Bachelor Loop Historic Drive
A scenic 17-mile loop north of Creede, Colorado, showcasing historic mining structures and stunning mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Bachelor Loop Historic Drive
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 17-mile loop north of Creede, Colorado, showcasing historic mining structures and stunning mountain vistas.
"Worth the trip lots of neat old mining buildings to see and the scenery is great."
🚗 Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
Opt for a vehicle with good ground clearance. A 4WD is beneficial for the steeper sections, especially after rain.
📖 Get the Guidebook
Enhance your understanding by purchasing a guidebook at the visitor center for detailed site information.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 81 reviews
Type
Tourist Information Center
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mining Buildings
Various pull-offs along the loop
Explore well-preserved remnants of the late 1800s mining era, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Stunning Mountain Scenery
Throughout the loop
Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, with vibrant wildflowers in summer and golden hues in autumn.
Creede Cemetery Viewpoint
Northern end of the loop
Start or end your journey here for a unique perspective of Creede, especially if you prefer an easier descent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Choice is Key
Enhance Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
Opt for a vehicle with good ground clearance. A 4WD is beneficial for the steeper sections, especially after rain. +1
📖 Get the Guidebook
Enhance your understanding by purchasing a guidebook at the visitor center for detailed site information.
🔄 Drive Counter-Clockwise
Starting at the Creede cemetery offers an easier downhill drive, especially if your vehicle has limited clearance. +1
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the loop and stop at the numerous historical sites.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
Opt for a vehicle with good ground clearance. A 4WD is beneficial for the steeper sections, especially after rain. +1
📖 Get the Guidebook
Enhance your understanding by purchasing a guidebook at the visitor center for detailed site information.
🔄 Drive Counter-Clockwise
Starting at the Creede cemetery offers an easier downhill drive, especially if your vehicle has limited clearance. +1
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the loop and stop at the numerous historical sites.
⚠️ Be Cautious on Roads
Roads can be rough and muddy in spots; drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bachelor Loop Historic Drive for its fascinating historical mining buildings and beautiful scenery, especially during wildflower season and autumn. Many recommend it as a worthwhile scenic drive, though caution is advised regarding vehicle suitability for rougher road conditions. Some wish for more detailed information at the sites themselves.
"Worth the trip lots of neat old mining buildings to see and the scenery is great. Wildflowers are everywhere. Take it backwards starting at Creede cemetery if you're not sure your "road princess" SUV or 2wd can handle the steep climb so you can take easy going down instead of up. Our Subaru Ascent did just fine and would have gone up just fine too. You will want a vehicle with more clearance than an Impreza has though. Lots of pull outs, never had a problem getting around other vehicles on the narrow spots. Worth the hour or so we spent on the road."
James Clarke
"Beautiful scenery and lots of intact mining structures. We purchased the guidebook at the visitor center. Alot more information on the sites. We took 2 hours to complete the loop stopping at many of the sites. Visiting the mining museum also helps you understand what mining was like in the late 1800's."
Izzi Campanella
"Lots of old mines and mining remains to see, be cautious of you are in a car roads can be pretty rough."
Darrell Powers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bachelor Loop Historic Drive is located north of Creede, Colorado. Access is typically via Forest Service Roads 503 and 502. It's recommended to start from the Creede Visitor Center for maps and information.
Not entirely. While some SUVs can manage, the roads can be rough and steep, especially after rain. A vehicle with good ground clearance and ideally 4WD is recommended, particularly for the counter-clockwise route. +1
Many travelers recommend driving the loop counter-clockwise, starting from the Creede cemetery. This allows for a gentler descent down the steeper sections. +1
At a leisurely pace, stopping at various sites, the loop typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.
There are no services like gas stations or restrooms directly on the loop itself. Ensure you have a full tank of gas and any necessary supplies before you begin.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to drive the Bachelor Loop Historic Drive. It is a public scenic byway.
The Bachelor Loop is generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, winter conditions can make it impassable. The best times to visit are typically late spring through fall.
You can obtain a map of the Bachelor Loop at the Creede Visitor Center. They also offer guidebooks with more detailed information about the historical stops. +1
While the Bachelor Loop itself is free, there may be an admission fee for the Creede Mining Museum, which offers valuable context to the loop's historical sites.
Yes, there are numerous pull-offs and designated areas where you can safely stop and explore the historic mining structures. Always exercise caution and respect signage.
📸 📸 Photography
The loop offers fantastic opportunities to photograph historic mining buildings, expansive mountain vistas, and seasonal wildflowers or autumn foliage. +1
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, the 16 numbered stops along the loop highlight various mining remnants and scenic viewpoints, each offering unique photographic potential. A guidebook will detail these. +1
A versatile lens, such as a wide-angle for landscapes and a mid-range zoom for details on buildings, is recommended. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is subject to federal and local regulations. Always check current FAA guidelines and any specific restrictions for National Forest lands before flying.
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