4x4 tour
Season: Summer to early autumnSan Juan Mountains jeep tour
- High passes on the Alpine Loop
- Ghost towns and old mines
The essentials
| Location | San Juan Mountains, southern Colorado |
|---|---|
| Population | About 260 |
| Elevation | About 8,800 feet (2,700 metres) |
| Time zone | Mountain Time |
| Main season | June to September |
| Nearest airport | Alamosa (ALS), about 1¼ hours away |
| Emergency number | 911 |
When to visit
The best time to visit Creede is from June to September, when the theatre is in season, the backroads are open and the high country is free of snow. Late September is a favourite, with golden aspens and quieter roads.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April to May | Snowmelt and muddy backroads. Many businesses reopen around Memorial Day, and the high roads are still closed. |
| June to August | Peak season: mild days, cold nights and afternoon thunderstorms. The theatre season, the Days of ’92 at the Fourth of July and the best fishing. |
| September to October | Golden aspens in late September, crisp days and early snow on the peaks. Hunting seasons begin, and many businesses close in October. |
| November to March | Long, snowy and very cold. Most visitors come for skiing at Wolf Creek, snowshoeing and the quiet. |
Weather and what to wear
At about 8,800 feet, Creede has warm sun and cold air. Even in July, nights can drop close to freezing. From July to August, the summer monsoon brings thunderstorms most afternoons, so plan hikes and drives over the passes for the morning.
- Layers, including a warm jacket for evenings
- A rain jacket
- Sturdy shoes for gravel and rocky trails
- Sun protection: the sun is strong at altitude
- A water bottle, as the dry air dehydrates you quickly
Altitude
Creede sits higher than almost any town in the eastern half of the country, and many trails and passes climb above 10,000 feet. Some visitors feel headaches, breathlessness or poor sleep for a day or two. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol, take your first day gently and go lower if you feel unwell.
Events
- The Creede Repertory Theatre season: several plays in rotation, mainly from late spring to early autumn. See our theatre guide.
- The Days of ’92: Creede’s Fourth of July celebration, with hard-rock mining contests, a parade on Main Street and a rodeo.
- Autumn colour: usually late September, when the aspens turn gold. Read our autumn colour guide.
Money and costs
Creede has few shops and services, and prices reflect its remote location. Fill up with fuel and groceries in town or in South Fork before heading into the backcountry. Most national forest areas are free to visit, but some campgrounds and day-use sites charge a fee.
Outdoors and safety
- Lightning: get off high ridges and open meadows when storms build in the afternoon.
- Old mines: never enter abandoned mines or climb on old structures. They are unstable and often on private land.
- Wildlife: watch for deer and elk on the roads, and keep food away from bears when camping.
- Remote roads: phone signal is patchy. Download maps, carry water and tell someone your plans.
Visiting responsibly
- Stay on trails and roads to protect fragile alpine plants and soft volcanic rock.
- Respect private land, which covers most of the mining district.
- Follow fire restrictions, which are common in dry summers.
- Shop and eat locally in Creede and the small towns of the valley.
