#scenicdrives #scenicbyway #scenicdrive
* Silver Thread Scenic Byway: South Fork Entrance
* Creede, Colorado = 21 miles
* Lake City, Colorado = 71 miles
* Blue Mesa Reservoir = 116 miles
Check out these 29 stops on the Byway: silverthreadbyway.com
The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is 117 miles long. Google Maps says it takes 2.5 hours to drive, but you should allow more like 3 or 4 hours.
Colorado is home to 26 scenic and historic byways, 13 of which are also federally designated as America's Byways. The Silver Thread byway was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2021.
Highway 149 remained a dirt road until 1968 when paving began between Creede and Lake City. The last stretch was paved in the Santa Maria Reservoir area in 1983.
The byway was recently extended on the north end from Lake City to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Today, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway spans the entire length of Highway 149. This historic route carries you on a 117-mile journey from the town of South Fork, through Creede and Lake City and ends at the Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Our journey will begin in South Fork, Colorado. We’ll work our way north through Creed, Lake City, and then end up at the Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison.
I’ll be highlighting 8 different points of interest.
1. Wheeler Geologic Area = 14 miles
So, let me give you some directions:
1. First, from Hwy 149 you’ll turn onto Forest Service Road 600 (which is also called Pooltable Road) and drive 9 miles to Hanson’s Mill Campground.
2. From there, it’s either an 8.5-mile hike or a 14-mile drive through rough terrain. Keep in mind that distance is doubled since you’ll be going there and back.
* Wheeler Hiking Trail = 8.5 miles each way (17 miles total)
* Wheeler Geologic Area Road = 14 miles each way (28 miles total)
2. Creede = 21 miles
At about the 21-mile mark, you’ll reach the historic town of Creede.
While in Creede, there are three sites you should visit:
a. Bachelor Loop Historic Tour
b. Creede Underground Mining Museum
c. Creede Repertory Theatre
3. North Clear Creek Falls = 48 miles
At about the 48-mile marker, you’ll reach Forest Service Road 510.
4. Slumgullion Pass = 62 miles
At about the 62-mile marker, you’ll reach Slumgullion Pass at an elevation of 11,530 feet.
5. Slumgullion Earthflow / Slide = 64 miles
Just 2 miles further, at about the 64-mile marker, you’ll reach the Slumgullion Earthflow. On Google Maps, it’s called the Slumgullion Slide.
6. Lake San Cristobal = 69 miles
Just before the town of Lake City, at mile marker 69, you’ll reach the aforementioned Lake San Cristobal.
7. Lake City, CO = 71 miles
Just two miles further down the road, at mile marker 71, you’ll reach the historic town of Lake City.
8. Blue Mesa Reservoir = 116 miles
At the end of your drive is the Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Cameras used:
- GoPro 11 Mini
- Sony Handycam FDR-AX43
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