A log cabin in a mountain meadow in the Rio Grande National Forest

Where to stay

Where to stay in Creede and the upper Rio Grande

Stay in Creede for the theatre and the history, in a riverside cabin or guest ranch for the fishing, in South Fork for more choice and Wolf Creek, or in Lake City for the high passes.

The areas

Choose your base

The white Sunnyside Chapel in a meadow below the mountains near Creede Most atmospheric

Creede

Stay in the old silver town

A small choice of historic hotel rooms, motels, B&Bs, cabins and vacation rentals in and around town, within walking distance of the theatre and restaurants. Rooms are few, so book early.

Best for: Theatre trips and history lovers

Cabins below a forested cliff of volcanic rock at South Fork More choice

South Fork

Between Creede and Wolf Creek

A small town 22 miles downriver where the Silver Thread meets US 160, with more motels, lodges and cabins, and the shortest drive to Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Best for: Skiers and road trips

A cabin beside the outflow of Lake San Cristobal near Lake City Mountain town

Lake City

At the far end of the Silver Thread

A Victorian mining town about an hour and a quarter west over the Continental Divide, with lodges, cabins and B&Bs and the jeep roads of the Alpine Loop on its doorstep.

Best for: Jeeping and hiking

What kind of place should you book?

Historic hotels and B&Bs

Creede has a handful of small hotels and B&Bs, some in buildings from the boom years. They are the best choice for an evening at the theatre, as everything in town is within walking distance.

Cabins and lodges

Cabins by the river or in the trees are the classic way to stay in the upper Rio Grande, from simple fishing cabins to comfortable lodges with a kitchen and a porch. Guest ranches add riding and meals.

Campgrounds and RV parks

The Rio Grande National Forest has many campgrounds along the river and near the reservoirs west of town, and there are private RV parks near Creede and South Fork.

When to book, and what it costs

June to August is the busiest time, and the Fourth of July weekend and summer theatre weekends fill up fast. Autumn hunting seasons are also busy. Late May and September are quieter, though some places open late or close early, and winter choices are limited.

Things to check before you book

  • Opening dates, as many places close from autumn to spring
  • The road to the property, as some cabins are on gravel roads
  • Heating and warm bedding for cold mountain nights
  • Minimum stays, which are common for cabins in summer
Share this

Good to know

Where to stay FAQ

Where is the best place to stay near Creede?

Stay in Creede itself for the theatre and the history, in a riverside cabin or guest ranch for fishing and quiet, in South Fork for more choice and Wolf Creek skiing, or in Lake City for the Alpine Loop.

How far ahead should I book?

Creede has few rooms. For summer weekends, the Fourth of July and theatre season, book several months ahead. Autumn hunting seasons also fill local lodging.

Is Creede open in winter?

Creede is a year-round town, but many lodgings, restaurants and shops close or keep short hours from autumn to late spring. Winter visitors usually ski at Wolf Creek and stay in South Fork or Creede.

Are there campgrounds near Creede?

Yes. The Rio Grande National Forest has many campgrounds along the river and near the reservoirs west of town, plus private RV parks. Most open from late spring to early autumn.

Plan your Creede trip

Book your room, then plan your days

Once you have a base, compare jeep tours, fishing trips and steam train rides nearby.