Creede - Southwest Colorado
Isolated and picturesque, Creede, at 8,854', is in Mineral County where 95 percent of the land is national forest or wilderness. Prospector Nicholas Creede discovered silver here in 1889 and one of his mines, the Amethyst, produced $2 million one year. What attracted hundreds of miners also brought crooks: "Soapy" Smith opened the Orleans Club to separate miners from their riches. He was eventually banned from Creede which was also home to other famous westerners, including Calamity Jane and Bob Ford, the man who shot Jesse James in the back. Today, the old mining town atmosphere still exists in restaurants, shops and the Creede Repertory Theater. North Creede, Spar City, and Bachelor are all ghost towns located within 14 miles of Creede.
The Wheeler Geologic Area, 24 miles northeast, is a photographer's dream: unusual volcanic rock formations have earned it the name City of Gnomes.
From the Rio Grande Reservoir, 30 miles away, to Creede, people raft and fish for the plentiful German brown trout along the Rio Grande headwaters. Colorado's upper Rio Grande from the Rio Grande Reservoir above Creede through Wagon Wheel Gap and South Fork to Del Norte is "a high-country angler's paradise...an undiscovered paradise," according to American Angler, the magazine of fly fishing and fly tying. The Bachelor Historic Loop, a 17-mile ride through the unique silver mining district and two ghost towns, and the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, which runs from South Fork through Creede northwest to Lake City, are two ways to enjoy the backcountry without crowds. Along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, State Highway 149, are some of the most majestic valleys in all of Colorado - the distances between mountain peaks appears vast and mesmerizing.
is near: Lake City & Wagon Wheel Gap
Creede Featured Advertisers
Everything for your fly-fishing needs in Creede & South Fork. Talk to our friendly staff, we pride ourselves in customer service & knowledge. Guided fly-fishing float & wade trips. Lessons & rentals available.
All Creede Advertisers
Halfway between South Fork and Creede at Wagon Wheel Gap. Vacationer's paradise for fishermen, hunters, skiers, hikers, photographers. Hosted by the Philbern family since 1976. Best HOME cooking.
Fishing on-site. At the headwaters of the Rio Grande outside of Creede and near Continental Reservoir, this remote ranch has rustic pioneer cabins. Enjoy the access to hiking, horse and Jeep trails.
1, 2 & 3 bedroom cabins with kitchens & fireplaces plus RV sites along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (Highway 149) between Creede and South Fork in Wagon Wheel Gap. Dogs Welcome!
In Historic Creede on the Rio Grande River with RV sites of 40X60 (minimum), 30/50amp service, and ample room for quad-slideouts. Woodall's rated 5W5W. Spend time exploring the backcountry.
Waiting for your adventure -- a QUIET destination high in the San Juan Mountains. Modern and fully equipped cabins at the south end of Lake City. Rent NEW jeeps on-site for scenic drives. FREE WI-FI.
Family owned Ranch near Creede, offering true western hospitality in a magnificent setting. Comfortably furnished one to three bedroom cabins. Guided fishing and hunting trips plus horseback riding!
Everything for your fly-fishing needs in Creede & South Fork. Talk to our friendly staff, we pride ourselves in customer service & knowledge. Guided fly-fishing float & wade trips. Lessons & rentals available.
Near South Fork, Alamosa, Creede, Wolf Creek Ski Area. Cabins with fireplaces, decks overlook 3/4 mile of private stocked river frontage. Pet friendly. FREE WI-FI. RV full hookups. Riverside tent sites. HOT TUB.
Between South Fork and Creede on Highway 149. Cabins are open all year with Satellite TV, Free WI-FI and pets welcome. Spacious SEASONAL full hookup RV sites. Laundry on-site. Discounted ski tickets.
Centennial cattle ranch & resort with secluded cabins scattered on 1200 acres. Private fishing ponds, in the upper Rio Grande Valley, surrounded by mountains, outstanding views, 14 miles from Creede.
In Lake City, at the same location for 50+ years. A full service outdoor & gift store specializing in hiking tours, fishing guide services, Jeep tours, snowshoeing packages, equipment rentals, and Trail Maps.
For More Information Contact:
Creede Maps
Fishing
Rio Grande Fishing - Creede to South Fork
Rio Grande Fishing West of Creede
Hiking Trail Maps
The Colorado Trail
Jeep
Creede Jeeping & ATV Trails
Local Area Maps
Lake City, Creede, South Fork Area
National Parks & Monuments
Slumgullion Earthflow
Scenic Byway Maps
Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway
Silver Thread Scenic Byway
Snowmobile
Creede/Wagon Wheel Gap Snowmobile Trails
South Fork/Del Norte Snowmobile Trails




