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Creede Region

The northwestern portion of the Rio Grande National Forest hosts some of the most rugged terrain in Colorado. The San Juan and La Garita mountains compete for recreationists attention and boast large sections of the Continental Divide. Large portions of both the La Garita and Weminuche wilderness areas are included in this region. 

The region is generally the northwest portion of the Rio Grande National Forest sharing the northern boundary along the Continental Divide with the Gunnison National Forest and the western boundary with the San Juan National Forest. Draw a line from Little Goose Lake across Hwy 149 northeast to Hanson Mill and include the whole La Garita wilderness on the Rio Grande side.

General Information

Camping, hiking, climbing, backpacking, horseback riding, OHV riding and more activities are available. 

Most of this region is managed by the Divide Ranger District with the northeastern portion being managed by the Saguache Ranger District.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 45 results

Bachelor Loop Interpretive Tour
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
This 17-mile self-guided driving tour loops through Creede’s historic silver mining district and ghost towns. The loop begins at the north end of Main Street in Creede and returns to Main Street…

Bear Town Trailhead - Trail # 869
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning
The Beartown trail is 5.4 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 506 and ends at Forest Trail 825. The trail is open for the following uses: Day hiking, backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness Area,…

Bear Town Trailhead #869
Site Open
Hiking
This primitive trailhead is near the end of the Beartown 4x4 road and consists of a trail sign and small parking area. From here you can access the trail 869 to West Ute Creek and also the trail to…

Bristol Head Campground
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking Scenic Drives Outdoor Science and Learning
This campground contains 15 sites (11 are pull through) ranging from 35 to 55 feet in length. There are both dead end spurs and pull through sites. The campground sits in a meadow on a bench…

Brown/Hermit Lakes Interpretive Site
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
An Interpretive Site and Scenic Overlook along the Silverthread Scenic Byway (State Hwy 149) between Creede and Lake City. The site offers a safe place to pull off the highway, park, learn about the…

Continental Reservoir Fishing Site
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
This large irrigation impoundment is regularly stocked with catchable trout, but the water level fluctuates. It has a parking lot, a restroom, and a concrete boat ramp. Boats with motors are allowed…

Copper Creek Trailhead
Site Open
Hiking
This high altitude trailhead sits at the end of Middle Creek Road 524.  The facility consists of a turnaround loop, parking lot and trailhead signing.  The trail from here soon enters the Weminuche…

Crooked Creek Dispersed Area
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This is a dispersed campsite along Crooked Creek that offers camping space for 1 to 4 parties.  It consists of 4 rough level dirt pull-outs where trailers and tents can be set up. A single pit…

Deep Creek Trailhead #806
Site Open
Hiking
The trailhead is located due south of the Creede, CO airport.  This facility consists of a parking lot and trailhead signing for the Deep Creek Trail.

East Bellows Trailhead # 790
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This trail provides good hiking and horseback  access to Wheeler Geologic Area, Halfmoon Pass and the La Garita Wilderness.  Beautiful views and unique geologic features are the main attractions of…

Last updated March 29th, 2025

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