A 75-mile drive between Lake City and South Fork, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway offers not only scenic beauty and natural wonders, but also a deep history forged through abandoned gold and silver mines and boomtowns found along Highway 149. At the height of Colorado's mineral rush, this byway was once a thoroughfare of prospectors and entrepreneurs, boasting towns of thousands of people and thriving businesses. Now only a shadow of its crowning glory, this stretch of highway still attracts visitors with alluring vistas, wild adventures, lively recreation, and fascinating historical sites.
Along this byway are five of Colorado's mountains that reach above the 14,000-elevation mark. Stop at the Windy Point Overlook a few miles outside of Lake City for a breathtaking view of all five "fourteeners." There are countless marvels of nature along this byway, among them North Clear Creek Falls. About an hour north of Creede, the waterfall surprises unsuspecting travelers. Also, seven miles south of Creede, visitors can four-wheel and hike up to Wheeler Geological Area to appreciate its stunning formations.
This stretch of the Rio Grande National Forest encompassing Lake City, Creede, and South Fork is also rich in history. There are a few ghost towns along the way and many abandoned mines. Creede offers numerous attractions for visitors seeking history and cultural experiences. Tour the town's historic mining district on the 17-mile Bachelor Loop and learn about mining and its influences on the town by visiting the Creede Underground Mining Museum. This small town also houses the renowned Creede Repertory Theater, a popular attraction available May through September.
The Silver Thread Scenic Byway will also leave you entertained as well as informed. While hiking, rafting, or casting a fishing line, travelers enjoy the quiet magnificence of the Rio Grande National Forest. The winter season boasts over 130 miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails and the Wolf Creek Ski Area attracts skiers and snowboarders with its renowned fine powdered slopes.
"Dude ranches" abound along this byway, offering city folk a taste of ranching life. Travelers can also visit one of the many privately owned resorts built around geological hot springs. Whether you're looking for time to commune with nature, an opportunity for sightseeing, an authentic ranching experience, or a relaxing and luxurious soak in naturally occurring hot springs, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway is the road worth traveling.
