Things to Do in Creede, Colorado and Mineral County
Located in Mineral County, Colorado, the 4UR Ranch is only 11 miles from the quaint town of Creede. Almost all of the land in Mineral County is public, from the Rio Grande National Forest to Bureau of Land Management territories to designated Wilderness. As such, the natural beauty and solitude of this area is remarkable, and it leaves plenty of things to do in Creede Colorado. We are surrounded by mountains; the La Garita range to the north and to the south and west of us are the massive peaks of the huge Weminuche Wilderness and Wolf Creek Pass, home of Wolf Creek Ski Resort.
Creede, Colorado
Just up the road, Creede, Colorado, a revitalized mining “ghost town,” is home to artisan shops, galleries, restaurants, and the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre. Known for the West’s last great silver strike in the late 1800s, Creede has a rich history, with famous frontier figures like Bat Masterson and Soapy Smith. The lodges at the ranch are named after local mines like the Commodore and Holy Moses, the latter named when the founder struck silver and exclaimed, “Holy Moses!” Creede earned the 2010 Governor’s Arts Award in Colorado.
Main Street features the Creede Repertory Theatre, founded in 1966, offering everything from plays like “August: Osage County” to weekly improv comedy. Known for bringing big-city performances to the small town, the CRT was hailed by the Denver Post as “one of the state’s top five theatre companies.” Check the front desk during your stay to see what shows are playing this summer! It’s a guest favorite of things to do in Creede, Colorado.
Also in Creede is the Quiller Gallery, showcasing the work of internationally renowned watercolorist Stephen Quiller. Famous for his use of color and outdoor painting, Stephen often paints along the historic Bachelors Loop. After exploring Creede, be sure to visit the gallery—his work is truly inspiring.
Exploring the Wilderness, Monument, and Byway Nearby
If you see a hiker or two looking as though they have been out in the wilderness for a while during your time in Creede, it is likely someone hiking the Colorado Trail. After spending many days high in the mountains along the continental divide the town of Creede is often a welcome break for long distance hikers. Spanning from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail is a 486 mile trail that weaves through the mountains of Colorado.
Nearby is Wheeler National Monument, with its striking “hoodoo” rock formation (pictured 1st). With the option to hike the winding trail into Wheeler National Monument or rent an ATV and explore via the 4X4 road, it is a wonderful day spent in the Creede area. Also nearby is the very headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande river, which starts its long journey as a trickle in the mountains to the west of the ranch.
On your journey into Creede you’ll likely travel along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, that connects the high alpine towns of South Fork, Creede and Lake City. Nearby you’ll find the stunning North Clear Creek Falls (pictured 2nd). If you are interested in extending your vacation a trip to Lake City is a must! In this charming town you’ll find the stunning Lake San Cristobal (pictured 3rd), a large network of ATV and hiking trails. On the other side of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway you’ll find the town of South Fork, considered the gateway to the San Juan mountains. Where days can be spent hiking, rafting, mountain biking or renting ATVs to explore the national forest. If you are passing through South Fork on your way to the 4UR Ranch stop at The Malt Shoppe for an ice-cream cone before winding your way through the mountains!