Creede is a small mountain town in a remote area of southwestern Colorado. It sits at 8,799 feet in the San Juan mountains at the headwaters of the Rio Grande River.
Creede History
The town was once a booming silver mining town in the late 1800s, but today the population is just over 400 people.
In 1916, the USDA photographed Creede, showing a small settlement within the valley surrounded by mountains.
Creede is known for its Victoria-era downtown, along with the many mining ruins that surround the town.
Because of these, Creede, Colorado is listed as a National Historic Site District due to its well-preserved buildings and mining operations.
Outdoor Activities in Creede, Colorado
Now mostly driven by tourism, Creede is a hotspot for outdoor recreational activities, with so much to do in the area, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
We stayed with friends in Creede and climbed the nearby San Luis Peak, which is one of Colorado’s 14er mountain peaks.
We also rode ATVs to see the funky Wheeler Geologic Area near Creede.
The view of Creede from our house was spectacular. The house was located right along the Bachelor Loop (see below).
Bachelor Loop in Creede
The Bachelor Loop in Creede is a 17-mile scenic drive that provides a rich blend of history and natural beauty.
It is a circular route that takes you through the historic mining area of Creede. The drive provides gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains as you make the 17-mile drive.
Along the Bachelor Loop route, you will pass remnants of old mines (such as the Commodore Mine in the photo below) and ghost towns. (Another ghost town in the area is Summitville, near the remote town of Platoro, Colorado.)
Interpretive signs of 16 spots along the Bachelor Loop provide insights into the area’s mining past.
The route also provides panoramic views of the town and valley below, as you’ll have an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet.
The gravel road is generally accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles during good weather.
Having a high-clearance vehicle would be good. You can also drive an ATV along the route.
The road is not plowed in winter, so summer is the best time to visit.
If you’re interested in ATV riding in the mountains in Colorado, you should definitely check out the Alpine Loop.
There are no fees to drive the Bachelor Loop.
Creede Cemetery
The Creede Cemetery, also known as Sunnyside Cemetery, has a rich history linked closely with the mining boom town. The cemetery serves as a final resting place for many of Creede’s early residents.
The Creede Cemetery is one of the stops along the Bachelor Loop.
Established in 1890, the cemetery is located just west of Creede on a mesa, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Bob Ford, famously known for killing the outlaw Jesse James, is buried here.
The church next to the Creede Cemetery is the Immaculate Conception Catholic Mission church.
It was originally built in 1897 and later moved to this location.
Creede Donkey Dash
One very fun held annually in the summer in Creede is the Donkey Dash.
The Creede Donkey Dash features pack burro racing, a sport that has its roots in the state’s mining history. The race involves participants leading a burro (donkey) over a course that can range from 3 to 10 miles through the historic Creede Mining District.
This unique race celebrates the rich mining heritage of Colorado.
According to tradition, the sport originated with miners who, upon discovering gold, would race back to town with their burros, who carried their mining tools and supplies.
The rules established back then continue to influence the race today, with competitors required to run alongside their burros, rather than ride them.
Check out the video we took of the Donkey Dash:
The Lone Ranger Movie
Creede has been a scenic backdrop for various films, probably most notably for “The Lone Ranger” in 2013.
This film, which starred Johnny Depp, was extensively shot around Creede. The dramatic mountains and valleys provided the perfect Old West setting.
Final Thoughts on Creede, Colorado
Creede is a cute little town in the San Juan mountains with a very interesting mining history. The town holds multiple events thoughout the year.
If you can’t make an event, definitely plan to drive the Bachelor Loop, as it’s an easy way to get to see Creede’s mining past up close. Plus the views along the 17-mile route can’t be beat!