Things to Do in Creede, Colorado and Mineral County
Located in Mineral County, Colorado, the 4UR Ranch is just 11 miles from the quaint town of Creede. Almost all of Mineral County is public land — from the Rio Grande National Forest to BLM territory to designated Wilderness — leaving remarkable natural beauty and solitude, and plenty to do nearby. We’re surrounded by mountains: the La Garita range to the north, and to the south and west, the massive peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness and Wolf Creek Pass, home to Wolf Creek Ski Resort.
Creede, Colorado
Just up the road, Creede, 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 frontier figures like Bat Masterson and Soapy Smith. Ranch lodges are named after local mines like the Commodore and Holy Moses — the latter named when its founder struck silver and exclaimed, “Holy Moses!” Creede earned the 2010 Governor’s Arts Award in Colorado.
On Main Street, the Creede Repertory Theatre, founded in 1966, offers everything from plays like “August: Osage County” to weekly improv comedy. Known for bringing big-city performances to a 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’s playing — it’s a guest favorite.
Also in Creede is the Quiller Gallery, showcasing the work of internationally renowned watercolorist Stephen Quiller, known for his use of color and outdoor painting along the historic Bachelor Loop. After exploring Creede, be sure to stop by — his work is truly inspiring.
Exploring the Wilderness, Monument, and Byway Nearby
If you spot a hiker or two in Creede looking like they’ve been in the wilderness a while, it’s likely someone on the Colorado Trail. After days high in the mountains along the Continental Divide, Creede is a welcome break for long-distance hikers on this 486-mile trail spanning Denver to Durango.
Nearby is Wheeler National Monument, with its striking “hoodoo” rock formations — hike the winding trail in, or rent an ATV to explore via the 4×4 road, for a wonderful day trip. Also close by are the headwaters of the Rio Grande, starting as a trickle in the mountains west of the ranch.
On your way into Creede, you’ll likely travel the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, connecting South Fork, Creede, and Lake City, with the stunning North Clear Creek Falls along the route. If you want to extend your trip, Lake City is a must — home to Lake San Cristobal and a large network of ATV and hiking trails. On the other end of the byway is South Fork, gateway to the San Juans, where days can be spent hiking, rafting, mountain biking, or ATVing through the national forest. Passing through on your way to the ranch? Stop at The Malt Shoppe for an ice cream cone before winding into the mountains.