Creede to Lake City
July 22, 2021
We woke up to sunny skies, a pleasant surprise to me. Last night the weather forcast was 70% showers. We drove into Creede to the Bristol Bakery. It was highly recommended by the RV park host. We arrived around 10 am and we were the only ones in line. I figured that they were probably out of most items. Ken ordered a cinnamon roll and I had to try the croissants. Both were excellent! As soon as we finished ordering, a line began to form outside the small building. It is a very popular place…or the only bakery in town?
After Reviewing our map, we decided to take the 50 mile route to Lake City, The Silver Thread. The Byway ranges from gently rolling straight-aways to hairpin turns, and traverses two high mountainpasses: Spring Creek Pass, at 10,901 feet, and Slumgullion Pass, at 11,530 feet.
We stopped at North Clear Creek Falls.Though it is not visible from the road, the cascade of water that appears almost magically out of a meadow took our breath away. This gorgeous waterfall is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Colorado.
Shortly after leaving the falls we began to climb toward Slumgullion Pass where the famous earthslide formed Lake San Cristobal, Colorado’s most beautiful and second largest natural lake. We took a drive around Lake San Cristobal. It was a beautiful large lake with many different types of cottages, cabins, and houses.
Dropping down into Lake City was an experience. This little town sits in the valley floor surrounded by thirteen and fourteen thousand foot mountain peaks. The Alpine Loop can be accessed from Lake City. It is a gravel road mostly for Off road vehichles that eventually takes you into the tundra above the tree line. We drove a short distance today, and Ken was not happy when I asked him “when are we turning around”?. I did not feel prepared for the drive today.
On our drive back to Creede we stopped at the South Clear Creek Falls. From the parking lot, we followed the 900 foot trail. The trail was a short but somewhat steep hike down (and up). At the end of the trail, we were across the gorge from the falls. The view was great! Ken climbed under the rail(of course) and followed other hikers to the base of the falls. I was content to sit on a rock and take photos.
Back in Creede, we stopped at Big Doug’s BBQ for sandwiches to-go. We made it back to the RV just in time to settle in for the evening rain!