Visiting Creede, Colorado is like stepping into a living piece of Wild West history while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the San Juan Mountains. Set in southern Colorado among the aspen of the San Juan National Forest, Creede is a must-visit Colorado trip. I should know! I spent a month in Creede and South Fork every summer of my childhood, and now I love sharing these Colorado mountains with my kids.
Visitors can tour a Colorado mine, horseback ride in the mountains, go fishing in the Rio Grande, or catch a show at the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre. Drive a history tour to the Bachelor Mine, read about history at the Creede Underground Mining Museum, and imagine that past with preserved Main Street stores. Backcountry roads take you further off the path to mountain views, quiet Colorado campgrounds, and the roar of North Clear Creek Falls.
If you’re planning a Colorado family vacation in the areas of Wolf Creek Ski Resort, South Fork, or Durango, Colorado, head just an hour further to the beauty of small town Colorado. With its rich mining heritage, the friendly atmosphere offers unique Creede hotels, unique shops, and yummy eats. My favorite Colorado travel destination is ready for your to explore; keep reading to make to do all the best things to do in Creede, Colorado.
Affiliate disclosure: When you click and purchase a link in my post, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I promise to only recommend products or places that I have personally want, used, or researched. Thanks in advance for the gallon of gas. 😉
Best Things to Do in Creede, Colorado
Creede Repertory Theater
Eating in Creede
Creede Visitor Center
Bachelor Loop
Last Chance Mine Tour
Creede Underground Mining Museum
North Clear Creek Falls
Colorado Horseback Riding
What is Creede, Colorado?
Creede, Colorado was born overnight in the late 1880s during one of the last major silver strikes in the American West. Rich deposits in Willow Creek Canyon turned the quiet area into a booming mining camp, and by 1892 the population hit 10,000. Creede’s narrow main street overflowed with saloons, hotels, and shops, drawing famous Old West figures like Bat Masterson and Soapy Smith—stories you can explore at the Creede Visitor Center.
The silver boom ended quickly when prices collapsed in 1893, but smaller mining operations lasted well into the 20th century. Today, Creede’s preserved historic buildings, museums, and nearby sites like the Bachelor Loop offer a vivid look at its wild mining past.
Despite its initial boom, Creede’s population of today is tiny with fewer than 300 people. As the county seat of Mineral County, the third smallest county in Colorado, this is the place to get away from crowds of tourists and fully relax on your Colorado mountain vacation.
~~~> If you’re headed to Colorado as part of a larger Yellowstone family vacation, head over to my post “How to Plan an Epic Yellowstone Road Trip”. It’s everything you need to make a big circle trip from Texas to Yellowstone and back town – best spots and stays and a great itinerary.
Drive the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (Hwy 149) to Creede
Although this guide won’t lead you through the whole 117-mile drive of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, this section near Creede is some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes and rich with history. Stretching from South Fork to Lake City and ending in Gunnison, the route follows the path of early explorers, Native Americans, and miners who once traveled these rugged passes. If you have a full day to explore, keep heading all the way to Lake City; it’s a lovely little town to explore.
This scenic highway offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, river canyons, and one of the most photographed Colorado waterfalls. Don’t pass by the interpretive signs and pullouts share stories of mining heritage, pioneer life, and the natural wonders that make this drive a must-see for anyone exploring the high country of southern Colorado.
Make sure you fill up your gas tank in South Fork or Creede. There will be some stops, but the next bathroom break may be a pit toilet at a national park! Don’t forget the picnic snacks and water bottles. This is a winding road, so grab your motion sickness pills (and puke bags!) if needed; better safe than sorry.
Creede Repertory Theatre
The Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) is one of my favorite parts of my favorite small Colorado mountain town. On our Creede summer vacations, my mom and I would head out for a night going to the theater, and it was just as amazing as any big-town Broadway performance. These CRT world-class theater performances offer big quality in an intimate, historic setting.
Founded in 1966 in a renovated opera house right on Creede’s main street, this theater has grown into a nationally recognized company, drawing talented actors, directors, and playwrights from across the country every summer. Buy some popcorn and drinks and find your seat. Don’t forget to head to the balcony for an amazing view toward the mountains and of downtown Creede.
Each season features a rotating lineup (repertory if you will!) of plays and musicals, ranging from old favorites to new works. With multiple plays and actors performing on the same stage throughout the week, there’s always something playing for every taste. This Creede theater’s reputation keeps the seat filled throughout the week; don’t wait too late get your tickets! Check out the Creede Repertory Theater current shows and tickets here.
Attending a full length theater performance at Creede Rep is more than just entertainment — it’s a community tradition that show off Creede’s commitment to the arts. The theater roots reach even further into the Creede-South Fork area during the yearly CRT KID Show. For three weeks, the CRT professional actors work alongside a small group of local kids to put on their own theater performance. And then, after three weeks, these talented kids perform free for the community. Such an amazing opportunity!
Creede Visitor Center
The Creede Visitor Center is the perfect first stop for exploring this historic Colorado mining town. The friendly and experienced staff offers maps, local tips, and information on all local attractions like the scenic drives, museums, and hiking trails. Stop off and see the model of the town, use the restroom, and grab some maps. They’re here to help you make the most of your visit to the San Juan Mountains.
If you’re heading out on the Bachelor Loop, stop here and grab the detailed brochure with detailed info about all the historic mines and stops along the path. Also a great place to discuss your path and vehicle to make sure you (and your car) are up to it!
If Bachelor or other off-road trail are on your radar, consider renting Jeeps or ATVs. There are lots of places that will help you make that happen.
Creede Shops and Galleries
Shopping in Creede, Colorado is a delightful blend of small-town charm and historic character. Strolling along Main Street, you’ll find unique boutiques, antique stores, and locally made crafts that reflect the town’s mining heritage and artistic spirit. From handmade jewelry and Western souvenirs to vintage treasures and art galleries, Creede offers plenty of opportunities to pick up one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
Many shops are housed in historic buildings, soak up the mountain atmosphere while hunting for unique treasures. Sopping in Creede is a memorable experience. Stop at the original Thomkins Hardware dating back to 1892. Stock up on at the Creede Olive Oil Company. And I can fully blame childhood family trips to Creede’s San Juan Sports for my love of camping equipment and occasional backpacking trips!
Creede Restaurants and Snacks
Creede, Colorado, isn’t just a feast for the eyes. Creede restaurants are a treat for the taste buds, especially at its charming local ice cream shops. After exploring the historic town or driving the scenic Bachelor Loop, there’s nothing better than stopping for a scoop of homemade ice cream at one of several ice cream shops. Flavors range from the classic to creative seasonal specials at Creede Main Street Creamery.
Many of these sweet spots are housed in historic buildings along Main Street, giving visitors a taste of Creede’s charm along with a cool, refreshing treat. If you’re looking for an evening meal before you see a show at the Creede theater, head next door to the historic Creede Hotel for live music or across the street at Tommyknocker Tavern for a relaxed meal and live music. Although we never made it in for a healthy meal at Vida or get to sample Big Doug’s Texas BBQ before they sold it, both of these places look and sound fabulous. Too many to choose from!
Last Chance Mine Tour
The Last Chance Mine near Creede, Colorado, is one of the area’s most fascinating and well-preserved silver mining sites, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the silver boom days of the late 1800s. Opened only several years ago after a private purchaser bought it to teach its history, this Creede visit wasn’t around during my childhood Colorado vacations. Unlike the Underground Mining Museum in downtown, this mine is the real deal, passed down from in the family since 1891 (more than 100 years!) until 1998 when it was purchased for preservation and tours..
Perched high in the San Juan Mountains along the scenic Bachelor Loop, this historic mine invites you to step back in time with guided tours, original mining equipment, and hands-on opportunities to explore the tunnels where silver ore was once extracted. You’ll hear the real life stories, learn how the mine operate, gaze up toward the old mining shafts, and even see the purple amethyst vein.
Last Chance Mine Tips: There isn’t much information online! And if you call the mine, you’ll just be told to drive up and sign up for a tour. This may mean you wait an hour or so for the next tour to leave. See available info about mine tours on their website. You should also know that the mine is accessibly only by taking the gravel road that is the Bachelor Loop. If you don’t plan on doing the whole path (4×4 recommended), you can start just past Creede at the Cemetery and turn back. It’s about a fifteen minute drive off the main highway, but it’s not very well marked! Keep your eyes open.
Although you can visit the Last Chance Mine museum without a mine tour, seeing inside the historic mine (the only one open in Creede) is really the best way to understand the risks and depth of the gold mining in Creede. With multiple different tours to choose from, there’s one for all time and budgets. You even get to wear a hard hat and take home a sample of agate.
After your Last Chance Mine tour, head out to the rock tailings (rock pulled out of the mine) to see if you can find any further rock treasures. This Colorado rockhounding adventure isn’t for everyone as it’s right on the edge of the mountain slope! Bring your good hiking boots, a bucket, and some rock hammers. If you find something amazing, it’s yours for the purchase at the rock store. Check out their selection of rocks as well including many right from the mine.
Bachelor Mine and Bachelor Loop Drive
The Bachelor Loop Scenic Drive in Creede, Colorado, is a 17-mile backcountry route that winds through the dramatic San Juan Mountains and the historic Willow Creek Canyon mining district. Along the drive, you’ll see abandoned silver mines, weathered wooden structures, and sweeping views of aspen groves and the moose favorite beaver ponds.
Before attempting the Bachelor Loop, I highly suggest that you stop at the Creede Visitor Center to get all the info and to buy a detailed map of the loop. The official map will instruct you to start your drive in the canyon, driving counter-clockwise and starting past the Underground Mine; with this, the numbers of stops will go in order. However, we did the path clockwise (backwards), starting at the cemetery, and we survived. The road is definitely steepest at the area near the Bachelor Mine, so the question is if you want to go up the steepest part or down!
Stops like the Last Chance Mine, the remains of the Hercules Mine, and the old ghost town sites bring Creede’s silver boom history to life, making the loop both a scenic adventure and an open-air museum. Plan to drive slowly, pull out at the info markers, and explore. Our fave was definitely the huge Bachelor Mine structure complete with the wild mountain goats hanging out nearby!
Because the road is narrow, steep, and mostly unpaved, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, and drivers should be prepared for sharp switchbacks and limited guardrails. Although some information online recommends a high-clearance vehicle, the visitor center helper told use she drives in it her Subaru, and we managed in our Telluride. There are some potholes to watch out for, so definitely be prepared.
Summer is the best time to go, as snow and mud can make the route dangerous or impassable earlier in the year. Cell service is limited, so it’s smart to bring water, snacks, and a map, and allow extra time to stop at the historic sites and photo-worthy overlooks. With preparation and caution, the Bachelor Loop is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in Creede.
~~~> Don’t leave this Wolf Creek Pass – South Fork – Creede area of Colorado before you head further east to experience the Great Sand Dunes! This Colorado National Park is more than just a drive; read all about renting sand boards to slide down the dunes on my detailed Sand Dune article.
Creede Mining Museum and Creede Underground Fire Station
Tucked into the rugged mountainside together, Creede’s Underground Fire Station and the Creede Underground Mining Museum speak of Creede and it’s history. After repeated town fires and limited building space pushed residents to think outside the box—or, in this case, even move inside the rock. A fire even demolished the original wooden buildings that made up Creede back in 1892! This little mining town just rebuilds and keeps going.
Set right at the base of Creede’s steep mountain walls at the start of the Bachelor Loop in the canyon, the Creede Underground Fire Station stands as the world’s only underground fire station. Built in the 1980s, local volunteers blasted the massive cavern resulting in the firehouse that’s still in use today. Even the firetrucks park inside the mountain.
Although this isn’t one of the historic Creede mines, the Creede Underground Mining Museum offers guided and self-guided tours through a recreated silver mine tunnel complete with authentic equipment, ore carts, and hands-on exhibits. Check hours and prices for the museum here.
Creede Cemetery
Set at the entrance to the Bachelor Loop right past Creede, Colorado, this historic cemetery is a lesson in Colorado mining history. With graves dating back to the 1800s, this peaceful place looks down toward downtown Creede and has the cutest little historic white church.
Pro tip: This elevation looks down on the town with a great view for photos… or to watch the Creede firework show on the 4th of July. I’ve done it!
Historic Marshall Clay Mine
Creede’s Marshall Clay Mine right past downtown is a fascinating glimpse into the area’s mining history beyond silver. This historic site was once a source of high-quality Bentonite clay used for pottery and industrial purposes. Although the mine has been closed for decade, it offers a window into the hard work of early miners.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, visiting the Marshall Clay Mine provides both a scenic stop and a chance to learn about the lesser-known aspects of Creede’s mining heritage. If you were able to drive the Bachelor Loop, you might not be impressed as it’s smaller than those buildings. However, just look at it! It’s super cool in its restored version.
Freemon Ranch for Horseback Rides and Burgers
Freemon’s General Store has been a family favorite since my mom was a kid! It has been a beloved Creede, Colorado landmark since 1929, serving as both a gathering place and a gateway to adventure in the San Juan Mountains. Originally established to supply miners and travelers heading into the backcountry, this rustic stop along the Rio Grande still offers the best burgers in the area, ice cream, and fishing supplies. Make a quick stop and see the historic building!
Fun family connection. My mom grew up coming to Creede and staying at Freemon Ranch. The owners, Floyd and Fleeta Freeman, owned it and came from the same town in Texas as my grandparents. My mom stayed in the cabins on the ranch as a young girl, and she and her sisters were even charged with putting the “lazy Fs” up on the mountain out of rock – the ranch brand. I remember visiting Floyd and Fleet at their Creede home growing up long after they had sold off the ranch to the current owners. Now you know! It’s more than just a quick burger place for my family and me.
The weathered wooden façade and old-fashioned counter service at Freemon’s Store make it feel like stepping into the past. It’s the only restaurant for thirty minutes both directions, but it’s not a stop of “no other choice”. This is the one you’ll drive out of the way for. The grilled onion burgers and fries make a great stop after finishing the Bachelor Loop or when headed along the road toward Creede’s North Clear Creek Falls.
Just next door, plan to spend a morning horseback riding with Long Ridge Outfitters at Freemon Guest Ranch. You’ll experience the mountains without the fluff. Guided rides take you through stunning alpine scenery—crossing creeks, weaving through aspen forests, and climbing to sweeping vistas of the Rio Grande Valley.
The Freemon staff will match each rider to the right horse. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned rider, setting out from Freemon’s on horseback offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of Colorado’s wild beauty and historic spirit.
Summer horseback rides in Creede (click for pricing) are available for one hour, two hours, or even longer. Our family rides took us along the Rio Grande River and back up into the mountains behind Freemon Ranch. The friendly guides stopped and took pictures, made sure everyone stayed safe, and gave us a great family experience.
~~~> If you’re looking for another outdoors adventure, plan to head to nearby South Fork to ride the rails. Plan a morning railbiking with Revolution Rail Company; it was one of the best parts of our trip! Read the full post about South Fork railbiking here.
Bristol View Campground and Loop
Keep heading away from Creede about five minutes to discover Bristol Head Campground. It’s out of Creede and people, but it’s still close enough. to make a great homebase if you plan on exploring the area. You’ll turn off the highway at North Clear Creek Road at the sign for campground and turn right after the slight hill. Once you’re into the big open camp meadow area, you’ll be able to look up and see Bristol Head – the flat mesa out in front of you.
For my family, this National Forest Campground was where we went camping “in the boonies”. Without running water or electricity, Bristol is a peaceful base for being surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains. Nestled among aspen groves and pine forests, this scenic campground offers spacious sites for tents and RVs, along with easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing. I’ve seen moose here!
If you’re looking for a short hike, plan to spend a couple of hours exploring past the campground on the South Clear Creek Falls trail which takes you to the other sister part of the nearby North Clear Creek Falls. This is all the way at the end of the campground, and you’ll likely be the only ones exploring this area. There’s also a pit potty in the campground to use before you continue on your adventure.
Although you can head back to Hwy 149 to continue your path, my recommendation is to turn right at the road that brought you in to head up the hill to what Google identifies as Forest Road 510. I would just call it “keep going on that gravel road”. This isolated road will take you to North Clear Creek Falls as well, but you’ll be heading through the aspen groves with amazing views across the valley to the mountains. My mom tells me this is the best place to see Colorado fall colors in the area!
For more information about Bristol Head Campground, check out the official site here. They don’t take reservations, so plan accordingly!
North Clear Creek Falls
Take this opportunity to get out of your car, have a picnic at the tables, use the pit potty, and see the largest waterfall in the area. Even though the path to the waterfall is roped-off, this is still a pretty high risk area, so make sure you threaten those kids appropriately before hand. (You know it’s true!) This is not a hiking stop or a walk-to-the-bottom-of-the-falls adventure. You will just be seeing it from above, and it’s free.
There is signage also about Native Americans in the area, and a path headed to the other direction which takes you back to look out at the mountain view the other direction. This is the direction you just came from from Bristol View Campground.
The North Clear Creek Falls is a must-see as your drive the Silver Thread Bypass from Creede to Lake City. It’s right on the way, and you’re gonna need this potty break.
Overlook of the Rio Grande Headwaters
Don’t rush back to Creede after leaving North Clear Creek. Stop off on the river side of the road at the outlook and look south at this view! There’s a pull out and a sign; you can’t miss it.
Seasonal Festivals and Events in Creede
Creede, Colorado, hosts a variety of seasonal events that highlight its rich mining history, artistic community, and mountain culture. Summer brings the Creede Farmers & Artisans Market and the Taste of Creede Festival, while mid-July features the Creede Woodcarvers Rendezvous and the Headwaters Music Festival in August. In winter, the town celebrates with the Creede Holiday Market and the Chocolate Festival, offering festive shopping, local treats, and family activities. Check out Creede’s seasonal event calendar here, and see how Creede can be a year-round destination for history, art, and Colorado mountain adventures.
Hope I’ve inspired you to add Creede to your next Colorado vacation! If you have any questions, ask away. Comment below, and I’ll get back to ya. Happy travel planning.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
Leave a Reply