Trails galore interlace the countryside around Creede and throughout Mineral County. Public lands, which constitute 96% of the county, provide ample access to Forest Service trails, many of which carry multi-use designations (Descriptive brochures and maps of Forest Service trails and roads are available at the Creede Ranger Station on South Main Street).

The Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail are two favorite high country hiking routes that pass through Mineral County. Regional Volksmarch trails are clearly marked.

Mineral County has constructed a trail leading south from the Creede ballpark. This new trail affords a pleasant recreational environment for bikers, hikers, and joggers.

​

Up and Over’

Up & Back or Up & Around (3mi); significant climb to top

The most well-known hike in the area can be hiked in either direction. The trailhead is across La Garita Street from gas station. Three quarters of a mile later and 800 feet up, you’ll reach the pinnacles that tower above Main Street. Find a rock and take a break while you look down on town and the valleys of the Creede Caldera. If you're hiking with younger kids, head back the way you came. Otherwise descend over the back, through pine trees and along the mountainside - there are a few steeper drop-offs that require attentive hiking. Keep right at two forks to come down into East Willow/North Creede. From there, stroll less than a mile downhill back to town.

Distance from Creede: Starts in Town.

​

South Clear Creek Falls @ Silver Thread Campground

#899 Down and Back; Restroom at trailhead

From the south end of the campground, an 1,100 foot hike (about .2 miles) is along a well-maintained trail and ends at a dramatic and beautiful waterfall! This is a perfect hike for young kids.

Directions from Creede (about 23 miles): Travel towards Lake City from Creede on Hwy 149 for approx 23 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. The turn-off is located approximately ½ way between Creede and Lake City, and just a ½ mile from the famous North Clear Creek Falls.

​

Hobbit Trail

Up and Back; moderate elevation gain

This hike is the favorite of many locals. This hike starts about a mile and a half north of town along the Bachelor Loop. The trail takes you to the top of Campbell Mountain and overlooks East Willow and a few old mining structures (including the Kentucky Belle mine!). Experienced hikers might opt to clamber down the last two hundred yards for a spectacular view of Creede.

Directions from Creede (2.6 miles): Drive north through town and up the Bachelor Loop Road (FDR #503) up the Black Pitch about 2.6 miles. There is ample parking and the trail head is located at stop #6 on the Bachelor Loop Tour. The trail starts on the east going into the trees.

Deep Creek Trail

#806 Up and Back; gradual climb up

This is a great day hike trail just outside of town. The trail follows Deep Creek up its canyon and alongside beaver ponds. Beautiful mountain views and wildflowers! At the trailhead, first note the grave of a young pioneer; the trail switchbacks for first 1/8 mile through trees, then becomes a slight incline through the meadow. The meadow then gives way to in-and-out shade as you hike up and along the creek. You will come to a foot bridge about an hour in to the hike. This is a great place to rest (and turn around if you have kids). Hike out is all downhill!

Directions from Creede (3 miles): Travel towards Lake City from Creede on Hwy 149 for approx ½ mile. Turn left off the highway onto Airport Road. Continue past the airport and across the river. You will intersect FDR #550 (Deep Creek Road). Turn right on Deep Creek Road and go up and around the corner; turn left onto the road and follow it up to the tree line.

​

Miner's Creek Trail

#803 - Up and Back; slight climb for first mile

Scenery, shade and solitude are available along this trail! Park near the cabin at the trail head at the end of Miner's Creek Road. The trail immediately crosses the creek and parallels it in the narrow canyon bottom. You'll likely get your shoes wet, and note that foot crossings can be dangerous during early summer runoff. After crossing the creek several times, the trail begins to climb out of the creek bottom and through some dense stands of aspen along the southwest facing slopes of Miners Creek. After climbing for about a mile, the trail will turn and cross Miners Creek Drainage. The trail will wander from the creek and traverse through some small open parks and scattered spruce/fir stands.

Directions from Creede (about 6 miles): Travel towards Lake City from Creede on Hwy 149 for approx 3 miles to FDR#507 (Miners Creek Rd). Go north for 3 miles to the end of the road.

​

Shallow Creek Trail

#897 - Up and Back; relatively flat for first 1.5 miles

The trail starts at the end of the parking area and camping sites. The trail begins as an old road and immediately crosses the creek. Continue walking west on the willow-lined and grass path to make numerous creek crossings (with foot-bridges). There are many great places to take your shoes off and play in the creek! At approx ¼ mile, a creek crossing enters into a boggy meadow with a beaver pond on the west side. Keep an eye out for Moose! The trail eventually leads to the north side of the canyon and stays on hilly and rocky terrain. You will pass a natural cottonwood stand before entering another creek crossing. At 1 mile, an aspen and spruce forest dominates. At the 1¼ mile the trail becomes narrow and rocky. If you've made it this far with young kids, now is a good time to turn back. The trail passes next to an old beaver dam before opening to a grassy valley. From here the trail heads north and then west to climb a steep ridge. The trail now passes through 2 beautiful aspen forests. At the 2 mile mark an intersecting trail comes in from the north. Stay on the trail heading west; start looking for the remains of two old miner’s cabins in the aspens. The trail passes a spring and ends at a last creek crossing right before entering the private property of a hilltop yurt.

Directions from Creede (about 5½ miles): Travel towards Lake City from Creede on Hwy 149 for approx 3 miles to FDR#507 (Miners Creek Road). Stay on the road for 1.4 miles and turn west on FDR #508 (Shallow Creek Road) for 1 mile to the dead end.

Creede and Mineral County located adjacent to the headwaters of the Rio Grande offer excellent rafting and kayaking opportunities in unparalleled natural surroundings. From rugged mountain streams to gentle floats of the Rio Grande, the fourth longest river in North America, the rafting and kayaking options range from Class II-IV to suit everyone!