Silver Thread Scenic Byway

Silver Thread Scenic Byway The Silver Thread Scenic Byway follows State Hwy 149 from South Fork at the southern end through Creede, Lake City and ends at US Hwy.50 just west of Gunnison.

It is called the Silver Thread for it's winding nature like a thread layed down and mining.

Ever wonder what’s inside those old mining structures? This is an old ore mill along the Bachelor Loop in Creede, Colora...
09/02/2026

Ever wonder what’s inside those old mining structures? This is an old ore mill along the Bachelor Loop in Creede, Colorado.

These remnants of Creede’s mining days are impressive from the road, but getting a glimpse of the old ore mill machinery and inner workings makes the history feel a little more real. This is a great stop along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway - take the Bachelor Loop Historic Tour as it winds 17 miles through the historic mining district above Creede, past old mines, ghost towns, and this old ore mill itself.

Grab a Bachelor Loop guidebook at the Creede Visitor Center before heading up and turn the driving into your own self-guided history tour.

Driving the Silver Thread Scenic Byway? Kinda chic. 117 miles through the San Juan Mountains connecting South Fork, Cree...
08/27/2026

Driving the Silver Thread Scenic Byway? Kinda chic.

117 miles through the San Juan Mountains connecting South Fork, Creede, and Lake City - with roadside waterfalls, historic stops, wildlife sightings, fall colors and plenty of reasons to pull over along the way.

📍Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway

Some views make you pull over. Bristol Head makes you stare. 🏔️Rising dramatically above the landscape near Creede, Bris...
08/24/2026

Some views make you pull over. Bristol Head makes you stare. 🏔️

Rising dramatically above the landscape near Creede, Bristol Head is one of those unmistakable landmarks that reminds you just how wild - and wonderfully BIG - this corner of Colorado really is.

Follow the Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway and discover views that simply don’t fit on a screen.

📍 Bristol Head | Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway

🚗 South Fork • Creede • Lake City

08/20/2026

In just a few weeks, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway will begin an amazing transformation! The golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and amazing drive are ones you will remember for years to come. If you’re planning a fall road trip, here’s your itinerary:

South Fork - Fall is in full bloom, and here you can enjoy fall hikes, drives, scenic views, and it’s just 4-5 hours from the Front Range. Perfect for ATV/OHV, jeeping, golfing, fishing, biking and hiking! South Fork Visitor Center

Creede - So many favorite Fall adventures, including the Historic Bachelor Loop, waterfalls, shopping on Main Street, fishing and fall hikes. This mining town is worth a stop! Visit Creede

Lake City - As you drive from Creede to Lake City, stop by the North Clear Creek Falls area and then continue on one of the most beautiful Fall drives in the state. The brilliance of the San Juans as you make your way is spectacular! Stroll in town, take a backcountry hike, or simply drive the area's roads. Lake City, Colorado

Gunnison - Enjoy their signature Chili and Beer Festival, the Crested Butte Film Festival, bike races, leaf-peeping on Kebler Pass, Kokanee salmon fishing, and cozy time on Main Street and Elk Avenue. Gunnison Crested Butte

Fall is a favorite for many in Colorado, and the Silver Thread Byway is a great place to take it all in! 🍂🏔️

08/14/2026

Just you and the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

A great soundtrack, windows down, and a road trip you won’t soon forget.

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the Silver Thread Scenic Byway this weekend? This Saturday is the Creede Arts Council's S...
08/13/2026

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the Silver Thread Scenic Byway this weekend? This Saturday is the Creede Arts Council's Silver Thread Studio Tour - a self-guided driving tour along the byway to explore the work of 25 local artists opening their studios and galleries to the public.

Pick up a copy of the 2026 Studio Tour Map at the South Fork or Creede Visitor Centers or visit the Creede Arts Council website to download: https://creedeartscouncil.com/silver-thread-studio-tour

Some views are worth pulling over for 💛North Clear Creek Falls is one of the most breathtaking stops along the Silver Th...
08/13/2026

Some views are worth pulling over for 💛

North Clear Creek Falls is one of the most breathtaking stops along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. It’s Colorado scenery you won’t soon forget!

Take the drive. Make the stop. Stay awhile.

📍North Clear Creek Falls | Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway

🍂 Fall on the Silver Thread is closer than you think.If seeing the mountains dressed in gold is on your list this year, ...
08/10/2026

🍂 Fall on the Silver Thread is closer than you think.

If seeing the mountains dressed in gold is on your list this year, now is the time to start planning your drive along the Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway.

Fall color typically begins showing up in mid-September, with late September into early October often bringing some of the most spectacular views of the season. Of course, Mother Nature sets the schedule - elevation, temperatures and weather all play a role in when and where the aspens turn.

Our advice? Give yourself a few days, take your time, and explore the entire stretch between South Fork, Creede and Lake City. 🍁

The season is short. The drive is unforgettable.

📅 Start planning for mid-September through early October.

08/04/2026

Here, high in the San Juan Mountains, the Rio Grande begins its remarkable 1,800-mile journey. From these quiet headwaters along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, it rages through canyons, meanders across valleys, and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico, shaping landscapes and communities along the way. Standing where one of America’s greatest rivers is born has a way of putting everything into perspective.

This is what my soul craves.

📍Rio Grande Headwaters
Silver Thread Scenic Byway • Colorado

When Lake San Cristobal is calm, it’s hard to tell where the mountains end and their reflection begins.
07/28/2026

When Lake San Cristobal is calm, it’s hard to tell where the mountains end and their reflection begins.

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South Fork, CO
81154

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