Today, we explored the Silver Thread Scenic Byway from Creede to Lake City.
First stop - North Clear Creek Falls - a tributary to the Rio Grande River - water falls over solidified ash from a volcano that erupted 27 million years ago.
We crossed the continental divide and got closer to snow in the mountains.
The stagecoach charged $16 for a two- to three-day trip, including meals and lodging, for the ride from Lake City to Creede. The 1880s brought railroad tracks and trains to haul supplies for another fifty years.
Automobiles replaced toll road and most railroad traffic in the early 1920s. Asphalt eventually replaced dirt roads.Beginning in 1968, the segment from Creede to Lake City was paved.
At Slumgullion Pass, we went on a wild moose chase. Everyone we talked to said moose hang out in a marshy area 4 miles down a dirt road. After a very bumpy ride - no moose were spotted!
The edge of this mountain broke off 850 years ago. You can see the barren patch. Geologists say it continues to move down about 20 feet a year.
It is not often you can see where a river starts. This lake is the headwaters to the Rio Grande.
We had lunch at the very popular Freemon’s General store. I about cut off the store hours but it says 8 to 5:59!
We shopped the downtown Creede stores and stopped for beer at the Spare Keg Brewerks. Lots of friendly pups and pretty good beer.
We ended the day with an incredible sunset.
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