South Fork South Platte River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Fork South Platte River |
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The river near Hartsel, Colorado.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Park County, Colorado 39°07′42″N 106°10′39″W / 39.12833°N 106.17750°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Middle Fork South Platte River 8,776 ft (2,675 m) 39°00′40″N 105°44′25″W / 39.01111°N 105.74028°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
The South Fork South Platte River is a river in central Colorado, United States. It is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary of the South Platte River. A tributary is a smaller river that flows into a larger river.
The South Fork South Platte River is found near where the main South Platte River begins. It flows through a large, flat area called South Park. This area is a grassland basin surrounded by mountains. The South Fork joins another river, the Middle Fork South Platte River, to form the main South Platte River.
The River's Journey: Where It Begins and Flows
The South Fork South Platte River starts high up in the Mosquito Range mountains. This is a mountain range in Colorado. It begins below a place called Weston Pass. This area is north of the Buffalo Peaks in the Pike National Forest.
From Mountains to Grasslands
The river flows downhill through a short, narrow canyon. It then turns east. About 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the town of Fairplay, it reaches the eastern part of South Park.
The river then turns south. It flows along the base of the mountains. It also follows along U.S. Highway 285. After a while, it turns east again. It winds its way along a path that is similar to U.S. Highway 24.
Joining Other Rivers
Finally, the South Fork South Platte River meets the Middle Fork South Platte River. They join together near the community of Hartsel. When these two rivers meet, they form the main branch of the South Platte River.
