About the Area

Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest (NF) is 1.86 million acres located in southwestern Colorado and remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the western border of the Forest. The Forest presents myriad ecosystems; from 7600-ft alpine desert to over 14,300-ft in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on the eastern side. The Forest embraces the San Luis Valley, the largest agricultural alpine valley in the world and includes all or parts of four Wilderness Areas (South San Juan, Weminuche, La Garita and Sangre de Cristo).   The Forest also is the headwaters of the Rio Grande River and has the moonscape wonder of the Wheeler Geologic Area, established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1911. The Anasazi were visitors here and many of their sites remain.

Denver is 4-hours north and Albuquerque is 4-hours south of us, so when you get the itch to experience some outdoor recreation opportunities come and see us.

Creede, Colorado "The Essence of the Rockies"

Creede and Mineral County have so much to offer.  The county consist of 96% National Forest Lands and features two wilderness areas-the Weminuche and LaGarita Wilderness Areas along with the Continental Divide and Colorado Trails.  Within the Rio Grande National Forest you will find the unique Wheeler Geologic Area.  The Rio Grande River and several streams offer an unparalleled fly fishing experience.  The Bachelor Historic Loop Tour takes you through Creede's silver mining district and ghost towns.  Don't forget to explore downtown Creede, which offers historic buildings, art galleries, delightful restaurants, the Creede Historical Museum, the Underground Mining Museum and the nationally acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre.  Follow the Silver Thread Scenic Byway that links Lake City to Creede and Creede to South Fork.

Downtown Creede

Historic buildings and names from a bygone era mark the quaint seven-block downtown section of Creede’s famous silver mining era. The spectacular Pillars of Hercules, volcanic cliffs rising nearly a thousand feet at the edge of town, frame Creede’s array of shops, galleries, eateries, lodging, and sundry services. Simply viewing the old downtown area against this magnificent canyon backdrop makes a visit to Creede worthwhile in any season. Being the only community in Mineral County, Creede serves as the commercial and government center for residents and visitors.

Headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan Rivers
Two mighty Southwest rivers rise in Mineral County’s San Juan Mountains. The Rio Grande, third longest river in the U.S., is well known as the international border between Texas and Mexico. This great river begins its flow high on the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide just west of Creede. Collecting water from many rivulets and smaller streams, including Willow Creek, which flows through downtown Creede, the Rio Grande gathers strength for its 1,800-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Tributaries of the San Juan River head on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide across from Spar City. This historic river dips into New Mexico, edges into Utah near the Four Corners, and joins the Colorado River just north of Lake Powell.

Trails
Trails galore interlace the countryside around Creede and throughout Mineral County. Public lands, which constitute 95% of the county, provide ample access to Forest Service trails, many of which carry multi-use designations (Descriptive brochures and maps of Forest Service trails and roads are available at the Creede Ranger Station on South Main Street).

• The Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail are two favorite high country hiking routes that pass through Mineral County.

Waterfalls
During periods of heavy runoff, Mineral County’s mountains boast numerous short-lived, unnamed cascades. Mineral County also offers some of the most beautiful and photographed waterfalls in Colorado.

North Clear Creek Falls, just off SH 149 near the summit of Spring Creek Pass, proclaims the honor as the most photographed waterfall in Colorado. A scenic overlook/rest area is easily accessible from the highway. In good weather, the old road (FS Road 510) makes for an interesting detour through the initial moose relocation site. South Clear Creek Falls also provide an interesting side trip off the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.Copper Falls—Take the Middle Creek Road off SH 149 to visit Copper Falls.Phoenix Park Waterfalls, above Phoenix Park is considered one of the most beautiful in the Creede area.Treasure Falls on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass provides travelers with a convenient rest area at the trailhead to the falls.

Wheeler Geologic Area

True to its name, Mineral County is a significant study area for ancient geologic activity. The formation of the La Garita and San Juan mountains began about 30 million years ago. Eruptions from massive volcanoes, like the Creede Caldera, were followed by tremendous flows of ash and mud. As the layers of volcanic debris cooled, crystals and mineral ores collected into veins and pockets to create extensive mineral fields. This era of mountain building laid down the volcanic tuff that has become the Wheeler Geologic Area. Water erosion then carved a starkly impressive landscape of fragile capstones, needles, and spires.

Named for the 19th century surveyor of the West, Captain George M. Wheeler, this unique area became a National Monument in 1908. Wheeler’s status later changed to “Geologic Area.” The Creede office of the U.S. Forest Service (719-658-2556) administers this remote landmark. Each August Volksmarch schedules an overnight hike into this unique natural wonder.

Wilderness
Mineral County is bounded by two magnificent wilderness areas:

• Framing the town of Creede to the east are the La Garita Mountains which encompass the La Garita Wilderness area.

• The Weminuche Wilderness defines Mineral County’s high country west of Creede with elevations rising from an average of 10,000 feet to peaks reaching above 14,000 feet. Named for a band of Ute people who lived in the area through the 19th century, the Weminuche spans the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests to form the largest wilderness area in Colorado. Fifty miles of the Continental Divide passes through the Weminuche Wilderness area. Individuals do not need permits to enter Wilderness Areas but should register at trailheads. Outfitters or anyone else leading a group for compensation, even for a non-profit group, must obtain a Forest Service permit.

Wildlife Viewing
Along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (State Hwy 149), US Hwy 160, and many Forest Service roads that traverse Mineral County, plenty of opportunities exist for observing wildlife. Evenings and early mornings are best times for sightings. Depending on the season, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and a host of other mammals and birds are abundant. Summer or winter, deer are a fairly common encounter while elk, moose, and bighorn sheep tend to migrate into lower valleys as the high country weather cools. Bear, lynx, cougar, bobcat, marmot, ground squirrels and many other small mammals also are common to the area. Catching sight of these wild creatures is always a thrilling experience.

Fishing

To access some of the best fishing in the Rockies you need an all terain vehicle. Using one of our ATV's makes access easy and you will be guarneteed to leave the crowds behind.