Winter Wonderland
Whether you’re looking to explore quiet trails through snow-frosted forests, hunker down with a good book and the perfect latte, or experience full-throttle adventure in the backcountry, January can be a wonderful time to visit Creede — a best-kept secret in the stunning service territory of San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains at the headwaters of the Rio Grande, Creede is located northwest of South Fork on the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway — Highway 149 — in Mineral County.
HIT THE POWDER
If you love snowmobiling, contact the Snow Country Explorers Club for local maps and insider tips, or take a multiday advanced workshop with the pros at Mountain Skillz.
For downhill skiers and snowboarders, hit the slopes at nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area, where lift tickets are relatively affordable and the terrain offers options for all skill levels.
If sledding, snowshoeing, or Nordic skiing is more your speed, pick up a winter-use trail map from the Creede Visitor Center for a list of good routes.
Photo of Grandma’s Meadow Snowshoeing, by Bob Seago, courtesy of Creede Chamber of Commerce.
THINGS TO DO INSIDE
During winter months, the famous Creede Repertory Theatre hosts its popular movie night every Friday at 7 p.m. Visit the website to see what’s playing.
Or learn about the town’s colorful mining history on a self-guided audio tour of the Creede Underground Mining Museum, blasted out of solid rock by local miners.
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 719-658-0811 for more info.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
In the morning, take a brisk walk to earn your pastries at Coffee on the Fly coffee shop on Main Street.
For lunch, devour delicious sandwiches made from in-house smoked barbecue at Tommyknocker Tavern on Wall Street.
At the end of the day, Kip’s Grill on Fifth Street is the go-to place for dinner, serving signature burgers, fresh salads, baja-style tacos, hearty enchilada plates, and top-shelf margaritas.
Be sure to confirm winter hours for each eatery before you head over.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Because many businesses in Creede close or have limited hours during the offseason, contact the Creede Visitor Center at 719-658-2374 or office@creede.com to help plan your winter trip.
Author: Becky Jensen
