Creede, Colorado contains a richly preserved mining history within the confines of its mountainside town. You will find yourself enchanted by the countryside surrounding Creede, from powerful waterfalls to staggering volcanic rock formation, all waiting to be explored on foot or ATV. You’ll want to spend time exploring the unique places within the town itself, from the many restaurants offering rich brews and tasty foods, to theaters and galleries displaying local art! And while you’re there, be sure to drop down into the mines–after all, they’re what make this town so significant! Keep reading for all of the adventures and things to do in Creede, Colorado.
1. Be mesmerized by the North Clear Creek Falls
From the Silverthread Scenic Byway, stand, watch, and hear the powerful North Clear Creek Falls as they rush down into the valley. Located 26 miles (41 km) west of Creede, the falls offer a perfect location for an afternoon picnicking trip with the majestic backdrop of the water! With plenty of space to walk around and explore, you’ll want to bring your camera for some remarkable shots of the water as well as the rest of the landscape on this byway! Be sure to check the weather before you go, as inclement conditions such as snow may cause road closures.
North Clear Creek Falls
Address: Forest Rd 510.3B, Creede, CO 81130
Website: North Clear Creek Falls
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Descend to the depths at Creede Underground Mining Museum
Creede Underground Mining Museum is one of the few mines open to the public offering an up-close and personal experience of what mining life used to be like. In this completely underground museum, you will have the chance to see real mining equipment and learn their purpose, listen to and have mining lingo defined, and be guaranteed an authentic experience as each tour guide once worked in the mines themselves. Creede Underground Mining Museum is not something you will want to miss!
Creede Underground Mining Museum
Address: #9 Usfs Rd #503, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Creede Underground Mining Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Explore the history of Creede at Creede Historic Museum
Creede Historic Museum offers you a chance to learn the history of Creede and the significance it played in the mining story of Colorado. Especially important to this town was the silver boom which happened dozens of years ago and caused the town to become quite popular among those seeking the precious metal! You’ll see artifacts within the museum and hear and read stories about the miners and their families, as well as the railroad which once ran to and from Creede right through this depot-turned-museum!
Creede Historic Museum
Address: 15 S Main St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Creede Historic Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
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4. Shop around at Rare Things Gallery of Treasures
Rare Things Gallery of Treasures gives you the chance to peacefully stroll through their gallery of assorted art, collectibles, knick-knacks, and handicrafts to get a taste of both culture and history. You might find antique pieces holding history and intrigue behind the shadow box glass. Or, you might find a unique piece of jewelry made from the stones found within Creede’s mysterious mining hills. Whether you want to just look or to shop for souvenirs, you’re sure to be enchanted by the collection at Rare Things Gallery of Treasures!
Rare Things Gallery of Treasures
Address: 106 S Main St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Rare Things Gallery of Treasures
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
5. See a local performance at Creede Repertory Theatre
Whether you’re feeling some drama, a little music, or maybe a musical of song and dance, Creede Repertory Theatre invites you to come down for an evening of entertainment. This local cast of characters produces quite a performance worthy of Broadway itself, with exquisite costumes, set, and of course talent! Or, laugh yourself silly at one of their crowd-pleasing improv nights! Look no further for date night ideas because Creede Repertory Theatre is performing it all!
Creede Repertory Theatre
Address: 124 N Main St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Creede Repertory Theatre
Price: From 10 USD (free for kids)
6. Tour the unique Creede Underground Firehouse
Creede Underground Firehouse is quite literally a firehouse built into the side of a mountain resulting in a truly one-of-its-kind design of the garages and rooms within. Although Creede Underground Firehouse is quite an attraction due to the sheer uniqueness of its design, this actually is home to Creede’s operating fire department so you might encounter the firemen as you approach. Be sure to call ahead and inquire about a tour so you might have ample time to see the station carved into the mountain!
Creede Underground Firehouse
Address: W. Willow Creek Rd, Creede, CO
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Travel Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway
Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway weaves its way through many unique and beautiful landscapes of the West all of which played a significant role in the history of pioneering this particular section of the US. Two of those important stops include Creede and the Wheeler Geologic Area, as well as the nearby Antelope Springs and Wagon Wheel Gap. Throughout the trip, you’ll discover landmarks and postings to alert you to historic landmarks, important places such as mines or heritage sites, and alerts to keep a lookout for the native wildlife prowling about! No matter where on the byway you begin, you will be impressed with the amount of information you can learn!
Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway
Website: Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Sink your teeth in a barbecue sandwich at Tommyknocker Tavern
Tommyknocker Tavern sounds is exactly like it sounds – a rustic tavern reflecting the kind of joint a tired, dusty old miner might’ve dragged his boots through to sit with a foamy pint at the bar. Today they are known for their pulled pork sandwiches among many of the other items on the menu making your mouth water as soon as you look at them! Try the Honeywagon BBQ sandwich, pair it with a cold tap beer, and relax to the live music as it floats through the restaurant and out onto the back patio to mingle with that chilly mountain air.
Tommyknocker Tavern
Address: 107 Wall St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Tommyknocker Tavern
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)
9. Explore the town with Bachelor Loop Historic Tour
Bachelor Loop Historic Tour offers its visitors the chance to experience the unique mining history of Creede through a do-it-yourself tour of the mountains, ghost towns, and old abandoned mine shafts. You can take the highway route or opt for the more daring off-road trek requiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate some of the more treacherous trails which the miners and pioneers faced many years ago. See the tattered buildings of the ghost towns and learn who once roamed their halls; take pictures outside the mine shafts, but don’t get too close! Some of them still contain dangerous gases–probable reasons for their abandonment!
Bachelor Loop Historic Tour
Address: Creede, CO
Website: Bachelor Loop Historic Tour
10. Drive over to witness the breathtaking landscape at Wheeler Geologic Area
The unearthly landscape of Wheeler Geologic Area can only be reached by a 7-mile (11 kilometers) hike or 14 miles (22 kilometers) on a four-wheel-drive vehicle over rough and rugged terrain. But don’t let that deter you, for the views will be a reward in itself as the spires and cliffs of eroded volcanic tuffs create quite the picturesque landscape over which to watch the sunset. Bring your camera and start snapping photos for this is not something you’ll be able to see every day!
Wheeler Geologic Area
Address: Creede, CO
Website: Wheeler Geologic Area
11. Mine for amethyst vein ore at Last Chance Mine
Last Chance Mine stands as Creede’s most historic, as well as the richest, mine containing the incredibly beautiful mill-run ore of amethyst vein. The amethyst mine runs about 800 feet (243 meters) below ground, and visitors to the mine are given tools to collect a sampling of the amethyst vein rock for a fee of 2 USD should you choose to take the samplings home. Upon visiting, you will be told stories about the remarkable history of Last Chance Mine and learn how significant a role it played in the silver boom dating back 100 years ago!
Last Chance Mine
Address: 504 Last Chance Mine Rd, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Last Chance Mine
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
12. Get some Kip's Mex at Kip's Grill
Kip’s Grill was the original taco truck back in 1996, serving their freshly made, deliciously stuffed tacos out of the back of a caboose! Today you’ll find them still serving up the same delicious food at a welcoming dive in Creede. You know you want to try it because even the locals come back again and again for a fruity margarita after a long work week with chipotle bacon shrimp tacos–a winning combo indeed. While you dine you might even be treated to a musical performance of local talent! It’s an evening experience everyone will enjoy.
Kip's Grill
Address: 101 W 5th St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Kip’s Grill
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
13. Have a cozy stay at Mountain Views at Riversedge
Located near the town of Creed in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains, adjacent to the Rio Grande River, sits a stunning RV Park with picturesque views and resort-quality amenities. You will find absolute comfort in the updated grounds of Mountain Views at Riversedge, including laundry and bathing facilities! Whether you have a smaller, cozy RV or one spacious enough for the whole extended family, you’ll find Riversedge has space enough for all! And if cabins are your preference, stay in one of their comfortable cabins, complete with bathroom, for a relaxing home-away-from-home experience!
Mountain Views At Riversedge
Address: 539 Airport Rd, Creede, CO 81130
14. Treat yourself to a relaxing sesh at Ooh La Spa Lcc
Ooh La Spa Lcc has everything you need for a perfectly soothing, pampering spa day! Whether you need a massage after a day hiking those Colorado cliffs, a facial to calm you down, or a manicure to help you feel fancy, the ladies of Ooh La Spa Lcc are anxious to treat you right! And after your gorgeous makeover, shop through their merchandise so you can keep the spa vibes going from the comfort of your own home!
Ooh La Spa Lcc
Address: 289 S Main St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Ooh La Spa Lcc
Opening hours: (Summer) Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun); (Winter) Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
15. Cruise the countryside with Creede ATV
Creed ATV is thrilled to take you on this exciting way of seeing the mountainous countryside of Colorado. You can pick from a two-seater or four-seater ATV and spend the day cruising along with the squad! Because of Creede’s ideal location within the confines of the San Juan Mountains, you have the opportunity to explore Wheeler Geological Site and its incredible mineral fields. Take one of the trails, or go off-road, and ride along the shores of the Rio Grande River where you might stop for a peaceful picnic lunch. No matter what path you make, you won’t regret making it via ATV!
Creede ATV
Address: 911 La Garita St, Creede, CO 81130
Website: Creede ATV
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 250 - 350 USD
So much to see above ground and below
Although Creede, Colorado finds its definition heavily in its mining background, visitors will find themselves enchanted not just by the mines and museums! Fall in love with the beautiful hills and valleys and geographical phenomena of Creede!