Wilderness areas
 Wilderness is defined as a portion of land set aside by the 1964 Congressional Wilderness Act that will remain unspoiled for future generations. The Wilderness Act gave the U.S. Forest Service a mandate to manage these special lands so they would be "an enduring resource," one that would remain "unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness." Rio Grande National Forest manages four Wildernesses: La Garita, Sangre de Cristo, South San Juan and Weminuche Wilderness.
Colorado Scenic Byways
 Silver Thread - Colorado's Silver Thread Scenic Byway weaves through two historic districts (Lake City and Creede) and tracts of remote & rugged landscape.
Los Caminos Antiguos - Los Caminos Antiguos ("The Ancient Roads") is the best route to follow through the region of the upper Rio Grande - the northern outpost of sixteenth century Spanish territorial expansion. This BYway was designated as a "National Scenic Byway" in February, 2021.
More information about the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and the Byway is available here: www.sangreheritage.org.
Bachelor Loop
 This 17-mile self-guided driving tour loops through Creede’s historic silver mining district and ghost towns. The tour’s first interpretive stop is just north of Creede in Willow Creek Canyon at the juncture of East and West Willow creeks.
Wheeler Geologic Area
Wheeler Geologic Area is part of the La Garita Wilderness, within this area you will find many trails, some nearby peaks over 13,000 ft and amazing views. Located near the old mining town of Creede, Wheeler is accessible by a 7 mile hike or a grueling 14 mile four wheel drive road. Your efforts are rewarded by views of a remarkable geologic formation of moderately coarse volcanic tuff eroded into many different shapes. It is not a short, easy trip. Road is extremely rough: High clearance vehicle or ATV is recommended!
North Clear Creek Falls Observation Site
This scenic overlook facility is situated as a stop on the Silverthread Scenic Byway right along State Hiway 149. It offers a new restroom, picnic tables, ample paved parking for even larger vehicles, trails to the overlook, safety railings, and interpretive signs. It is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible trail to a high lookout spot.
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