North Fork South Platte River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork South Platte River |
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The river as it passes by Buffalo Creek in Jefferson County.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Park County, Colorado 39°31′03″N 105°51′37″W / 39.51750°N 105.86028°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with South Platte River 6,096 ft (1,858 m) 39°24′28″N 105°10′15″W / 39.40778°N 105.17083°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
The North Fork South Platte River is a cool river in central Colorado, United States. It's about 50 miles (80 km) long. This river is a branch of the South Platte River. It flows through the amazing Rocky Mountains southwest of Denver. It helps drain a rugged area of the Front Range mountains.
Contents
Where Does the River Start and Go?
This river begins high up in the mountains. It starts near the continental divide at Webster Pass (Colorado). This is in northwestern Park County, Colorado. From there, it flows through a deep canyon towards the southeast.
Its Journey Through Towns
The river is joined by Geneva Creek at the town of Grant. After Grant, U.S. Highway 285 follows the river. This goes all the way to Bailey. Past Bailey, the river cuts through a wild part of the foothills.
Joining the South Platte
The North Fork South Platte River eventually meets the main South Platte River. This happens from the west at the end of the Platte Canyon. This spot is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Denver.
Communities Along the River
Many small mountain communities are found along the lower part of the river. These include Buffalo Creek and Foxton. These towns are part of the larger Platte Canyon area.
Natural Boundaries
The river's basin is separated from South Park to the south. This separation is made by Kenosha Pass. The last 10 miles (16 km) of the river form a natural border. This border is between Jefferson and Douglas counties.
