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Ball Park
On Hwy 149 at the south edge of Creede, the town ballpark is available for a variety of uses from ball games to kite flying. Check with the Creede Town Manager (719-658-2276) to schedule organized events.
Basham Park
Located by the old train depot in the heart of town, Basham Park offers a gazebo, picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, and a shady place to relax and watch the world go by. Several summer events are held at Basham Park.
Creede Cemetery
Fences of aged wrought iron and weathered wood commemorate the final resting places of generations of hard-working people who established this legendary silver mining town in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. At the south edge of Creede, turn off Hwy 149 to Lake City onto Bachelor Road. Drive about a half-mile up Bachelor Road and turn at the directional sign (Stop 15 on the Bachelor Historic Loop tour). Creede’s historic Catholic church stands as sentinel in front of the Creede Cemetery.
Creede Community Center
One of the most unique community facilities in the country, the Community Center is a series of rooms blasted from the mountain on the north edge of Creede. With theater and banquet seating for as many as 200 and a full commercial kitchen, the Community Center is an important facility in the county's social and political life. Also available for rent, the Center has both fully finished and tunnel-sculpted rooms that will provide your event with one of the most unusual settings available. Adjoins the Underground Mining Museum and Underground Firehouse. For contact information, see Underground Mining Museum.
Downtown Creede
 Historic buildings and names from a bygone era mark the quaint seven-block downtown section of Creede’s famous silver mining era. The spectacular Pillars of Hercules, volcanic cliffs rising nearly a thousand feet at the edge of town, frame Creede’s array of shops, galleries, eateries, lodging, and sundry services. Simply viewing the old downtown area against this magnificent canyon backdrop makes a visit to Creede worthwhile in any season. A "Walking Tour" guidebook provides detailed information about Creede’s historic buildings and downtown district. Being the only community in Mineral County, Creede serves as the commercial and government center for residents and visitors. Both the Mineral County Courthouse and the Creede Town Hall are located on North Main Street. Rio Grande National Forest maintains the Creede Ranger Station on South Main Street.
Headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan Rivers
Two mighty Southwest rivers rise in Mineral County’s San Juan Mountains. The Rio Grande, third longest river in the U.S., is well known as the international border between Texas and Mexico. This great river begins its flow high on the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide just west of Creede. Collecting water from many rivulets and smaller streams, including Willow Creek, which flows through downtown Creede, the Rio Grande gathers strength for its 1,800-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Tributaries of the San Juan River head on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide across from Spar City. This historic river dips into New Mexico, edges into Utah near the Four Corners, and joins the Colorado River just north of Lake Powell.
Trails
Trails galore interlace the countryside around Creede and throughout Mineral County. Public lands, which constitute 95% 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).
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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.The Snow Country Explorers (719-658-2221) maintain a GIS mapped system of snowmobile trails for winter recreation.The Upper Rio Grande Nordic Ski Club (719-658-0106) also maintains a half dozen trails for cross-country skiing.
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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.
Waterfalls
During periods of heavy runoff, Mineral County’s mountains boast numerous short-lived, unnamed cascades. Mineral County also offers some of the most beautiful and photographed waterfalls in Colorado.
 North Clear Creek Falls, just off SH 149 near the summit of Spring Creek Pass, proclaims the honor as the most photographed waterfall in Colorado. A scenic overlook/rest area is easily accessible from the highway. In good weather, the old road (FS Road 510) makes for an interesting detour through the initial moose relocation site. South Clear Creek Falls also provide an interesting side trip off the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.Copper Falls—Take the Middle Creek Road off SH 149 to visit Copper Falls.Phoenix Park Waterfalls, above Phoenix Park is considered one of the most beautiful in the Creede area.Treasure Falls on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass provides travelers with a convenient rest area at the trailhead to the falls.
Wheeler Geologic Area
 True to its name, Mineral County is a significant study area for ancient geologic activity. The formation of the La Garita and San Juan mountains began about 30 million years ago. Eruptions from massive volcanoes, like the Creede Caldera, were followed by tremendous flows of ash and mud. As the layers of volcanic debris cooled, crystals and mineral ores collected into veins and pockets to create extensive mineral fields. This era of mountain building laid down the volcanic tuff that has become the Wheeler Geologic Area. Water erosion then carved a starkly impressive landscape of fragile capstones, needles, and spires.
Named for the 19th century surveyor of the West, Captain George M. Wheeler, this unique area became a National Monument in 1908. Wheeler’s status later changed to “Geologic Area.” The Creede office of the U.S. Forest Service (719-658-2556) administers this remote landmark. Each August Volksmarch schedules an overnight hike into this unique natural wonder.
Wilderness
Mineral County is bounded by two magnificent wilderness areas:
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Framing the town of Creede to the east are the La Garita Mountains which encompass the La Garita Wilderness area.
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 The Weminuche Wilderness defines Mineral County’s high country west of Creede with elevations rising from an average of 10,000 feet to peaks reaching above 14,000 feet. Named for a band of Ute people who lived in the area through the 19th century, the Weminuche spans the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests to form the largest wilderness area in Colorado. Fifty miles of the Continental Divide passes through the Weminuche Wilderness area. Individuals do not need permits to enter Wilderness Areas but should register at trailheads. Outfitters or anyone else leading a group for compensation, even for a non-profit group, must obtain a Forest Service permit.
Wildlife Viewing
Along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (State Hwy 149), US Hwy 160, and many Forest Service roads that traverse Mineral County, plenty of opportunities exist for observing wildlife. Evenings and early mornings are best times for sightings. Depending on the season, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and a host of other mammals and birds are abundant. Summer or winter, deer are a fairly common encounter while elk, moose, and bighorn sheep tend to migrate into lower valleys as the high country weather cools. Bear, lynx, cougar, bobcat, marmot, ground squirrels and many other small mammals also are common to the area. Catching sight of these wild creatures is always a thrilling experience. However, all wildlife should be respected for their wildness. Do not attempt to approach or feed wild creatures.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
P.O. Box 2800
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (mail)
Phone: 970-264-5639/800-SKI-WOLF ~ FAX: 970-264-5732
E-mail: wolfcreekski@wolfcreekski.com
Open: Winter
 Located in the
southwest corner of Mineral County on US 160, Wolf Creek Ski Area boasts
"The most snow in Colorado". The full-service ski area covers 1500 acres,
has six lifts, and accommodates snowboarding. Onsite dining facilities
offer breakfast and lunch with burgers, pizza, salads, soups; beer, wine
& spirits. See Lodging
and Dining
for accommodations and other dining options while enjoying the Wolf Creek
Ski Area.
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