Colorado · Hiking

South Fork

5.9 mi
round trip
546 ft
climb
8,278 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is South Fork open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District. It doesn't name South Fork, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

South Fork is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 5.9 miles in the Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District of Colorado's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. It is managed by the Forest Service and starts at the South Fork Trailhead, which is open year round. The trail gains about 546 feet from its low point of 7,711 feet to a high of 8,278 feet, so the climb is the main feature of the route. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Spicer weather station, at a similar elevation, show July highs around 77°F with lows near 42°F, and September is still mild with highs around 68°F. The trail is on natural surface and bikes are allowed, so it works for both hikers and riders. Hinman Park Campground sits about 0.4 miles away, and the Box Canyon climbing area is about 0.8 miles off. The Coulton Creek hike is about 0.9 miles away, and the South Fork Elk River is about 3.8 miles from the trailhead.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit South Fork

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 7°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      31° / 9°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      40° / 15°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 23°

      9 wet

    5. May

      59° / 30°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 36°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 42°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 40°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 34°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 25°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 16°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      29° / 9°

      8 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Spicer, CO, 27.6 mi away at 8,385 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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