For our first day exploring Creede, CO for this years Ghost Town Run, we set out from camp to check out the Bachelor Loop. A fun and beautiful loop drive just outside of town. Though nothing to challenging for the group, it was a beautiful drive filled with great history of Creed’s mining days. Our first stop brought us to the Commodore Mine. An impressive site and lots of structures to check out (from a distance). The Nelson Tunnel- A marvel of angering connecting various mines through the district, ran for 11,000ft and used up until the 1950’s. Currently, the Nelson Tunnel is a Superfund site, after a 20 year flood sent waste rock and debris into Willow Creek.
After Lunch, we took a detour to Phoenix falls- A difficult recommendation from the local Tourist/Ranger office, yet a most enjoyable drive through the forest. We took a short hike from the end of the road to check out Phoenix Falls, a most impressive site. From Phoenix Falls, we continued along the Bachelor Loop, Making a short stop at the Last Chance Mine (sadly going inside wasn’t an option that day since they were doing work inside the mine)- a mine that was founded in 1891 and bought by it’s current owner in 1998 to restore and save it for future generations. A few of us stopped to check out one last abandoned mill outside of town, before joining back up with the rest of the group in town, stopping for a few cold refreshments and some live music at Kipps Grill along with good company. A fine end to a great day on the trail.
Back at camp, we settled in for most enjoyable evening- even with the clouds opening up on us later in the night.
First morning around camp. Not a bad way to start the run. Inversions are one of my favorites.
Airing down in the North end of Creede. Ready to start the days adventure on the Bachelor Loop.
First stop on the Bachelore Loop was the Commodore Mine, Originally started with the Silver boom of the 1890’s, and finally closing down in 1976. The structures were impressive to say the least and we spent some time enjoying the sights.
More of the Commodore Mine and the Nelson Tunnel (currently a super fund site).
More mines to explore on the Bachelor Loop. Passing by the ______ Mine on our way to lunch and Phoenix Falls.
Summer Flowers around our lunch stop.
Enjoying a short detour to Phoenix Falls. A beautiful drive through those summer mountains.
Phoenix Falls. A fun short hike from the end of the roads. Great spot to spend some time with friends.
Fireweed.
A great drive.
Made a stop at the Last Chance Mine. sadly weren’t able to get down into the mine as they were working on it.
Checking out one last mill on the Bachelor Loop before. From here, we headed back into town and checked things out. Some live music at the local bar and a few cold ones with the group before heading back to camp.
