After leaving the Great Sand Dunes, I set out to explore more of Colorado. With Creede, Lake City and Marble being highlights for this leg of the trip. For all the times I’ve driven over McClure Pass and what few times i’ve spent in the San Juan’s, this would be my first time visiting Lake City and Marble. Nice to have a few days in each place and not be so rushed.

Enjoy:).

Evening stroll around Creede, CO. First night in town.

I had originally planned to check out Wheeler Geological Area during my full day in Creede, but with all the recent rain and folks getting stuck on the road in, the Forest Service closed off the road. So instead, I spent some time photographing the Commodore Mine. A most fantastic mine just outside of town.

The Commodore Mine started operating in 1892. Finally closing in 1976. By 1902, the Nelson Tunnel connected the Bachlor, Last Chance, New York, Amethyst, and Park Regent Mines and was some 11,000 feet long. Currently, the level 5 Nelson Tunnel is a Superfund Site. So much to see at the Commodore Mine. This is just the tip of what’s in Creede:).

Creede’s underground fire department.

Around Creede. I stayed at the Aspen Inn. And enjoyed a few beers from Square Peg Brewery. Highly recommend the Peanut Butter Stout:).

Last night in town and another evening stroll.

A moody afternoon along the Rio Grande River. After leaving Creede that morning, I noticed the 4runner was overheating while passing a big rig on the highway. I pulled over at the Antlers Lodge to hopefully figure out what was happening. The lodge actually had a room available and after letting the truck cool down, found that the radiator was low on coolant. Topped off, and went for a drive with things seeming to check out. That evening at the lodge, the rain set in hard. Probably a good night not to be camping. Treated myself to a nice Salmon dinner before calling it a night.

A wonderfully moody evening outside Creede, CO.

Some fine views along 149 as I head towards Lake City.

North Clear Creek Falls.

Slumgullion Pass. First time over the pass for me and man was it beautiful!

San Juan’s in the distance. Been a long time since I’ve ben in these mountains.

First views of Uncompaghre Peak (14.301ft) from Windy Point. A spot I’d come back to:).

Downtown Lake City. Lake City Brewery, just a few short blocks away has a fine Scotch ale that I very much recommend:)

Another stop at Windy Point on my way to Deer Lakes. Some fine views of Uncompaghre Peak (14.301ft) and the San Juan Mountains. A moody afternoon.

Deer Lakes.

Last morning in Lake City. Woke up early to catch the Sunrise at windy point. Not much for morning light but still a great spot to take in the views.

Along the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

McClure Pass (8,755Ft). One of my favorite paved passes in CO.

First evening stroll around Marble, CO.

A wonderful morning on Beaver Lake.

Bear tracks.

A local Fox hanging out in town.

Mable Quarry. Marble from this mine has been used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. , along with civic buildings in San Francisco.

Around the old Marble Mill in town.

Last morning on Beaver Lake. Watched a Bald Eagle fly over and an Otter swim by.

Hayes Creek Falls