Silver Thread Byway: South Fork, Creede & Lake City

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Opportunities to survey untamed wilderness, uncover mining history and pursue some of the state’s most iconic outdoor activities — including hiking, rafting and fly-fishing — make a cruise along the Silver Thread Byway a must.

Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places

 Become a member and donate to Hinsdale County Historical Society or volunteer with the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy.

Day
1
mountain man rafting near creede, south fork and lake city photo
Activity
Mountain Man Rafting
Mountain Man offers guided and custom whitewater rafting trips on the Rio Grande River near Creede, South Fork and Lake City, Colorado. Mountain…
Lunch
Ramon's Mexican Restaurant
Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant serves delicious food for an authentic taste of Mexico! Come experience our fresh-prepared burritos, fajitas, tacos,…
Activity
Twin Pine Motor Sports, Inc.
Twin Pine Motor Sports is ready for the summer season in beautiful South Fork, Colorado!  We have all the new and exciting Arctic Cat ATVS and…
Dinner
Rio Grande Club and Resort
Southern Colorado's premier golf and fly-fishing destination resort. The culinary experience at the Rio Grande Club & Resort is paralleled by its…
Activity
Wolf Creek Anglers
We are your catch and release guiding connection for Southwestern CO, specializing in the Rio Grande, San Juan River, private and other…
Lodging
Arbor House Inn Bed & Breakfast on the River
Riverside setting. 5 lux. guest rooms: pvt. bath, TV/DVD, micro., fridge, WIFI, coffee, robes.  Honeymoon suite: candelabra fireplace, spa tub…
Day
2
Breakfast
Cafe Ole
Fresh-baked pastries and light breakfast, sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch.
Activity
Wheeler Geologic Area
One of the most astounding geologic sites in Colorado, the area is accessed by hiking a 7-mile trail or driving a 14-mile 4WD road.  The 640 acre…
Lunch
Arp's
Domestic and international comfort food. Full bar. Dine in. Take out. Catering. Eat at Arp's!
Activity
Hike Weminuche Trail

The Weminuche trail is 5.5 miles long. It begins at 30 Mile Campground and ends at Weminuche Pass/San Juan National Forest Trail 564. The trail is well defined and easy to follow.

Dinner
Antlers Rio Grande Lodge & Riverside Restaurant
An old-fashioned American vacation destination with modern riverside cabins, rooms, RVs, private fishing and riverside dining.
Activity
North and South Clear Creek Falls

This Overlook facility is situated as a stop on the Silverthread Scenic Byway right along State Highway 149. It offers a new restroom, picnic tables, ample paved parking for even larger vehicles, trails to the overlook, safety railings, and interpretive signs. Open year around but usually snowed in between December and April. It is not plowed after heavy snows seal it down, but becomes a snowmobile trail stop.

Lodging
Antlers Rio Grande Lodge & Riverside Restaurant
An old-fashioned American vacation destination with modern riverside cabins, rooms, RVs, private fishing and riverside dining.
Day
3
Breakfast
Lake City Bakery
The Bakery sits in the San Juan Mountains. We are going on our 29th summer It's in a small town with beautiful views. Everything is baked fresh…
Activity
The Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop
Everything for the fly fishing trip of a lifetime-experienced guides and custom planning for beginner to advanced anglers! Half-, full-, and multi…
Insider's Tip
Kayak Lake San Cristobol

Get rentals and tips on where to go from the friendly folks at Sportsman Outdoors before heading out!

Lunch
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
Activity
Hike Williams Creek

Quick, short hike or not-so-quick long hike — Williams Creek is one of those something-for-everyone trails for hikers and horseback riders alike. For those with limited time, a trek of about 1.5 miles to a talus slope provides a great, micro-escape into the magical San Juans of Hinsdale County.

Dinner
Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill
Serving food from 11am to 9pm every day. A very relaxing and fun place! Come join us!
Activity
Lake City Ghost Tour
During the Summer months several tours are held to educate the public on the history of our community. All are walking tours and begin at the Museum…
Lodging
Matterhorn Motel
Excellent online reviews. Open 365 days a year! Located in the downtown National Historic District, off the main Hiway tucked up against the…
Day
4
Breakfast
Sportsman's BBQ Station & Backyard
The Sportsman’s BBQ Station and the Backyard offers great Texas BBQ 
as well as have the only outdoor live music event venue dubbed The Backyard, 
in…
Activity
Hike Powderhorn Lakes Trail

This trail leads to both Lower and Upper Powderhorn Lakes. The trail climbs through a Spruce forest to a large meadow at 11,700 ft. The meadow contains a wide variety of wild flowers and, from the northern rim, offers good views to the north.

Lunch
Silver Slice Pizza
Determined, hard-working, creative cooks and friendly waiting staff, we all welcome you every moment when you feel hungry!
Activity
Lake City Auto and Sports Center
Come play in our Rocky Mountain paradise! We rent snowmobiles, ATVs and Jeeps.
Insider's Tip
Rent an ATV at Lake City Auto Sports Center

Get directions from the crew and head to Schafer Gulch/Hurricane Basin for stunning San Juan mountain vistas.

Dinner
Lake City Brewing Company
Lake City's first new brewery in over 130 years! Craft beer brewed right here in Lake City. Wine and cocktails also available. Dig into some pub grub…
Activity
Mountaineer Theatre
Over the years our theatre has been a staple to our family, the members to the Lake City, and everyone passing through. We continue to provide…
Lodging
Pleasant View Resort
Modern Mountain Housekeeping Cabins. Magnificent scenery, fishing, 14ers, trails and a small Victorian town. Queen beds, kitchens, cable TV/WiFi,…
Day
5
Breakfast
Lake City Bakery
The Bakery sits in the San Juan Mountains. We are going on our 29th summer It's in a small town with beautiful views. Everything is baked fresh…
Activity
Visit Deer Lakes

Most visitors to this campground come for great fishing in a beautiful location. Hikers, backpackers and equestrians will enjoy the trails of the La Garita and Powderhorn Wilderness Areas located southeast and northeast (respectively) of this site.

Lunch
The Wrangler
Formerly Restless Spirits Saloon, The Wrangler's serving up handmade pizzas, sandwiches, and other pub style fare. Open seasonally.
Activity
Hinsdale County Museum
The Hinsdale County Historical Society was established in October 1973 and opened its first museum in the Finley Block in July 1975. The building…
Dinner
Tacos al Corazón
Tacos al Corazón promises quesadillas, margaritas and (you guessed it) tacos, including delicious vegetarian options.
Activity
Stargaze at Big Blue Campground

A real jewel of a secluded campground overlooking a picturesque valley adjacent to the Uncompahgre Wilderness.

Lodging
Pleasant View Resort
Modern Mountain Housekeeping Cabins. Magnificent scenery, fishing, 14ers, trails and a small Victorian town. Queen beds, kitchens, cable TV/WiFi,…