Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Soward Ranch
( 719-658-2295; 4698 Middle Creek Rd; cabins $95-250; May-Oct)
About 8 miles southwest of
Creede is this beautiful centennial ranch - this means it has been operated by the same
family for more than 100 years. Guests can enjoy fishing from four lakes as well as 4
miles of trout creek on the 1500-acre property. Twelve cabins range in price depending on
size and amenities on offer.
To get there, take Hwy 149 southwest for 7 miles, turn left on Middle Creek Rd, contin-
ue for a mile and when you get to the fork in the road, bear right, following the signs to
the ranch.
RANCH
$$
Wason Ranch
( 719-658-2413;
www.wasonranch.com
;
19082 Hwy 149; d $350, cabins $325, 3-night minimum)
Two miles
southeast of Creede, this ranch has two-bedroom cabins equipped with kitchenettes (avail-
able May through October ). Riverside cottages with three bedrooms and two baths are
available year-round with a minimum stay of three days. The ranch also offers fly-fishing
lessons, fishing guides and a dory for use by guests.
RANCH
$$$
Information
Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce
( 800-327-2102, 719-658-2374;
www.creede.com
; 904 S Main
St; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat)
Pick up a copy of an excellent illustrated tour booklet ($1) pre-
pared by local historians.
USFS Divide District Ranger Station
(
719-658-2556; cnr 3rd St & Creede Ave;
8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri)
Getting There & Away
Creede is 23 miles northwest of South Fork on the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway,
which follows Hwy 149 for 75 miles between South Fork and Lake City.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Lake City & Around
POP 400 / ELEV 8671FT
It's hard to believe that this tiny town, lovingly referred to by residents as the 'flyspeck'
seat of Hinsdale County, was once known as the Metropolis of the Mines. But back in the
1870s, while so many other mining towns would swell and dwindle with the prosperity of
