full day. Benito Creek lies just 0.3 miles away, and the Middle Fork Cutoff is about 0.9 miles off. Twin Peaks is about 2.5 miles away, and Stone Cellar Campground is about 9 miles away for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Stone Cellar Cabin

    Campground

    Campground · 8.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Blimpie

    Fast food

    On your way back · 21 mi
  • If it rains

    Creede Underground Mining Museum

    Museum

    Museum · 8.6 mi from South Fork

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in South Fork

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.