Creede & Mineral County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Visitor's Guide

2 0 1 5 o f f i c i a l T r av e l g u i d e — c r e e d e.c o m

insp ired.

unexpected.

uninhibited.

p reserved.

Congratulations!

PHOTO: SOWA RD RAN C H

YOU HAVE OPENED A TREASURE THAT MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This may be your first glimpse into a vacation in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and one of the best kept secrets. With this guide we tempt you with access to 96% public lands for all of your outdoor adventures. Visit the Headwaters of the Rio Grande and all of its tributaries, animals and escapades. Attend a live play at the world renowned Creede Repertory Theatre to help celebrate their 50th year in this historic mining town. We encourage you to dine at the numerous restaurants sprinkled throughout the area; they house very skilled chefs which present their best dishes for your tasting pleasures.

While you are wandering through the area enjoying the scenery, town, shops and such, take into consideration the people you encounter; that serve you breakfast, make your bed, paddle your boat and wrap your gifts. Those people make their living here every day by making your day better, and have also made a conscious choice to live here because they love this place too. One of those people was Mrs. Margaret McCrone Lamb, she graced the earth by living in Creede and Mineral County for 95 years.

Mrs. Lamb grew up and then raised her own family on Third Street and at the Soward Ranch which boasts 129 years. Two and three generations of families from across the United States have made their vacations at Soward Ranch alongside the Soward and Lamb families.

During your visit, you may hear or read the Lamb or Soward name, it comes with much pride. The Lamb family was critical to the establishment of the elementary school and many other projects throughout the area. Soward Ranch boasts over 1300 acres on the Rio Grande, maintains their own fish hatchery and still offers vacation cabins and a homesteaders type cabin for the adventurous sort. This year we lost Mrs. Lamb, but we hope the kindness of her actions over the years emanates through your visit and further on to follow you home. It is with Mrs. Lamb in heart and mind that we present you with this guide to our favorite place.

Executive Director Now, be inspired, go out, wander and explore to find your favorite place!

Creede & Mineral County Chamber of Commerce

- Della Brown

PUBLISHED BY:

PO BOX 580 904 S. MAIN STREET CREEDE, CO 81130 719-658-2374 OFFICE@CREEDE.COM Š 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS Headwaters of the Rio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Shops and Galleries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Night Lights of Creede . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 A Brave Rescue and a New Flume . . . . . 19 Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bachelor Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Regional Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Campgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Winter in Creede . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Local Fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 CRT Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Member and Advertiser Listings . . . . . . 48 Worship Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Local Flora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

FOLLOW US: Share your Creede & Mineral County adventures with us on Facebook and YouTube.

PHOTO: E. WINTZ

HEADWATERS OF THE RIO

By Lyndsie Ferrell

c.1950. Written on front of postcard: “Farmers Union Reservoir – Creede, Colo.”

This is also called The Rio Grande Reservoir.” Photographer: Sanborn. Donor and collector are unknown. Creede Historical Society Archives.

S olitude. Silence. Serenity. It’s the same story on every day for the area around the headwaters of the Rio Grande river. As one of the longest rivers in Colorado, the Rio has its origins in the desolate wilderness in the southwest part of the state, merely miles from the historic mountain town of Creede. As it slithers its way through high mountain meadows, down sharp rocky cliffs, it offers a mind blowing fishing experience along the way. With over twenty small tributaries, the river is home to many species of aquatic life. Brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout call this clear, clean river home.

Rio Grande reservoir is nestled into a wide valley surrounded by the San Juan mountain range. The birth place of the Rio Grande recently celebrated one hundred years of Colorado recreation. The dam is in the first stages of restoration, which once finished, will allow the reservoir to be filled to maximum capacity several times throughout the year. The lake is also surrounded by several campgrounds offering some of the most beautiful campsites in the area. Most camp grounds are host to tents and large motor homes alike, with somewhat easy access to the the vast reservoir.

Fishing, Yes! Prime Colorado fishing can be found all along the smoothly flowing river and along the banks of the reservoir. Plus,

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there is no need to stop there when avid Anglers can wander along the twenty tributaries as they make their way down stream.

From Brookies to large trout the Rio Grande river and reservoir offer optimum fishing conditions. Bald eagles join the hunt as they swoop low above the water and grab the trophy fish, calling out high upon the air as they take their prize to a nest on top of forty foot pines that sway in the breeze.

One of the easiest things to do along the Rio, is to find one’s self alone, listening to the rapids as they flow all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. The soft clack of the stones near the shore as the water moves them in an endless dance. Some wish to step away from every day stress brought on by constant, intrusive reminders of work and no play. Here, along the Rio, most technological devises can’t even get service, which makes stepping away that much easier. Sit back, relax and delve into the mystery of the Rio as it gives and takes life with each restless breath of its Colorado waters.

After a retreat from the real world some like to add some spice to their vacations along the Rio with an exciting ride down the rapids. Several white water rafting trips can either keep you on the edge of your seat or take a leisurely stroll as some toss the lines into the deeper waters for the larger catch. Mountain Man Rafting, now in South Fork, offers full or half day trips along the Rio. Bring a lunch or light snack and hold on for a thrilling experience. Many find that rafting the Rio gives them a sense of life that was once inhibited and preserved, a place where nature can be herself and show those seeking it her ultimate treasures.

Two years ago, devastation struck the area in the form of a massive forest fire. One of the largest wildfires in Colorado history; the flames ripped through the area destroying over 100,000 acres of forest. Some veered away from the area in the aftermath of the fire, staying at bay as they watched the towns

c. 1910. “Head gates and spill way [at] Farmers Union Reservoir.” Photographer/donor/collector unknown. Creede Historical Archives.

recover in the face of a storm. Little do people know that now there is a world of unique beauty in the charred landscape above and around the Rio Grande reservoir. The scenery is a landscape of charred blackened trees, luscious green shrubs, and bright purple flowers sprinkled upon the ground. An entire new forest is forming itself around the damage caused by the fire and it is a sight sure to steal anyone’s breath away. The Rio survived, the fishing is prime and the beauty in the hidden folds of tragedy will combine for an untethered memory.

While you are visiting the Reservoir, you may choose to wander a bit to the surrounding area and discover Lost Trail Ranch; a guest ranch completely off-grid, or take in one of the nearby trails; Lost Trail Creek, Ute Creek Trail and the Weminuche Trail.

While traveling down from Rio Grande reservoir towards Creede you will find gift and tackle shops as well as eateries; The Studios at Bristol which features the handwoven works of Teri D. Inman and other artists; Freemon’s offers fantastic burgers and supplies, or stop in at Antlers for a special gift or a night of dinner overlooking the river. Take it slow as you drive the bumpy road leading from the reservoir and not for a smoother ride but rather for the chance to glimpse the wildlife hunkering on the side of the road. Dear Mr.Hedgehog can usually be seen basking in the sun on any given day or a fuzzy rabbit will hop out to greet travelers as they mosey by. Even the occasional buck with his new set of horns can been seen munching on sweet grass in a nearby meadow.

No matter where, no matter what, the Rio is a prime location for solitude, silence and serenity. People find themselves in a place like this; even if they had no intentions of getting lost it can happen. Step away from what is known and tap into a piece of Colorado mystery, beauty and perseverance. Grab a chance to find something all your own while dancing along the Rio.

c. 1910. Written on front of photo: “Bridge on Rio Grande River [sic]” This is probably the bridge that crossed the river at Wagon Wheel Gap where Cottonwood Cove is today (2009).

Note man and two dogs. Photographer, donor and collector are unknown. Creede Historical Society Archives.

c. 1920. Ivan Vanaken wrote on the back of this photo: “This picture was taken when they were building the road around the Farmers Union (now Rio Grande res.)” Photographer unknown.

Donor/collector: Ivan Vanaken.

Creede Historical Society Archives.

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Angie Hague 1-4 block FINAL 2015_Layout 1 2/12/15 1:54 PM Page 1

TEACHING WORKSHOPS at the SILVERTHREAD ADOBE GALLERY ARTSPACE 23550 HWY 149 • CREEDE, COLORADO

• FIVE DAY WORKSHOPS • GREAT LIVE-IN SPACE • RESERVE YOUR SPOT • MAY thru OCTOBER

• ANGELA HAGUE Instructor Come and feel the space We are all artists in space, in feel, in form...

719.658.2787

www.artspacesbyangela.com

RETAIL THERAPY SHOPS + GALLERIES ABBEY LANE GALLERY

719-658-2736 / 131 N. Main St., Creede

ALAMOSA HOME

719-589-2030 / 630 Main St., Alamosa alamosahome.com

ANTLERS RIO GRANDE LODGE 719-658-2423 / 26222 Hwy 149, Creede

ARTSPACES BY ANGELA

719-658-2787 / 23550 Hwy 149, Creede artspacesbyangela.com

BIG RIVER MUSIC

719-658-2100 / 238 S. Main St., Creede

BLUE CREEK LODGE

719-658-2479 / 11682 Hwy 149, South Fork bluecreeklodgesouthfork.com

BLUE SPRUCE BUILDING MAT. 970-944-2581 / 310 Bluff St., Lake City bluesprucelc.com

BOB SEAGO PHOTOGRAPHY

719-658-1140 / 619 Starlight Cir. #80, Creede bobseagophoto.com

BRISTOL YARNWORKS STUDIO 719-658-2455 / 39542 W. Hwy 149, Creede bristolyarnworks.com

COTTONWOOD COVE LODGE

719-658-2242 / 13046 Hwy 149, South Fork cottonwoodcove.com

CREEDE OLIVE OIL CO.

719-658-2443 / 104 N. Main St., Creede creedeoliveoil.com

CREEDE TRADING POST

719-658-0625 / 11 S. Main St., Creede

CWATERS GALLERY

719-588-8484 / 128 N. Main St., Creede frameshopcreede.com

DOWNSTREAM GAS & MERCANTILE 719-658-2480 / 117 E. 7th St., Creede

ED KNIGHT PHOTO

719-658-0182 / 635 Rainbow Ct., Creede edknightphoto.com

FREEMON’S GUEST RANCH & GENERAL STORE

719-658-2454 / 39284 Hwy 149, Creede

THE HOLY MOSES

719-658-2848 / 121 N. Main St., Creede

J THOMPSON GALLERY

719-658-0880 / 111 N. Main St., Creede

KENTUCKY BELLE MARKET

719-658-2526 / Second and Main, Creede kentuckybellemarket.com

MINES & MEMORIES GENERAL STORE

719-658-2370 / 708 S. Main St., Creede

MONTE VISTA COOP

719-852-5181 / 1901 E. Hwy 160, Monte Vista mvcoop.com

OFF BROADWAY

719-658-3050 / 129 N. Main St., Creede offbroadwaycreede.com

OOH LA SPA

719-658-3070 / 289 S. Main St., Creede oohlaspacreede.com

QUILLER GALLERY

719-658-2741 / 110 N. Main St., Creede quillergallery.com

RAINBOW LODGE & GROCERY

RARE THINGS GALLERY OF TREASURES

719-658-2376 / 106 S. Main St., Creede rarethingsgallery.com

RIO GRANDE ANGLER

719-658-2955 / 13 S. Main St., Creede riograndeangler.com

SAN JUAN SPORTS

719-658-2359 / 102 S. Main St., Creede sanjuansports.com

THE BLUE YAK SALON & BOUTIQUE 719-658-2500 / 493 S. Main St., Creede theblueyaksalon.com

TOMKINS HARDWARE & LUMBER 719-658-2240 / 127 N. Main St., Creede

UNDERBRUSH LIMITED

719-658-2455 / 39542 Hwy 149, Creede kathykillip.com/underbrush-ltd

UNDERGROUND MINING MUSEUM

719-658-0811 / #9 Forest Service Rd. 503, Creede undergroundminingmuseum.com

719-873-5545 / 30359 W, Hwy 160, South Fork WILLOW CREEK APOTHECARY rainbowsouthfork.biz 719-658-3070 / 289 S. Main St. (in Ooh La Spa), Creede / oohlaspacreede.com

RAMBLE HOUSE AND CREEDE GUIDE & OUTFITTERS

719-658-2482 / 116 N. Main St., Creede ramblehouse.net

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Quiller Gallery Established 1970

Paintings and Prints by Stephen Quiller • Capturing the Spirit of the San Juans Clay Forms, Wood Forms, and Sculpture by Southwest Artists

Water Ouzel & Hidden Falls #4 Summer Season Open Daily Visit us at www.quillergallery.com

Acrylic & Casein 34” x 22” 110 Main Street 719.658.2741 PO Box 160 • Creede, Colorado 81130

creedetownhall.com

NIGHT LIGHTS OF CREEDE

By Clyde Gooseman

A ctually, the thing that makes the Creede area an excellent

place for viewing the night sky is the absence of light. If you’ve seen a satellite image of the United States at night you’ve no doubt noticed the light from the highly populated Northeast and East coast. As you move west you can pick out individual cities, Chicago, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, stand out on their own. A little further west the front range pops out as Colorado Springs and Denver light up the I-25 corridor. The further west you go the darker it gets. Creede has the additional benefit of being surrounded by wilderness areas. The La Garita to the east, Gunnison to the north and the largest wilderness area in Colorado, the Weminuche to the south and west.

That’s enough about lights, lets talk about air. First there’s not as much of it. At 8,852 feet elevation we have about 8,000 feet less air to look through than say Dallas, Texas does. Second, the air is dry. What moisture the Sierra Nevada’s don’t suck out of the atmosphere the western slope does. If you remember your high school physics, dry air cools down much faster than moist air, which brings us to the third benefit, “lack of heat”; you know, that radiation you see coming off the highway on a hot summer day.

These four things, absence of light and the thin cool, dry air make Creede a wonderful place for viewing the night sky.

Let’s start the evening by looking at the planets. In the western sky right after the sun goes down you will see two bright stars, one is Jupiter and the other will be Venus. They will be dancing around in the constellations Cancer and Leo for most of the summer. Sometime in July depending on where you’re at, Saturn will rise over the eastern San Juans about the time Venus and Jupiter set. That’s about all the planet stuff that’s going to happen this summer.

There are some stars of interest. I am assuming the reader has some knowledge of the night sky. Maybe just a few constellations that you grew up with, the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) is a good place to start. It’s in the northwestern sky. If you look at the second star from the end of the handle you’ll see two bright stars very close together. The brightest star is Mizar, the other bright one is nameless as far as I know. If you look very closely at Mizar you might be able to see another star touching it. That would be Alcor.

This is a binary solar system (two stars in the same solar system).

Early astronomers named them after two mythological brothers who fought all the time. Alcor orbits around Mizar every eleven days. While we’re here if you draw a line through the last two stars of the pot and extend it in the direction the pot is pouring, it will

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intersect with Polaris the North Star at approximately seven units.

A unit will be in this case the distance between the two pot stars.

Use your fingers or hand as a guide.

Now follow the arc of the handle of the big dipper to the southwest. The arc will intersect with the very bright star Arcturus; Hence the saying “Arc to Arcturus”. If you keep going you will “speed on to Spica”, in the far western sky. Acrturus is the third brightest star in the night sky. If you move slowly straight east from Arcturus you will come to a semi-circle of stars called the Corona Borealis. Boreas is the Greek god of the north wind and

winter. When he takes his crown off in October his anger swells and it becomes cold and windy. While he wears his crown during the summer though it stays warm and calm. Not to make Boreas mad, but I like to think of his crown as a bowl of sugar water. Just to the east of the bowl is a butterfly also called Hercules. The two stars that make up Hercules waist are the body of the butterfly.

Now if you look to the leading edge of the left wing as it’s flying toward the bowl, about two-thirds the distance from the head to the end of the wing, you will see a faint glow. That is the Hercules cluster or M13. In the 1920’s it had about twenty thousand stars in it. By the 1980’s it had grown to about two hundred thousand stars in it. Now in the 2010’s it is reported to have about two million stars in it. No, it didn’t grow. The technology to see the universe has grown exponentially.

Now if you draw a line from Arcturus through M13 to the next brightest star you’ll come to Vega, the forth brightest star in the night sky. If you look right next to Vega to the southeast, you’ll see four stars that form a rhombus or squashed rectangle. The two farthest south stars are bookends for the Ring Nebula or M57.

The Ring Nebula is the remnant of a supernova that exploded about twelve hundred years ago. The monks that recorded it said you could read by its light at night. Now you can only see it through a telescope. Okay, one more object. Move from Vega to the east and you’ll see five or six bright stars that form a cross.

This is the constellation Cygnus the Swan. The top of the cross is

pointing toward the northern horizon. Some folks refer to it as the Northern Cross. If you look to the bottom of the cross you will see Albireo. It is a blue and gold double binary. That is two stars in the same solar system, (remember Mizar and Alcor). A double is two stars or in this case two solar systems that line up in the same line of sight from earth.

Well that ought to keep you busy for a night or two. Can’t stay out too late, it starts to get cold. Don’t you just love these San Juan Mountains? During the months of June, July and August I will try to have an Astronomy program once a week here in the upper Rio Grande Valley close to the Silver Thread Byway.

Check with the Information Centers for time and place. I have a twelve-inch Dobsonian telescope and you’re more than welcome to bring your own telescope, binoculars and naked eyes. Please, try to clothe the rest of you though.

what we saw:

LET YOURSELF RUN FREE STAYING FIT + HEALTHY IN CREEDE & MINERAL COUNTY The following Classes are at the Creede Elk’s Lodge, located

above the Rare Things Gallery. All classes are 1-2 hours, $5-10 per class. Mats provided (or bring your own) & don’t forget the water!

DANCE FITNESS Mondays 5:30-6:30pm / $8 This class is just plain F-U-N! Come groove to the rhythm of many styles of dance, with intermittent strength training using light weights.

CORE/STRENGTH TRAINING Mondays and Fridays / 8-9:15am / $10 Integrates free-weights and pilates-based core work for improved strength, flexibility and tone. Weights provided. Beginners through advanced welcome!

MORNING YOGA Tuesdays / 8:30-9:30am / $5 Hatha Vinyasa Flow to get blood moving and energize you for the day.

HATHA YOGA Wednesdays / 4:15-6:15pm / $10 Classical Hatha Yoga taught with an emphasis on calming the mind through easy-to-achieve, although challenging, poses. A deep experience of being present-in-the-body through healthy stretching, flexibility, balance and strength training.

SENIOR YOGA Thursdays 8:30-9:30am $5 Gain movement, improve your memory, reduce stress, relieve anxiety with an hour of restorative poses for mental, physical and emotional health.

EVENING YOGA Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm / $5 Beginner to intermediate Hatha Yoga class. Don’t be deceived, this class is still a workout! Come stretch, smile, breathe and relax!

----CIRCUIT/BOOT CAMP Tuesday and Thursday mornings / 7am and 8am / $15 Classes held at the school gym.

best calor ie bu rn:

LINE DANCING Mondays 4:30-5:30pm Classes held at Creede Baptist Church.

PHOTO: K. COUGHLIN

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FUEL YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

my favor ite eats:

DINING + DRINKS I n this little town but large county of 878 square miles you don’t expect to find too many choices for dining. But, have we got some news for you!

With specialties ranging from your own fresh catch of brook trout to vegetables pulled from the garden outside the window to delightful gourmet crab cakes and great “to go” options, Creede & Mineral County has a little something for just about every yearning.

Many talented chefs make the area their home and work for the more than thirteen restaurants to tempt your taste buds, what better reason do you need to visit than great food?

DINING LEGEND

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BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER ADULT BEVERAGES

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4UR RANCH

719-658-2202 / One Goose Creek Rd., Creede / 4urranch.com Welcoming visitors for over 120 years, 4UR Ranch offers fine dining in a beautiful setting.

4UR Ranch boasts an extensive wine list and gourmet menu, offering favorites like seared scallops or artichoke cannelloni. While located on a private resort, visitors are invited to dine by reservation only.

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ANTLER’S RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT & LODGE

719-658-2423 / 26222 Hwy 149, Creede / antlerslodge.com Situated along the bank of the Rio Grande, Antlers offers a heated deck for outdoor dining or an elegant aspen wood dining room for a more intimate experience. Enjoy signature menu items like polenta and fried quail, oven-roasted rack of lamb, or trout piccata. Antlers also offers a top-shelf bar and wide range of hand-selected wines. Reservations suggested.

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ARP’S

719-658-2777 / 112 N. Main St., Creede Real. Good. Food. Domestic and international comfort food. Chicken And Waffles, Cajun Gumbo, Mediterranean, Indian, etc. Comfortable dining room. Full Bar. Eat in, Take Out, Catering, Grab And Go Section.

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BLUE CREEK LODGE & RESTAURANT

719-658-2479 / 11682 Hwy. 149., South Fork / bluecreeklodgecreede.com Casual and reasonably priced, Blue Creek serves the ultimate in home-cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy favorites like hamburgers, chili, or chicken-fried steak. Don’t forget a piece of homemade pie for dessert!

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BROADACRES RANCH

25671 W. Hwy 149, Creede / broadacresranch.com Exclusive dining for Broadacres guests only.

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CAFÉ OLE

719-658-2880 / 103 A N. Main St., Creede Welcome to our new location, where you will find beloved Café Ole classics and some new menu items, sure to become favorites. Stop in for a cup of gourmet coffee and a fresh muffin to go or sit and chat with old friends over breakfast.

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CASCADA BAR & GRILL

719-658-1033 / 981 La Garita St., Creede / cascadagrill.com Welcome to Cascada Bar & Grill and Cabins, where diners will find a wide selection of traditional and specialty Mexican dishes and some American standards, too. The ingredients are always fresh and the flour and corn tortillas always hand made. Don’t forget to check out their vegetarian selections. Cascada Bar & Grill offers plenty of atmosphere, whether dining indoors or out. Beautifully decorated indoors, Cascada showcases authentic artifacts and art pieces. Also beautifully decorated (by Mother Nature), Cascada’s outdoor seating is the largest in the area.

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OPEN YEAR-ROUND ON-SITE LODGING AVAILABLE OUTDOOR DINING ENTERTAINMENT OCCASIONALLY

COTTONWOOD COVE LODGE

719-658-2242 / 13046 Hwy 149, South Fork / cottonwoodcove.com So much more than a restaurant, Cottonwood Cove offers cabins, RV sites, raft and Jeep rentals, guided horseback rides, a gift shop, and a restaurant, where diners can enjoy home-cooked food at affordable prices. Look for American favorites like an old fashioned hamburger or chicken fried steak. And what meal would be complete without a scoop of hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream to top it off?

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CREEDE HOTEL & RESTAURANT

719-658-2608 / 120 N. Main St., Creede / creedehotel.com Take in downtown Old West charm at the Creede Hotel. With indoor and outdoor seating, guests can enjoy a quiet meal in the dining room or take in a beautiful summer day on the patio. The lunch menu offers salads and sandwiches, while the dinner menu boasts pasta, fresh seafood, and the Hotel’s famous Flatiron steak. Reservations are not required but recommended, especially for dinner.

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FREEMON’S GUEST RANCH & GENERAL STORE

719-658-2454 / 39284 Hwy. 149, Creede Located on Clear Creek, Freemon’s offers single, double, and family sized cabins in a beautiful mountain ranch atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a guided horseback ride followed by one of Freemon’s famous cheeseburgers and waffle fries and a scoop or two of ice cream.

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KIP’S GRILL

719-658-0220 / Fifth and Main St., Creede / kipsgrill.com Specializing in Baja Mexican food, Kip’s Grill is a unique find in our small mountain town.

Indoor seating keeps guests warm in the winter while the abundant outdoor seating provides incredible views in the summer. Be sure to visit the Sky Lounge, Kip’s second-story bar/dining area, where visitors can appreciate another breath-taking perspective of Creede as they dine.

Visitors not in the mood for Mexican food can also find beef, buffalo, and elk burgers. Be sure to try a fresh-squeezed pineapple margarita or one of Kip’s famous Bloody Marys, a meal in itself.

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MJ’S CAFÉ

719-658-0340 / 801 La Garita, Creede Open year round, MJ’s Café offers heaping plates of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at affordable prices. Hungry guests can find anything from a cheeseburger and fries to steak or shrimp. Down home cooking and friendly atmosphere make MJ’s a favorite of the locals.

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TOMMYKNOCKER TAVERN & BBQ BISTRO

719-658-0138 / 107 Wall St., Creede / tommyknockertavern.com The most recent Silver Chef winner, the Tommyknocker Tavern is a great place to stop in for a cold beverage or a tasty barbeque sandwich (meats smoked in-house, mind you). From appetizers and salads to their not-to-be-missed barbeque ribs, the Tommyknocker offers a full menu and a complete bar. And, if nightlife is what you are looking for, the Tommyknocker Tavern is booked solid most nights throughout the summer with live music from near and far.

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A BRAVE RESCUE AND A NEW FLUME A SHORT HISTORY OF CREEDE SPRING FLOODS

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relic of our mining past, the Creede flume runs right through the middle of town as a drainage canal for Willow Creek.

The Willow Creek watershed extends to the Continental Divide with a high point of 13,895 feet and drains to the Rio Grande just downstream of Creede. The watershed is characterized by steep slopes in its drop to Creede which is at an elevation of 8852 feet.

The Creede flume can be defined as a Millrace flume, its purpose is to move water from one area to another.

A challenge for early settlers, Willow Creek naturally floods every Spring. The Creede Candle newspaper is peppered with reports of floods, repairs, accidents, and every variety of

c. 1910. “Looking down the Rio Grande.”

Photographer/donor/collector unknown. Creede Historical Society Archives.

challenge with the flume. The flume, as we know it now, was approved for construction by a state appropriation of $8,000.00 in 1908. In response to previous destruction from the Spring floods, the Creede City Council stated “something should be done, and it’s about time to get doing it.” According to the City Council at the same meeting, the Willow Creek spring flooding cost D&RG Railroad approximately $5,000.00-$6,000.00 a year.

However, after repeated failed attempts to secure funding from D & RG Railroad for construction of the flume, the City Council requested an appropriation from the State of Colorado, which >>> was granted in 1908.

c. 1920. Houck family picnic on the Rio Grande.

Phobably this was below the depot looking toward the Hot Springs Hotel at Wagon Wheel Gap. Photographer: Unknown. Donors: Renee Lindke & Rochelle Erikson. Collector: Walter “Dick” Houck. Creede Historical Society Archives.

c. 1920. Written on front of photo: “Forest Service Highway Along Farmers Union Reservoir [.] Creede, Colorado.” Photographer is unknown.

Donor/Collectors unknown. Creede Historical Society Archives.

creede.com

|19

>>> The need for prevention of high spring flood waters persisted in 1911. The Creede Candle reports “a horrible scare” at the close of business day on Main Street when a man named Charley Morton fell into the flume. One man is quoted as saying “ [He got] tired of the Sunday closing law and was bound to get a drink.” A group of rescuers pitched a rope over the side of the flume. Women with “white tense faces” surrounded the party and watched the drowning man pulled from the water.

Despite the flume completion, Spring floods remained a problem, particularly in North Creede. According to the Creede Candle, approximately $75,000.00 worth of damage occurred in 1917 due to extreme flooding. During the 1917 flood, the Holy Moses Saloon and the Cliff Hotel were totally destroyed and completely fell into the creek. The flood washed mine tailings into town and whatever was not destroyed by the rushing water was damaged by the loose tailings. The Creede Candle estimates that the flood moved fifty tons of rock every minute.

North Creede and Stringtown (the settlement above North Creede) were completely destroyed and only accessible by a hiking trail around Bachelor. The Creede Candle reports that “old time residents … have seen as much water in the canyon, but never the amount of damage.”

However, the flume completion did not eliminate the danger of having an open drainage flowing through the City of Creede.

In 1921, the Creede Candle newspaper reports that a twelve year old boy fell into the flume during the Spring flood, and sustained a minor head injury. The boy, Orlon Webb, was whisked into the flume as he was attempting to retrieve logs from the water, just south of the lower bridge. A great rescue was then underway.

Seeing Orlon struggling in the water, Tom Weaver, Otto Harris, and Byron Fairchild jumped into an automobile and sped towards

c. 1924. Written in photo album: “Taken from a high cliff above Creede”. Written on back of photo is: “July 4 – 1924”. The photo was taken from Elephant Rock looking down on Middle Creek Rd. The small meadow in the upper middle of the photo is possibly where the first Marshall Park Campground was originally located. Unknown photographer. Donors: Renee Lindke & Rochelle Erikson. Collector: Walter “Dick” Houck. Creede Historical Society Archives.

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the South of town. According to reports, the creek was high and moving at upwards of 30 miles an hour. The emergency practically brought the whole of Creede to the flume edges to watch the men rescue Orlon. Orlon was rescued a full ten blocks from where he fell. Luckily, a tree had lodged in the banks of the flume and his foot caught on a branch. According to the Creede Candle, the men (now joined by H. S. Wheeler) could see “a bit of shoe and leg sticking up [out of the water].” The men jumped into the fast moving water, rescued Orlon, and promptly delivered him to Dr. McKibben’s office on Fourth Street. Two weeks later, the Creede Candle reports Orlon’s speedy recovery.

More recent notes of an abundance of water in Willow Creek were in the Mineral County Miner. After a great May snow melt and run off, The Miner reported on June 2nd , 2005 that rockhounds were enjoying the washed out remains of West Willow Creek. About ten days earlier the Creek’s overflow and debris managed to wash out about 150 feet of roadway just above the intersection of West and East Willow Creek Roads.

Crews worked day and night continuing to transport and remove building sediment from the high flowing waters in the creek bed in order to contain the flooding to that area and out of town.

Rising water in Willow Creek has been a constant source of problems for the City of Creede. In particular, the area in North Creede, where the flume begins, has never been stable. But thanks to the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee, a study has been done to examine the weak points of the flume and the Upper Willow Creek area, and determine the repairs needed. To read the official flood control reports, see http://willowcreede. org/flood-control.html. According to the Executive Report by the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee, a 100 year flood could create a high velocity flood and a “supercritical” >>>

The 1927 Goose Creek flood through the CF&I buildings and tents and 4UR structures. Donor/ Collector: Carol Slaght Fillmore. Creede Historical Society Archives.

c. 1940. Middle Creek Road at Seven Mile Bridge looking northeast. The photo was taken before the current Seven Mile Bridge was built. Photographger, donor and collector are all unknown. Creede Historical Society archives.

>>> flow. The “supercritical” flow could be highly erosive, and could potentially damage channel banks, levees, hydraulic structures and other property. The Willow Creek Reclamation Committee identifies the most at risk areas as above the Mining Museum, the Windy Gulch Culvert, North Creede, West Willow Creek, Commodore Mine, and the Amethyst Mine. These areas are historically where drainage fails during high spring floods. In addition, there remains a large amount of mine tailings and debris at these areas. Indeed, the historic report indicates that moving debris has historically caused destruction during the Spring floods.

To mitigate the risk of damage to life, property and habitat, the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee recommends repairs at the high risk areas listed above. Further, the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee suggests that much of the dangerous timber and debris could be removed with help from the community.

According to the Executive Report by the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee, if these repairs to the flume and watershed are made, the danger of flooding to the City of Creede and outlying habitats would be much mitigated. If you are interested in donating to or volunteering with the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee, or would like more information on this important project, please visit the website: willowcreede.org.

As with the fires of the 2013 and the determination of the mountain folk of the area the people have learned to live in these mountains and with Mother Nature. As the people have adapted to the flooding waters they will adapt again to the fire ravaged hillsides and the natural occurrences that may come about because of them. The plants, animals and people renew and welcome the coming seasons not knowing what will arrive and in what time.

c. 1950. Man on a raft in seasonal pond near Antlers Park Fishing and Hunting Resort. On back is written: “This is a view of Antlers Park fishing [sic] & Hunting Resort[.] The most beautiful shot [sic] on the Riogrande [sic] River[.]” Unknown photographer and donor. Weaver Family Collection. Creede Historical Society Archives.

c. 1950. Walking bridge from Blue Creek to Big River crossing the Rio Grande.

Photographer/Donor/Collector: Tom Hayden. Creede Historical Society Archives.

flooded w ith memor ies:

Flood of Sunday May 28th, 2005. Bachelor Road washed out below the commodore Mines. Note Commodore Mines in background. Don Dustin, Photographer. Donor/ collector: Don and Leslie Dustin. Creede Historical Society Archives.

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ONE TOWN IN THE MOST REMOTE COUNTY IN THE LOWER 48 Surrounded by 96% public lands b 5 Fourteeners b Historic District Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway b Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway

LAKE CITY, COLORADO Just an hour drive from Creede

970-944-2527

facebook.com/LakeCityCO

Regular Summer Schedule

JUNE 20 - AUGUST 18 FRIDAY - MONDAY 7:30 PM | SUNDAY MATINEE 1:30 PM

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811 GUNNISON AVE, LAKE CITY | 970.944.2298 (JUST NORTH OF THE LAKE CITY POST OFFICE)

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HAPPY TRAILS PEACE, OFF-ROAD

the checklist:

PHOTO: B. JENNINGS

TRAIL NAME / NO. ELEV. ELEV. ELEV. DIFFICULTY USAGE

START END GAIN

LENGTH USAGE ONE-WAY (MILES)

Deep Creek Trail / 806

8900

10900

2000

Mod. - Diff.

Mod.

9

foot/horse

Farmers Creek Trail / 801

8800

11300

2500

Moderate

Light - Mod.

9

foot/horse

Heart Lake Trail / 823

10400

11600

1200

Moderate

Light - Mod.

1.9

foot/horse

Inspiration Point / 789

8900

11200

2300

Difficult

Light

3.5

foot/horse

Ivy Creek Trail / 805

9200

11800

2600

Easy - Mod.

Mod.

8.1

foot/horse

Miners Creek Trail / 803

9000

11500

2500

Moderate

Mod.

7

foot/horse

Shallow Creek Trail / 897

8738

9625

887

Moderate

Light - Mod.

2.25

foot/horse

Squaw Creek Trail / 814

9400

10800

1400

Easy

Mod. - Heavy

9.9

foot/horse

Texas Creek Trail / 816

9040

11640

2600

Most Diff.

Light - Mod.

12.9

foot/horse

Ute Creek Trail / 819

9600

11800

2200

Easy

Heavy

12.1

foot/horse

Weminuche Creek Trail / 818

9400

10600

1200

Easy

Mod. - Heavy

5.5

foot/horse

West Pole Creek Trail / 918

11200

12600

1400

Moderate

Very light

3.5

foot/horse

Fern Creek Trail / 815

9200

9800

600

Easy - Diff.

Heavy

OHV-4.7, Foot-15

Motorcycle/ATV under 50” Lost Creek Trail / 821

9750

12350

2600

Moderate

Light to Mod.

11

Motorcycle/ATV

under 50” Bachelor Road / 504

Heavy

17 Jeep

Bear Town / 506

10500

12100

1600

Mod. - Diff.

Heavy

5.9

Jeep

Bristol Head Peak / 532

10030

12706

2676

Moderate

Mod.

15.1

Jeep

Pool Table/Wheeler / 600

10800

11040

200

Difficult

Heavy

13.7

Jeep

Regan Lake / 521

9530

10080

550

Easy

Heavy

4.8

Jeep

Stony Pass / 520

9600

12588

2988

Moderate

Extra Heavy

14.6

Jeep

Provided courtesy of Rio Grande National Forest.

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DIGGING DEEP THE BACHELOR LOOP T he Bachelor Loop Historic Tour is a 17mile driving tour that loops through Creede’s historic silver mining district and ghost towns.

Start at the south end of Creede (the visitor center) and travel north through Creede, up West Willow Creek, to the Equity Mine.

From there, the route turns back to the south and follows the Bachelor Road back down to the south end of town.

There are 18 numbered interpretive stops and numerous points of interest and viewing along the tour route. The interpretive stops begin about one half mile north and end just above Creede at stops #15 & 16, Creede Cemetery and Bob Ford’s Gravesite.

The loop road has some narrow stretches and steep grades that require caution. Check on road conditions during inclement weather.

Several 4-wheel-drive roads lead off the tour route into less accessible terrain. Allow a minimum of 1 hour for the tour.

> VISIT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PICK UP YOUR DETAILED BACHELOR HISTORIC TOUR GUIDE

notes from the road:

creede.com

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Lake City 149

Colorado Trail

FS

5 FSR 50

Colorado Trail

R7

87

Rito Hondo Reservoir

in

R FS

er

3 He

518

Brown Lakes

Silver Thread CG

16

181 Cre ek

R

2 Sha (McKellow Creek nzie S T tock D rail rive)

Bristol Head CG

5 51 Santa Maria Reservoir

Ma

rv oir

Los t

Tra il

FS

53

North Clear Creek CG South Clear Creek Falls

R5

FS

Rd

l

North Clear Creek Falls

Heart Lake

se

Lost Trail CG

Rio

Gra

nd

eR

rvo

ir

C

Rio Grande CG

l rai kT

River Hill CG

ese

rn Fe

Thirtymile CG

Middle C re ek

l rai kT

ree eC Ut

il Tra ek

Texa s

Ro

Road Canyon CG

ad

Regan Lake

re

Ca ny on

Re

Rd

ar Town Stony Pass

ad Peak

i ra kT

Br t o l is

FSR

e re sC

51

Continental Reservoir

Carson Ghost Town

M

Crystal Lake

e Cre

1 18

Fe r

n

Cr ee

k

Rd

Ruby Lakes

nu

ch

eT rai l

Lim

Cr e T ro ut

CREEDE & MINERAL COUNTY AREA MAP + TRAILS

Green squares represent campgrounds.

Find your ideal spot and match it on page 32.

l Trai

Copper Creek Waterfall

Love Lake

22

7

k Cree

il Tra

ail Tr ek

R

Ivy

ek Cre aw

Squaw Lake

FS

Ivy Creek CG

Squ

We mi

io Grande Pyramid

San Luis Peak 14,014 ft

Trail

CAR/PAVED ROAD JEEP/4X4 TRAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE/ATV MOTORCYCLE ROADS HIKE/HORSEBACK

FSR 5 0

3

rado Colo

87

d7

a Ro

Far m

Creede

CR-2

ad

79

94

5

l7

Fremont’s Camp

e Cre ers

-2

CR

1

R6

FS

FSR

Tra il

612

Pool Table Rd

Cathedral Ro

12 SR 6 n-F mo Ra 5

FSR 613

Cre ek

Cathedral CG

a Agu

Hansen’s Mill Trailhead to Wheeler

Deep Creek Rd

FSR 611

Wagon Wheel Gap

/

Em

0 63

ep

6

Tr ai

kT rail 801

Bac

Pinnacles Trail

79

Road 786

Ro

92

helo

Trail 789

Wheeler Geologic Area il 7 Tra

r Lo

op

East W illow

ad

De

87

ba

rg o

9

l7 Trai

0 Trail 7

Cr

97

k

ee Cr Rd

99

R7

FS

er

d Al

Palisade CG Coller State Wildlife Area

C reek Rd 2

28 149

k T rail

South Fork

re e

il Tra

831

1 83

r

ail

FSR

93

34 il 8 Tra

R

FS 0 41

Trail 8 37

Trail 933

WIl lo w Cr eek T ra i l

Hunter’s Lake Trail 835

43

Tra il 8 33

3

0

R FS

FSR 4

33

ngs CG

Hwy Spri

Million Resvr

Upper & Lower Beaver Creek CG Beaver Creek Resvr Cross Creek CG

Trail 812 -

Race

Crk

ark/ ow P ak WIll orte Pe N Del

eC

T

North Lim

d7

Ro

arshall Park CG

me

Roa

FS R5 02 .1

Phoenix Park Waterfall

where in the world are we? ✰

Gunnison

REGIONAL MAP

Blue Mesa Reservoir

114

Saguache Old Cow Town

285

✰

Lake City

✰

Slumgullion Pass

Lake San Cristobal

285

North Clear Creek Falls

✰ Creede Rio Grande Reservoir

Wagon Wheel Gap

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Center

✰

South Fork

✰

Del Norte

✰

✰

112

Ln 6

✰ Monte Vista

✰

Alamosa

DISTANCE FROM CREEDE

MILES AIRPORT

Wolf Creek Ski Area 39.8

COLORADO MAP

No

FORT COLLINS

Pagosa Springs 63.8 No Alamosa

68.5 Yes

Gunnison

105.2 Yes

Durango

123.8 Yes

Pueblo

190.5 Yes

Colorado Springs 233.1 Denver

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GRAND JUNCTION COLORADO SPRINGS

Yes

255.8 Yes

Albuquerque, NM 268.2

DENVER

Yes

CREEDE & MINERAL COUNTY DURANGO

ROUND THE CAMPFIRE CAMPGROUNDS + PICNIC AREAS

O ur public lands are managed by the Rio Grande National Forest Service & San Luis Valley Bureau of Land Management.

Contact: 719-852-5941 / fs.usda.gov/riogrande.

Bristol Head / South Clear Creek

$16

Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Scenic, Trail to Clear Creek Waterfall, Fishing.

Ivy Creek

FREE

Restroom, NO WATER, Fire Grate, Trailhead, Fishing.

Lost Trail

FREE

Restroom, NO WATER, Fire Grate, Fishing.

Marshall Park

$18/36

*Reservation Required*, Restroom, NO WATER, Fishing.

North Clear Creek

$16/32

Restroom, Water, Fire Grate.

Palisade

$18

Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Fishing.

Rio Grande

FREE

Restroom, NO WATER, Fire Grate.

River Hill

$18/36

*Reservation Required*, Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Fishing.

Road Canyon Reservoir

FREE

Restroom, NO WATER, Wakes Not Allowed, Trolling Motors OK, Fire Ring.

Silver Thread / South Clear Creek Falls

$16/32

Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Scenic, Fishing, Trail to Clear Creek Waterfall

Thirty-Mile

$18/36

*Reservation Required*, Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Trailhead.

*Find campgrounds on Area Map, pages 28-29.

To make a Reservation at Marshall Park, River Hill or Thirty-Mile: www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777.

PLEASE NOTE: After Labor Day most campgrounds are CLOSED, limited use allowed at some, no water or trash service.

HAPPY CAMPER TIPS Camp at previously used dispersed camping sites.

Camp at least 150 feet from water sources.

Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30 day period on the Rio Grande National Forest.

All vehicles must stay within 300 feet of a designated road.

Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly.

Obtain a motor vehicle use map from any office.

Dig a pit for your toilet needs at least 200 feet from water and cover the pit before you leave.

Always dump sewage from trailers and motorhomes at designated dump stations, not on the ground.

Please do not leave campfires unattended and check with the local Forest Service office for current fire restrictions.

Motorized travel is allowed only on authorized roads & trails.

All hay must be certified weed free.

32|

creede.com

PHOTOS: E. WINTZ

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creede.com

X X

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WINTER IN CREEDE

By Lyndsie Ferrell

PHOTO: A. GALE

T he days shorten as the fall colors of the aspens begin to

change, the soft sighing breeze of winter hangs breathlessly upon the air. Local wildlife hunker down as the inevitable cold catches the last lazy rays of fall sunshine, turning the world into a silent tribute to the summer warmth. A place of peace and tranquility, unhindered by the busy preparations of a holiday season on the

36|

creede.com

horizon and a New Year of possibilities yet to come, Creede is a place to get away and step outside of the norm.

A hidden treasure nestled in a canyon of high ragged peaks surrounding the small mountain town of Creede, Colorado. A unique place to spend the winter, Creede offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation, celebrations and days upon days of sunshine

during the winter months. Known for its mining history the area surrounding Creede is one of many mysteries and small surprises sure to catch the attention of anyone wishing to experience something all their own. A secret hides in the folds of the San Juan mountain range simply awaiting discovery for those wishing to seek it out.

Begin the winter in Creede with homemade delectable treats provided by local businesses during the annual Chocolate Festival. Step away from the mundane and enter into a world of decadent chocolate while shopping for holiday gifts in local shops. No need to bother with the busy holiday crowds in larger cities when you can shop and enjoy sweet rewards while you’re at it. Each participating business vies for bragging rights for the next year, as they share their own unique talent in the craft of making the perfect chocolate treat. Homemade goodies offer endless possibilities to quench even the most selective pallet, rendering the inevitable holiday sweet tooth silent.

Winter activities do not end there. Snow begins to fall, coating the world in a white blanket of Colorado fun. Creede has several opportunities to get out and enjoy the winter sunshine.

From cross-country skiing to grabbing the sled and sending the laughing kiddos down a hill, Creede is the place to be when wanting to get a touch of the unexpected. The perfect place to get a taste of a good old fashioned Colorado experience. Crowds are non-existent this time of year and solitude is handed out in the bucket loads. Take a walk on the wild side, grab a snowmobile

tour and head into the untouched, unseen wildness surrounding Creede or cuddle up around a roaring fire in one of the vacation rentals or lodging accomodations open during the winter months.

Either way the time spent in Creede will be worth a lifetime of fond memories.

Holidays have come and gone, the winter is beginning to seem as if it were going to last forever. The New Year brings a revitalized feeling of joy and what better than a good hockey game to rid the soul of pending eagerness? Come join the Creede Hockey Club and participate in the annual “Golden Pick” Tommyknocker Pond Hockey Tournament. This Creede tradition brings amateur hockey players from all over the western United States for two solid days of fun. Local restaurants provide food and the local underground community center offers a warm reprieve for frozen guests. The days are filled with hockey games and the nights are filled with live entertainment and local food.

Gather around a warm fire while watching a lively hockey game and sip on hot chocolate or perhaps partake in a hot toddy. A great way to bring in the new year.

Cabin Fever Daze kick off in mid-February to rid anyone of the lingering cold of winter. With the promise of spring in the air, the days lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, locals of Creede decide to have some fun. As Mother Nature re-writes the world in a different font, artists from around the area come out to share in the beauty of snow and ice. Sculptures gather near the hockey ponds north of town and put the chisel to the ice, YOUR BASE CAMP FOR

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>>> creating unique forms of art for everyone to enjoy. Guests are invited to glide silently along the smooth ponds on skates, walk town and enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and shopping or take a walk among the towering canyon walls, along Willow Creek as the ice melts, freeing the stream of its winter confines. It is a wonderful time to be outside and see the changing atmosphere while the world releases winter to its icy home allowing spring to pop in around the edges.

Join the locals in a fun game of Creede Curling during the Cabin Fever celebrations. Similar to Shuffle board, the game is a great way to have some entertaining competition with the locals.

Slide a bowling ball cut in half across the ice, aiming for the target.

The team that wins, has bragging rights and receives a trophy fit for Creede. As many as five teams can compete in the curling games.

After the festivities of the days, the nights are full of live entertainment, a firework show and even a play by the famous Creede Repertory Theater. Find a local eatery on the picturesque Creede proper, where local live entertainment is sure to lure in the fun. Sit back, relax with an ice cold brew and order up some

fantastic food to add to the dazzling night life. There’s something for everyone, young and old, on the streets of town.

On the final day of getting the fever out, runners of all ages gather south of town for a biathlon, a great way to stretch the legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The race takes runners down into the flood plain below town, weaving along the nearly frozen Willow creek as it glides gracefully along. No need to hurry and no need to take your time, either way the race is a rewarding end to a wonderful weekend in historical Creede.

Creede is an unhindered destination with a plethora of unexpected experiences for those who wish to step away from the mundane and grasp a hold of the untethered Colorado lifestyle, even if only for a while. Whether visiting during the summer to partake in the famous Creede Repertory Theater or to enjoy some winter activities in the quiet forest around Creede, it is sure that guests will walk away with a story to tell and a few cherished memories to keep for all time. A place that once you visit you become family and are welcomed with open arms to experience what the locals get to see everyday.

PHOTO: B. SEAGO

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creede.com

Prime Property with Water Rights

For the first time in 57 years, this property is available. 107.81 acres offers Miner’s Creek, room for horse grazing, zoning of residential/commercial/agriculture. There is a fully equipped Laundromat that has been run commercially in the past. Two homes, greenhouse, lots of storage, woodshop, mechanics shop, garages, quilting room, tack room and wood storage. Three wells and water rights. There is a two room cabin on the West side of property. Partly fenced. Much more to offer. Contact:

Lynn Harris 719-588-1405 William Harris 719-588-0889 Kiosk on Main St., Creede, CO 81130 719-658-2262 www.wcrealty.com

LOCAL FAUNA ANIMAL TRACKS

ABERT’S SQUIRREL Abert’s squirrels are one and a half to two pound grayish, reddish, or black squirrels with white undersides. They are distinguished from other squirrels by their prominent ear tufts. These tufts are more prominent in the winter and almost disappear in the summer.

Their tail is about nine inches. They may live seven to eight years in the wild.

ELK Elk are often spotted in herds in open meadows. They were transplanted to the area from Yellowstone in the 1920’s.

BLACK BEAR

Beaver are plentiful, and through their dam building they help raise the water table, create ponds and improve fish habitat. Look for them along streams or marshy areas.

MOOSE Moose are found in willow bottoms.

Look for them in early morning or late evening. Moose are usually solitary.

MOUNTAIN COTTONTAIL Mountain cottontails are a Rocky Mountain rabbit. Their range begins on the eastern side of the Rockies and extends west to the eastern side of Sierra Nevadas. They mainly eat grasses. Cottontails spend over 50% of their waking hours eating!

where we spotted tracks: 40|

creede.com

BEAVER

Black bears are not always black.

Frequently they are brown or cinnamon colored. Its body is heavy and is supported by short, powerful legs. Males reach as much as 500 pounds and measure about three feet high when on all four feet and five feet tall standing upright.

DEER Deer tracks can be identified by their almond-shaped hooves. They have no toes or claws, just two pointed hooves.

ROCKY MTN BIGHORN Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep inhabit the mountains from Canada south to New Mexico. They are relatives of goats. They have balance-aiding split hooves and rough hoof bottoms for natural grip. These help them move easily on rocky, rugged mountain terrain.

...Since 1892

We have everything you need to build but the Land!

HARDWARE • LUMBER & BUILDING MATERIALS • CONTRACTOR SALES & TAKE OFF’S PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • PAINT • AUTOMOTIVE • HOUSEWARES • TOOLS • KEYS US MIX • CONCRETE PRODUCTS • MINING & SAFETY • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

TOMKINS HARDWARE & LUMBER 127 NORTH MAIN STREET CREEDE, CO 81130 1.719.658.2240

A HELPING HAND LOCAL SERVICES BLUE SPRUCE BUILDING MATERIALS

GO TO GUIDE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

O&V PRINTING

719-588-7876 / Gunnison / gotoguide.com

719-589-9228 / 342 Santa Fe Ave., Alamosa oandvprinting.com

JOHN ROBERTS MOTOR WORKS

RAINBOW LODGE & GROCERY

KENTUCKY BELLE MARKET

RECYCLE CREEDE

KSLV-KYDN RADIO

RIO GRANDE ENTERPRISES

719-658-2276 / 2223 N. Main St., Creede

719-852-3581 / 109 Adams St., Monte Vista kslvradio.com

CREEDE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

LAKE CITY - HINSDALE COUNTY CHAMBER

ROSHAMBO MARKETING & CREATIVE

LAKE CITY AUTO & SPORTS

SLV RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

970-944-2581 / 310 Bluff Street, Lake City bluesprucelc.com

CENTURYLINK

719-274-4437 / 18 S. Main St., Creede centurylink.com

CITY OF CREEDE

719-658-2276 / 2223 N. Main St., Creede creedetownhall.com

CREEDE/MINERAL ARTS AND REC

creedecommunityfoundation.org

CREEDE EARLY LEARNING CENTER 719-658-2090 / 19841 FS Rd 801A, Creede creedeearlylearningcenter.blogspot.com

CREEDE ELKS LODGE BPOE #506 719-658-2661 / 104 S. Main St., Creede

CREEDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 719-658-2394 / creedehistoricalsociety.com

CREEDE SCHOOL DISTRICT

719-658-2220 / 308 La Garita Ave., Creede creedek12.net

DEBBIE WHITMORE COMPUTER & CONSULTING SERVICES 719-658-0888 / 103 W. Wall St., Creede

DOWNSTREAM GAS & MERCANTILE 719-658-2480 / 117 E. 7th St., Creede

970-641-0920 / 212 Hwy 50, Gunnison johnrobertsmotorworks.com

719-658-2526 / Second and Main, Creede kentuckybellemarket.com

970-944-2527 / 800 N. Gunninson Ave., Lake City lakecity.com 970-944-2311 / 809 N. Hwy 149, Lake City lakecityauto.com

MDS SOLID WASTE REMOVAL 719-658-3060 / mdssolidwaste.com

MINERAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 719-658-2376 / Airport Rd NE, Creede upperriogrande.org

MINERAL COUNTY MINER/ VALLEY PUBLISHING 719-852-3531 / Monte Vista

MONTE VISTA COOP

719-873-5545 / 30359 W Hwy 160, South Fork rainbowlodgesouthfork.com 719-658-2020 / 1412 Rio Grande Ave., Creede recyclecreede.org 719-658-0374 / 28423 Hwy 149, Creede riograndeenterprises.com

970-641-3546 / 144 N. Main St., Gunnison go-roshambo.com

719-852-3538 / 3625 W Hwy 160, Monte Vista slvrec.com

SOUTH FORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

719-873-5556 / 29803 W. Hwy 160, South Fork southforkcolorado.org

SUNNYSIDE PROPERTY CLEANUP 719-941-3989 / PO Box 591, Creede

TOMKINS HARDWARE & LUMBER 719-658-2240 / 127 N. Main St., Creede

719-852-5181 / 1901 E. Hwy 160 , Monte Vista mvcoop.com PHOTO: L. GOSS

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™

Main Street, Creede / 719-658-2526 Ron & Kay Fief, Proprietors

kentuckybellemarket.com

2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS LEGEND

CREEDE & MINERAL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CMCCC CREEDE & MINERAL CO. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

719-658-2374 / creede.com CAC CREEDE ARTS COUNCIL 719-658-3012 / creedearts.wordpress.com CCCHURCH CREEDE COMMUNITY CHURCH 719-658-2209 / creedecommunitychurch.org

JANUARY

17-18 “The Golden Pick” Tommyknocker

Pond Hockey Tournament

FEBRUARY

13-15 Creede’s Cabin Fever Daze

MARCH

14-23 CAC Annual Variety Show

MAY

10 23

23-24

26 29 30

Mother’s Day Breakfast, Elks Lodge #506 CRT/CAC National Small Print Show Opening (runs through June 28) 27th Annual Taste of Creede : A Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Dining CAC National Small Print Show Opening Bake-Off Challenge, Silver Chef Competition Quick Draw Competition Art Auction Memorial Day Ceremony, Elk’s Lodge #506 CRT Good on Paper Opening Night CRT Meet the Company Block Party

JUNE

Trash to Treasures begins this month! Call Eloise 719-658-2276 for more information, youth activities and summer workshops.

CAC Artists in the Park (all summer).

12 CRT Opening Night Dinner

CRT Guys and Dolls Opening Night 13 Runoff Runoff 19 CRT Pants on Fire Opening Day 21 ATV/OHV Poker Run 23 CRT Skeleton Puppets Day Camp Ages 12+

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CCC CREEDE COMMUNITY CENTER 719-658-0811 / undergroundminingmuseum.com CRT CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE 719-658-2540 / creederep.org URGEC UPPER RIO GRANDE EVENTS COMPLEX upperriogrande.org

JUNE 24 26

27

JULY

CONT’D

1 3 4

8 11-17

15 16 16-20 16-17

22 23-27 24 28-1 31-2

URGEC Creede Chute Out! CRT 50th Anniversary Book Party CRT Ghost Light Opening Night CAC/CMCCC Mountain Shoot Out Photography Show Opening (runs through Sept. 7) URGEC Creede Chute Out! CRT Boom Town Opening Creede’s Annual July 4th Street Festival Parade - 10am Street Vendors Children’s Activities Colo. State Mining Championship Days of ’92 Mining Events Elks Beer Garden URGEC Creede Chute Out! Special Show Elks Lodge Annual Dance Fireworks URGEC Creede Chute Out! CCC Woodcarvers Rendezvous creedewoodcarvers.com URGEC Creede Chute Out! CRT The KID Show Opening CRT Imagination Stage Day Camp Ages 5-7 CCCHURCH Ladies Aid Bazaar Bake and Rummage Sale URGEC Creede Chute Out! CRT Improv Studio Day Camp Ages 8-12 CRT Our Town Opening CRT Song and Dance Lab Day Camp Ages 12+ Creede Rock & Mineral Show

AUGUST 1 2 4-9 8

15 21 22

28-4

Annual Snowshoe Shuffle Our Town at Sunnyside Chapel CRT Alumni Week CRT Jubilee Street Party CRT 50 Years of CRT Story Slam at The Ruth CRT Honoring KU, Founders’ Night Silver Thread Studio Tour CRT August: Osage County Opening Upper Rio Grande Tour of Homes, Creede Early Learning Center CRT Annual Headwaters Festival

SEPTEMBER 4-7

18-19 23-25

Labor Day Weekend Celebration 5th Annual Balloon Festival, Creede Mining Heritage Inc. Creede Mountain Run, 28th Annual Salsa Fiesta 4th Annual Gravity Derby URGEC ATV Rodeo Cruisin’ the Canyon Car Show SLV Rural Philanthropy Days

NOVEMBER

27-28 Chocolate Festival, Creede Scoop Chase

DECEMBER TBD

31

Annual Christmas Tree Walk Community Christmas Dinner New Year’s Eve Dance at the Elks Lodge

CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

By Lindsey Ferrell T his summer the Creede Repertory Theatre will embark on its 50th season with a stellar lineup of classic and original plays performed by its well-known company. Founded in the summer of 1966, the theatre was formed as a means of bringing in tourism dollars as the silver mining industry slowly came to a close in Creede.

In the summer of 1966, the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Creede (members were affectionately known as Jaycees and Jaycettes) came together with area pastor Jim Livingston to brainstorm ways they may be able to bring in more business during the summer months. With the decline of the silver industry, many residents left the area looking for better opportunities.

Those who remained cherished Creede and wanted to see the town survive. Pastor Livingston, a theatre lover, decided to make use of the old opera house located on Main Street and struck upon the idea of starting a theatre there. The Junior Chamber members readily agreed with Pastor Livingston’s idea, but before a season of plays could be produced, the group would need to find performers. They decided to send out letters of request to various universities around the country in hopes of finding students that were willing to come to Creede to build a summer theatre from the ground up. Only one person responded to the letter; his name was Steve Grossman and he was a junior at the University of Kanas. Grossman (age 19) rallied a group of twelve students from the university to travel from Kansas to Creede to begin work on ‘Operation Summer Theatre’ in May of 1966.

After a long and tireless effort, the twelve students, with many dedicated Creede volunteers were able to open the first CRT season. The first play ever to grace the stage at CRT was Mister Roberts, which was followed by The Bat, Our Town, The Rainmaker, and Born Yesterday. Early on, Grossman and the students decided to run the summer shows in a rep format, which is how CRT continues to produce theatre today. It is one of the few remaining true repertory theatres in the country. The repertory format rotates shows, sometimes on a daily basis, allowing patrons to see up to six different shows in a week. For fifty years, CRT has maintained its dedication to being a cultural home for artists, residents, and visitors of the West, through a diverse repertory season of plays, new works, and dynamic education programs. Today CRT is a bustling organization that reaches 53,000 patrons each year with ten dedicated full-time staff members and a seasonal company of eighty members.

CRT also prioritizes education through outreach in underserved communities, is dedicated to producing new work, and maintains

46| creede.com

a solid reputation for excellence.

This summer, CRT plans to pay tribute to the very heart of this crazy endeavor: the town of Creede and the far-reaching community of CRT family who have embraced their journey. As part of the summer’s celebration, CRT will stage a newly commissioned re-telling of the theatre’s origin story written and directed by theatre legend, Nagle Jackson. Ghost Light takes place in 1966 during the first summer the theatre started. Jackson’s version of events has a paranormal twist to what happened that fateful summer. Ghost Light takes theatregoers on a whirlwind back in time adding flare to the original story. The company with help from locals will attempt to open the small theatre while fighting against unforeseen forces of the town’s rustic history. Haunted by the ghosts of the past while trying to secure a future, will have the audience on their toes.

Also on the schedule is the classic American play, Our Town.

First performed the summer CRT opened in 1966, Our Town is described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” this play is guaranteed to charm anyone who loves this town as much as we do. Our Town takes place in the small town of Grover’s Corners. This ordinary town awakens us to the powerful truth that being alive is a precious, ephemeral gift. Follow two families as their children fall in love, marry, and discover that life’s challenges are the gateway to life’s deepest meaning: to cherish the glory of every-day life. Directed by Michael Perlman, Our Town will open on July 24 in the Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre.

CRT has also published a book of stories from the last 50 years to commemorate this special anniversary. Creede Repertory Theatre: Stories From The First 50 Years includes all the hilarious, touching, and strange stories from 50 seasons of theatre in this wild town. This full-color book includes anecdotes and photos from over 100 actors, artists, and locals. The most entertaining and profoundly personal history of any theatre on Earth! The book will go on sale online at www.creederep.org and will be on sale in the CRT Gift Shop all season. CRT will also host an Alumni Week celebration from August 2-9 – packed with unique celebrations and friends and family from the last five decades.

Come for one event or come for them all – this historic season is not-to-be-missed.

FOR A FULL SEASON LINE-UP visit creederep.org or call (719) 658-2540 to reserve your tickets.

2015 shows

719-658-2540 / creederep.org Special 50th Anniversary Commission

GUYS AND DOLLS

book by JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS music and lyrics by FRANK LOESSER

Special 50th SeaSon commiSSion

ghost light by nagle jackSon

OUR TOWN

GOOD ON PAPER

by GEORGE BRANT

by THORNTON WILDER MARY ANDRADE / PAMPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

PANTS ON FIRE

A totally made up musical for kids / RATED G

AUGUST:OSAGE COUNTY

by TRACY LETTS

creede elks lodge #5o6 A Proud

Creede TradiTion

Since

June 22 nd, 1899

Creede elk lks s sponsor drug awareness hoop shoot soccer shoot after prom party + award scholarships to qualified creede high school graduates

“as long as there are veterans, elks will never forget.”

Creede elks maintain the Creede elks veterans MeMorial Park +

Creede elks volunteer in M any CoMMunity aCtivities Photo: Bob Seago

Lodge every 2nd and 4th tuesday at 7pm Bingo every monday at 7pm June-august One link in the chain of 2,000+ Elks Lodges nationwide.

Newly renovated building available for special events. for more information, please contact henry hosselkus, secretary at hhosselkus@centurylink.net

BOOMTOWN

Explosive Improv Comedy / RATED PG-13

MEMBER + ADVERTISER LISTINGS CREEDE & MINERAL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4UR Ranch One Goose Creek Rd., Creede 719-658-2202 / 4URranch.com Abbey Lane Gallery Creede / 719-658-2736 Advocare Independent Creede / 970-946-2613 advocare.com/130548868 Alamosa Home 630 Main St., Alamosa 719-589-2030 / alamosahome.com Antlers Rio Grande Lodge 26222 Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2423 / antlerslodge.com Arp’s 112 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2777 Artspaces by Angela 23550 Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2787 / artspacesbyangela.com Avon, Scentsy, Pampered Chef 0283 CR 63, South Fork 719-873-5466 Baptist Church of Creede 600 LaGarita St., Creede 719-658-2312 / creedebaptistchurch.org Big River Music 238 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-2100 / bigrivermusicco.com Blue Creek Lodge 11682 Hwy 149, South Fork 719-658-2479 / bluecreeklodge.net Blue Spruce Building Materials 310 Bluff St., Lake City 970-944-2581 / bluesprucelc.com Bob Seago Photography 619 Starlight Cir #80, Creede 719-658-1140 / bobseagophoto.com Bristol Yarnworks Studio 39542 W Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2455 / bristolyarnworks.com Broadacres Ranch 25671 W. Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2291 / broadacresranch.com Broken Arrow Ranch & Land Co. 103 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2533 / brokenarrowcreede.com Café Ole 103-A N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2880 Cascada Bar & Grill and Cabins 981 La Garita St., Creede 719-658-1033 / cascadagrill.com CenturyLink 18 S. Main St., Creede 719-274-4437 / centurylink.com City of Creede 2223 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2276 / colorado.gov/creede Club at the Cliffs 206-208 Cliff St., Creede 719-873-5266 / clubatcliffs.com Community Banks of Colorado 595 Grande Ave., Del Norte 719-657-2701 / cobnks.com

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Community Banks of Colorado 29889 US Hwy. 160, South Fork 719-873-5562 / cobnks.com Cottonwood Cove Lodge 13046 Hwy 149, South Fork 719-658-2242 / cottonwoodcove.com Creede America Group 114 N.Main St., Creede 719-658-0223 / creedeamerica.com Creede ATV 981 La Garita St., Creede 866-982-7333 / creedeatv.com Creede/Mineral Arts and Recreation 2223 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2276 Creede Arts Council 103 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-0312 / creedeartscouncil.com Creede Community Church 410 S. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2209 creedecommunitychurch.org Creede Community Foundation Creede creedecommunityfoundation.org Creede Early Learning Center 19841 FS Rd 801A, Creede 719-658-2090 creedeearlylearningcenter.blogspot. com Creede Elks Lodge BPOE #506 104 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-2661 Creede Historical Society Creede / 719-658-2394 creedehistoricalsociety.com Creede Hotel & Restaurant 120 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2608 / creedehotel.com Creede Ladies Aid Society Creede / 719-937-8978 creedeladiesaidsociety.org Creede Mining Heritage Inc. Creede Creede Mountain Huts 101 E. 5th St., Creede / 720-878-3799 creedemountainhuts.com Creede Olive Oil Co. 104 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2443 / creedeoliveoil.com Creede Repertory Theatre 124 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2540 / creederep.org Creede School District 308 La Garita Ave., Creede 719-658-2220 / creedek12.net Creede Snowshoe Lodge 202 E. 8th St., Creede 719-658-2315 / creedesnowshoe.com Creede Trading Post 11 South Main Street Creede / 719-658-0625 Creede Wood Carvers 303-940-3505 creedewoodcarvers.com

CWaters Gallery 128 N. Main St., Creede 719-588-8484 / frameshopcreede.com Debbie Whitmore Computer & Consulting Services 103 W. Wall St., Creede / 719-658-0888 Del Norte Bank 705 Grande Ave., Del Norte 719-657-3376 / truelocalbank.com Downstream Gas and Mercantile 117 E. 7th St., Creede / 719-658-2480 downstreamgas@gmail.com Ed Knight Photo 635 Rainbow Ct., Creede 719-658-0182 / edknightphoto.com Freemon’s Guest Ranch & General Store 39284 Hwy 149, Creede / 719-658-2454 Go to Guide Telephone Directory Gunnison / 719-588-7876 gotoguide.com Harding Dental Group 138 Ponderosa Dr., South Fork 719-873-5846 / jameshardingdds.com The Holy Moses 121 N. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2848 Horizons Ceremonies 311 State Ave., Alamosa / 719-992-0383 horizonsceremonies.com

J Thompson Gallery 111 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-0880 / jthompsongallery.com John Roberts Motor Works 212 Hwy 50, Gunnison / 970-641-0920 johnrobertsmotorworks.com Kentucky Belle Market Second & Main, Creede / 719-658-2526 kentuckybellemarket.com Kip’s Grill 101 E. Fifth St., Creede 719-658-0220 / kipsgrill.com KSLV-KYDN Radio 109 Adams St., Monte Vista 719-852-3581 / kslvradio.com La Garita Mountain Nursery 0004 El Dorado Ln., South Fork 719-588-1380 Lake City - Hinsdale County Chamber 800 N Gunninson Ave., Lake City 970-944-2527 / lakecity.com Lake City Auto & Sports 809 N. Hwy 149, Lake City 970-944-2311 / lakecityauto.com Last Chance Mine 498 USFS Rd 504, Creede 719-238-7959 / lastchancemine.com

Liquid Ambitions Liquors 21315 E US Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2337 Little Elaine Photography 719-588-6412 littleelainephotography.com Little Squaw Resort 11401 USFS Rd 520, Creede 719-658-2434 / littlesquaw.com Lost Trail Ranch 18100 USFS Rd 520, Creede bgfgetz@gmail.com / losttrailranch.com Lost Ute Outfitters 39284 Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2454 / lostute.com MadLson Corp 0832 W. Hwy 149, South Fork 719-873-5417 / madlson.com Matterhorn Mountain Motel & Cabins 409 Bluff St., Lake City 970-944-2210 / matterhornmotel.com MDS Solid Waste Removal 719-658-3060 / mdssolidwaste.com Mineral County 1201 N Main St., Creede 719-658-2331 mineralcountycolorado.com Mineral County Fairgrounds Airport Rd NE, Creede 719-658-2376 / upperriogrande.org Mineral County Miner/Valley Publishing Monte Vista / 719-852-3531 valleypubs@amigo.net Miners & Merchants Bank 177 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-0700 / prvb.com Mines & Memories General Store 708 S. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2370 MJ’s Café 801 LaGarita, Creede / 719-658-0340 Monte Vista Coop 1901 E. Hwy 160, Monte Vista 719-852-5181 / mvcoop.com Mountaineer Movie Theatre 811 N. Gunnison Ave., Lake City 970-944-2548 mountaineertheatre.com

Mountain Man Rafting 30923 W. Hwy 160, South Fork 719-873-0188 / mountainmantours.com Mountain Views at Rivers Edge 539 Airport Rd., Creede 719-658-2710 / mountainviewsrv.com Mountain West Insurance Monte Vista 100 E Victory Way, Craig 719-852-5142 / mtnwst.com Nationwide Payment Solutions 92 Sumac Ct., Pagosa Springs 970-731-2585 nationwidepaymentsolutions.com Navajo Development 719-850-8443 mountainvalleyestates.com O & V Printing 342 Santa Fe Ave., Alamosa 719-589-9228 / oandvprinting.com Off Broadway 129 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-3050 / abrajewelry.com Oleo Ranch 1001 Hinsdale CR 017, Creede 830-336-4370 / oleoranch.com Ooh La Spa 289 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-3070 / oohlaspacreede.com Quiller Gallery 110 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2741 / quillergallery.com Rainbow Lodge & Grocery 30359 W Hwy 160, South Fork 719-873-5545 rainbowlodgesouthfork.com Ramble House & Creede Guide & Outfitters 116 N. Main St., Creede 719-658-2482 / ramblehouse.net Rare Things Gallery of Treasures 106 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-2376 / rarethingsgallery.com RC Guest Ranch 37531 W Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2253 / rcguestranch.com Recycle Creede 1412 Rio Grande Ave., Creede 719-658-2020 / recyclecreede.org

Rincon Real Estate 705 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-2900 / rinconrealestate.com Rio Grande Angler 13 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-2955 / riograndeangler.com Rio Grande Enterprises 28423 Hwy 149, Creede / 719-658-0374 Rio Grande Silver Inc. 719-658-1080 Rio Grande Vacation Rentals 6723 River Club Dr. Unit D, South Fork 877-873-5776 riograndevacationrentals.com RoShamBo Marketing + Creative 144 N. Main St. Ste B, Gunnison 970-641-3546 / go-roshambo.com Sacred Space Massage Therapy 205 County Rd. 19, South Fork 719-873-0044 sacredspacemassagetherapy.com San Juan Ranch 1001 USFS Rd 520, Creede 719-658-2214 San Juan Sports 102 S. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2359 sanjuansports.com SLV Rural Electric Cooperative 3625 W Hwy 160, Monte Vista 719-852-6630 / slvrec.com Snow Country Explorers Creede / 719-658-2221 South Fork Chamber of Commerce 29803 W. Hwy. 160, South Fork 719-873-5556 / southforkcolorado.org Soward Ranch 6164 Middle Creek Rd., Creede 719-658-2295 St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church 502 S. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2394 Sunnyside Property Clean-up PO Box 591, Creede / 719-941-3989 Team Murphy Realty 29919 W Hwy 160, South fork 970-944-5050 / teammurphyrealty.com The Blue Yak Salon & Boutique 493 S. Main St., Creede 719-658-2500 / theblueyaksalon.com

The House on Old Mill Road 602 Old Mill Rd., Creede 888-305-1233 thehouseonoldmillroad.com Tomkins Hardware & Lumber 127 N. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2240 truevalue.com Tommyknocker Tavern 107 Wall St., Creede / 719-658-0138 tommyknockertavern.com Turning Aspens Massage and Zero Balancing 152 Klondike Rd., Creede 719-480-2845 / turningaspens.com Underbrush Limited 39542 Hwy. 149, Creede / 719-658-0121 kathykillip.com/underbrush-ltd.html Underground Mining Museum #9 Forest Service Rd 503, Creede 719-658-0811 undergroundminingmuseum.com Upper Rio Grande Nordic Club PO Box 52, Creede 719-658-2602 Wason Ranch 19082 Hwy 149, Creede 719-658-2413 / wasonranch.com White Bear Company, LLC 401 Capital Ave., Creede 303-257-3734 / vrbo.com/360577 Willow Creek Realty S. Main St., Creede / 719-658-2262 wcrealty.com Willow Creek Apothecary 289 S. Main St. (inside Ooh La Spa) Creede / 719-658-3060 oohlaspacreede.com Windsock Acres PO Box 765, Creede 720-550-0388 / windsockacres.com

GOD’S COUNTRY WORSHIP SERVICES

CHURCH OF CHRIST

719-658-2300 / Airport Rd., Creede REGULAR SERVICES Sunday 10am - Sunday School 11am - Service 6pm - Service (Summer) Wednesday 7pm - Bible study

BAPTIST CHURCH OF CREEDE

719-658-2312 / La Garita St. creedebaptistchurch.org REGULAR SERVICES Sunday 9:45am - Bible Study 11am - Worship 6pm - Bible Study Wednesday 6pm - Dinner 7pm - Study

CREEDE COMMUNITY CHURCH

719-658-2209 / Main St. and Fourth St. creedecommunitychurch.org REGULAR SERVICES Sunday 8am - Service 11am - Sunday School 11am - Service

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH 719-852-2673 / Main St. and Third St. REGULAR SERVICES Saturday 4pm - Service

ST. AUGUSTINE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

719-658-2394 / Main St. and Fifth St. REGULAR SERVICES Sunday 2pm - Service First Wednesday Each Month 6:30pm - Celtic Evening Prayer

Service

“Green” Home on Top of Moonshine Mesa

Mountain home sitting on 1.82 acres. 3,190 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 2 full and 2 half baths. Well and septic, and Road Maintenance Association. Decks and hot tub on back deck just perfect for having those summer get-togethers. Wood and storage shed.

Mountain views from every window. Take a look at the inside of this amazing cabin at www.wcrealty.com $499,500.

“Camelot” with dramatic views

A castle on the side of a mountain. This custom home is ideal for a B&B or for an artist, this home offers an amazing studio.

Walls are 22” thick to keep you warm in winter or cool in summer. 5,54l sq ft of amazing house! This stucco beauty sits on 14.84 acres and it borders National

Beautiful Cabin in Rivercrest Acres

This furnished mountain home sits on one acre in desirable Rivercrest Acres, which offers restrictive covenants and community water. 2,000 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.

Furniture, linens, pots and pans, silverware and dishes are included. Master woodworking. Enormous gameroom with pool table and 46” HD TV is large enough for entertaining family and friends. New granite countertops and new large sink in kitchen.

Oversized garage with jeep! Mountain views from every window.

Back deck perfect for having those summer get-togethers.

Take a look at this jewel in the mountains.

202 Sunset Court

Spectacular mountain views

Adjacent to National Forest, high on a hill overlooking mountains, valleys, and the Rio Grande, is a warm and inviting, light filled log home with five bedrooms, four baths, a terrace with fire pit, wrap around decks with some of the biggest views in Mineral County, large grassy yard and ultimate privacy. This awesome hilltop property is just twelve minutes to Creede. This beauty offers many amenities. Call or come by for more information.

Willow Creek Realty Kiosk on S. Main St. Creede , CO 81130 (719)658-2262 ~ or (800) 984-6275 Call or come by for a visit and info on other properties Wcrealty.com

PHOTO: A. GALE

IMPORTANT NUMBERS *FOR ANY EMERGENCY DIAL 911 MINERAL COUNTY SHERIFF 719-658-2600 1201 N. Main St., Creede REGULAR HOURS Monday thru Friday 8am - Midnight 24/7 Dispatch

PUBLIC HEALTH 719-658-2416 802 Rio Grande Ave., Creede REGULAR HOURS Monday thru Friday 8am-4pm Closed Noon-1pm for Lunch

MEDICAL CENTER 719-658-0929 802 Rio Grande Ave., Creede REGULAR HOURS Monday thru Friday 8:30am-5pm

MINERAL COUNTY FIRE DEPT. 719-658-2211 24/7 Dispatch

CITY OF CREEDE 719-658-2276 2223 N. Main St., Creede REGULAR HOURS Monday thru Friday 8am-4pm MINERAL COUNTY AMBULANCE 719-658-2600 24/7 dispatch

The 100-year-old San Juan Ranch, originally San Juan City, between Creede and Lake City, offers 30 cabins surrounded by fine fishing, hunting and wholesome, scenic family recreation.

San Juan Ranch

DAVID K. & PEGGY STRATE

1001 USFS 520 Creede, Colorado 81130 Ph. (719) 658-2214

LOCAL FLORA Information from swcoloradowildflowers.com

COLORADO COLUMBINE Aquilegia coerulea variety coerulea Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family) Alpine, subalpine, montane. Meadows, woodlands, rocks, scree. Summer.

This exotic Columbine is the state flower of Colorado. It has a broad habitat range, thriving on hot, dry, talus slopes and in moist, shady forests; its color varies through a wonderful range of whites, blues, and purples; and its flowers thrive from June through August. The five petals have unusual and showy spurs; the five sepals are usually larger than the petals.

Photo courtesy of Gary Christian.

MOUNTAIN GOLDEN BANNER Thermopsis montana variety montana Fabaceae (Pea Family) Montane, subalpine. Woodlands, meadows.

Summer.

A large colony of tall plants with elongated yellow flower clusters and three-parted leaves is easy to spot and identify; you are looking at the common and lovely Golden Banner.

The plants grow quickly after snow melt and by late spring large colonies are in bloom under Aspens. Like so many plants that form large colonies, Golden Banner spreads from underground roots. Thermopsis montana enjoys cool, moist forests and is often surrounded by lush vegetation. Photo courtesy of Della Brown.

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W hether hiking a high mountain trail or in the town of Creede, chances are you will run across beautiful planted gardens in private yards or natural beauty provided by Mother Nature herself. Here are a few specimens to keep a look out for:

COULTER’S DAISY

FIREWEED

Erigeron coulteri Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Subalpine. Meadows, woodlands. Summer.

Coulter’s Daisy is common in high mountain dry and moist meadows and open Spruce woods. It grows singly, scattered in large patches in open woods, or more densely in sunny open meadows. Each plant generally bears one long-lasting flower. Basal leaves are often withered by flowering time.

In late July, August, and into September, Erigeron coulteri is one of the most common white flowers in the mountains. Photo courtesy of Gary Christian.

NEVADA BITTERROOT Lewisia nevadensis Synonym: Oreobroma nevadense.

Montiaceae (Miner’s Lettuce Family) formerly Portulacaceae (Portulaca Family) Montane. Meadows, open woods. Spring, summer.

Lewisia nevadensis is often found in very large numbers scattered in wet meadows and open Aspen woods. The plants are so low to the ground, though, that hikers usually pass them by without noticing them. Leaves are thick and succulent and flowers are bright white to pink. Photo courtesy of Della Brown.

Chamerion angustifolium subspecies circumvagum Synonyms: Chamerion danielsii, Epilobium angustifolium.

Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family) Montane, subalpine. Openings, disturbed areas. Summer, fall.

Fireweed is one of the most visible of montane wildflowers, often lining roads and filling in large fire-scarred areas in mid-to-late summer. It is commonly three feet tall and spreads into thick patches from underground roots. Like the Epilobiums (to which genus it is still assigned by some botanists), Chamerion angustifolium has long seed pods that ripen and burst open with very visible cottoncovered seeds. Photo courtesy of Della Brown.

YOU BELONG AMONG THE WILD FLOWERS TOM PETTY

PHOTO: B. SEAGO

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904 S. Main St. | PO Box 580 Creede, CO 81130 creede.com (719) 658-2374

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CREEDE & MINERAL COUNTY