West of Creede and south of Lake City are thousands of acres of Rio Grande National Forest available for tag holders. A growing herd of Rocky Mountain bighorns provides a huntable population of rams and ewes.

Rio Grande River, Bristol Head, Snow Mesa, Table Mountain, Long Ridge, Road Canyon and Ingalls Gulch all portray the ruggedness of the area. Steep and rocky mountains are carved by drainages that intersect with Rio Grande River. Large reservoirs, alpine lakes and springs help create a diverse landscape.

Alpine lakes are surrounded by wildflowers, mosses, lichens and grasses. Drainages are lined with aspens, willows and cottonwoods. Mountain slopes are covered in ponderosa pine, spruce and fir. Higher elevations consist of oakbrush and mountain mahogany. Open parks here are covered in grasses and wildflowers.

Colorado Route 149 between Creede and Lake City connect to county and Rio Grande National Forest service roads that provide a good network to approach trails leading to areas known for bighorns. The Colorado Trail heads east of Spring Creek Pass toward Snow Mesa, Table Mountain and follows Miners Creek into Creede. Mackenzie Trail off Forest Road 532 leads to Crystal Lake and Creede. Know the restrictions for ATV use on national forest lands. The lower portion of Fir Creek is on private land, so obtain permission from landowner.

Rio Grande National Forest provides many improved campgrounds along the Rio Grande River and within the national forest. Please refer to following links for specific information.

Creede and Lake City provide a limited number of lodging options, cafes and fuel options. Gunnison, to the north, and Alamosa, which is more southeast, offer many choices in motels, restaurants, medical facilities, gas, diesel and regional airports.

Rio Grande River

Rio Grande National Forest

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