Outdoor Recreation
Creede Colorado is a place of wild nature just waiting to be explored. There is something for the newbie to the expert and everything in between.
All motorized vehicles - STAY ON THE TRAILS
Whether you love hiking and sight-seeing, or backpacking and through-hiking, the country is wild and diverse. With mountain biking trails to speed bikes racing down the curvaceous mountain highways. Side by Sides and jeep trails from Creede to Lake City and beyond. Horse back riding. Fly fishing. Rafting. The list goes on and on.
Hiking
Deep Creek trail 806 is a great hike that allows for a nice morning or evening walk or a longer day of trekking. There are two ways to access this trail, one directly outside of town and the other on Lime Creek Road. Deep Creek Trail eventually intersects with the Continental Divide Trail, which will lead to either Lake City or Wolf Creek Pass. This trail is absolutely beautiful throughout the summer. The wild roses and different flowers are stunning with pungent aromas.
Shallow Creek trail is another trail close to home that offers a 2.5 mile hike. The hike ultimately leads to a yurt looking out to the mountains. The way there wanders through a variety of vegetation. An area crosses the stream many times, through the willows, where moose have been spotted on numerous occasions. The further in you hike, the elevation gain takes you into the glow of aspen. An old cabin sits in the wooded area.
Inspiration Point is a trail that starts right in Creede. The hike starts off steep as you climb out of canyon and continues on an incline the entire hike. The hike overlooks the mining history of Creede and looks far beyond to the north. After the first incline, there is an alternate route fondly referred to as the 'Up and Over' by the locals that allows you to glimpse the old mining structures through the trees.
Wheeler Trail is a long hike, but worth the effort. It leads to the Wheeler Geological Area, which is an incredible sight to see. This can be done in a jeep or side by side on the 14 mile off road trail or a 7 mile hike.
San Juan Peak is one of Colorado's 14ers summiting at 14,023 foot elevation. This mountain can be accessed from either Gunnision CO or Creede Co.
There are many, many more hikes surrounding Creede. Stop in at San Juan Sports located on Main Street and chat with their knowledgeable staff and get some new gear for your adventure!
Silver Thread Byway
Hwy 149 winding through beautiful southern Colorado, linking silver mining towns along the way. A couple of lookout points to stop at and enjoy the scenery.
Rio Grande River Lookout Windy Point Lookout San Cristobal Lake Lookout
Stop at North Clear Creek Falls for a stunning relaxation point
These are just a few of the iconic stops along the Silver Thread Byway, there are many more places to stop and explore along the way.
Biking
Miners Creek offers 7 miles of single track used for mountain biking, dirt bikes, and hiking with tons of different terrain.
Deep Creek 806 Trail starting at the Lime Creek for a great downhill mountain biking experience. San Juan Sports has been known to offer drop off on Lime Creek Road and pick up at the bottom near Deep Creek Road outside of Creede.
Off-Roading OHV
Creede is known for it's off-road trails. Some being easy going and any 4WD vehicle can make, to those that are rougher and more technical. Be aware of the level of difficulty before you head out on the trails.
Bachelor Loop Trail is an iconic trail that takes you back in time to the boom days of Creede. There are many different mining sites with buildings still standing today. It is recommended to have a 4WD vehicle to do this trail, but if you are in a 2WD you can still do the trail in reverse going by the cemetery first.
Phoenix Park Waterfall via 502 is rated as hard. This trail starts along Willow Creek #502
Rat Creek OHV Trail is a side trail off of the Bachelor Loop Trail. It is recommended to have a high clearance vehicle.
Wheeler Geological Area OHV Trail is a long, rough 14 mile ride, but well worth it. There is also a hiking trail that is 7 miles.
Stoney Pass explores the Weminuche Wilderness and connects with other trails that lead to Silverton, Co. Experience and high clearance vehicle advised
Lake City also offers a ton of different OHV trails. One of our favorites is the Alpine Loop and stopping in to hike the American Basin during the wildflower blooming. This trail also leads to Handies Peak, another 14er. The network of OHV trails from Creede and beyond connects all of the little mining towns speckled throughout southern Colorado in a web of OHV trail systems. If this is something you love to do, there are many resources available to you to plan your adventure.
Winter Sports
Wolf Creek Ski Area has incredible terrain for all abilities. It is said to have some of Colorado's best snow. Another one of Southern Colorado's hidden gems! Visit Pagosa Hot Springs to warm up after a day on the hill.
There are many cross country and snow shoeing trails surrounding Creede area. The hikes listed in the Hiking section make for great winter trails as well.
Snowmobiling recreation has a big scene as you head up Hwy 149 toward Lake City. Bristol Head area and Continental Lake offer a ton of area to get your powder fix.
