Bayfield & South Fork, CO (7/13 & 7/14/2019)

Bayfield is a small town with less than 3000 people within the city limits.  However, it has enjoyed a high rate of growth over the past sixty years, given its population was only 32 in 1960.  Recreational opportunities in the vast national forests nearby must be part of the reason.  In addition to Vallecito Lake, a second reservoir was created in 1963 when Lemon Dam was completed to impound the Florida River.  Smaller natural lakes can also be found higher in the mountains.  Camping, hiking and four-wheeling  on public lands are very popular activities

On the road to Lemon Reservoir, I passed by several waterfalls and some of the more common wildlife.  There were some nice wildflowers, as well.

The sunset that evening was certainly worthy of inclusion.

South Fork is proving to be one of my favorite stops in Colorado.  I spent a couple days here in 2003, but didn't stay long enough to discover all its opportunities.  The permanent population is said to be around 600, but it appears there has been significant residential development just outside the town.  Further, the population swells in the summer due to a large influx of tourists, many escaping the heat of Texas.  At an elevation of 8200 feet, summer temps are quite moderate.  The town has become a very popular destination for RVers, many of whom are avid four-wheelers and come to explore the millions of acres of public land.

The Rio Grande River starts in the San Juan Mountains and flows through town, where the tributary called South Fork Rio Grande joins it.  That's how the town got its name.  With so many rivers and creeks nearby, rafting and fishing are also big time activities.  Hiking trails and 4WD trails are seemingly countless.

Big Meadows Reservoir and campground is a very popular spot, so I went there my first afternoon in town.  The lake sits at 9200 feet elevation and its outflow creates a nice waterfall before tumbling down the mountain in a series of beautiful cascades.

The access road continues on up the mountain to reach even higher lakes that are natural.  Like many parts of the huge national forests around here, periodic wildfires are inevitable, and are actually beneficial in maintaining healthy forest.  But, the remains of a fire can look pretty ugly for a time.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains and often leave clouds that contribute to colorful sunsets.  This one was my first night in town, taken from my campsite.