campgrounds
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The Up & Over/Inspiration Point hikers only
This hike is the most accessible hike in town – you simply pick up the trail at the far east side of 7th Street. This hike gives you great views of town and the valley, but can be strenuous, especially for those coming from a low elevation. The trail steadily climbs to the top of the cliffs that you can see at the north end of Creede. Just before the cliffs the trail forks – for a shorter hike take the left fork to the cliffs, for a longer hike take the right fork and continue to climb another mile to “Inspiration Point”. From the cliffs, you can then descend down the back side into East Willow canyon and walk back into Creede via the road. Distance: 2-4 miles RT. Time: 1-3 hours
Our public lands are managed by the Rio Grande National Forest Service & San Luis Valley Bureau of Land Management, 719/657-3321 or fs.usda.gov/riogrande. To make a reservation at Marshall Park, River Hill or ThirtyMile visit recreation.gov or call 877/444-6777. PLEASE NOTE: After Labor Day most campgrounds are CLOSED, limited use allowed at some, no water or trash service.
Photo: Eryn Wintz
campground fee no. of reservation elev. mi. from attractions (single/double) sites req’d? (feet) creede
Deep Creek Trail
Bristol Head / $16 15 No 9500 22.6 South Clear Creek
Deep Creek trailhead is a 5-minute drive from Creede on easy dirt roads. Grab a map from the US Forest Service office or Visitor Center for driving directions. Deep Creek trail is an 8-mile (one-way) out and back trail that follows a lush creek drainage full of raspberries, wildflowers and beaver dams. You can either start at the north end of the trail closest to Creede or, for the more adventurous explorer, start at the south end which takes some experienced trail finding skills (bring a map and compass). Strong mountain bikers can run a car shuttle and have a fun eight mile downhill ride from the south end to the north end. I typically start at the north end either on foot or on my mountain bike. After a short set of switchbacks in the beginning, the trail gradually climbs up the creek drainage. The further you go the more verdant the forest becomes. This trail is great for all hiker levels, as you can turn around whenever you like. Distance: 16 miles RT or less. Time: as long as you like!
FREE 4 No 9500 16 Restroom, NO WATER, Fire Grate, Ivy Creek Trailhead, Fishing
hikers, bikers and horses
Lost Trail FREE 7 No 9500 38.2 Restroom, NO WATER, Fire Grate, Fishing Marshall Park $18/36 16 Yes 8800 6.2 North Clear Creek
$16/32
21
No
9900
24.5
Palisade $18 12 No 8300 12.1
Restroom, NO WATER, Fishing, Easy Access off Hwy 149 Restroom, Water, Fire Grate,Fishing Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Fishing, Handicap Accessible Easy Access off Hwy 149
Rio Grande FREE 7 No 9300 8.4 Restroom, NO WATER, Fire Grate, Fishing River Hill
$18/36
20 Yes
9200
29.6
Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Fishing
Road Canyon FREE 6 No 9300 26 Restroom, Water, Fire Ring, Fishing, Reservoir Wakes Not Allowed, Trolling Motors OK Silver Thread / $18/36 10 No 9500 23 Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Scenic, South Clear Creek Falls Trailhead, Fishing
Squaw Creek
hikers, horses and fisher-folk
Thirty-Mile $18/36 35 Yes 9300 31.1
Squaw Creek trailhead is a 45 minute drive from Creede at the 30-mile campground near the Rio Grande Reservoir. The trail follows a medium sized stream that has good sized trout throughout, although the best fishing is about a mile in. After climbing through the lush canyon of the stream, the valley opens up into a grand high alpine river meadow with views of the San Juan mountains. One can access the Continental Divide from this trail, but plan on camping overnight or getting an early start if you plan to hike that far. Distance: 20 miles RT or less. Time: as long as you like!
Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Trailhead, Fishing, Handicap Accessible
Provided courtesy of Rio Grande National Forest. Find campgrounds on Area Map, pages 28-29.
happy camper tips Camp at previously used dispersed camping sites.
Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly.
Camp at least 150 feet from water sources.
Dig a pit for your toilet needs at least 200 feet from water and cover the pit before you leave.
Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30 day period.
These are only three of many incredible hikes in our area. If you are interested in exploring more trails, I suggest talking to folks at the Forest Service office, San Juan Sports, the Visitor Center or purchasing a National Geographic Topo map of the area. Now get outside!
40 / creede.com
Restroom, Water, Fire Grate, Scenic, Trailhead, Fishing
Always dump sewage from trailers and motorhomes at designated dump stations, not on the ground.
Dogs must be on a leash. All vehicles must stay within 300 feet of a designated road. Motorized travel is allowed only on authorized roads & trails (obtain a motor vehicle use map from any office). Photo: Bob Seago Photography
Please do not leave campfires unattended and check with the local Forest Service office for current fire restrictions. All hay must be certified weed free.
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