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Wilderness Journeys & Pagosa Rafting Outfitters |
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1890s Mining Town Tour Old Silver Mines and Repertory Theater
Your guide/driver specializes in history pioneer and mining history as well as edible and medicinal plants of the region. Our Route takes us across the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass 10,850 ft. elevation with stops at the scenic overlook and Treasure Falls. We pass Wolf Creek Ski Area just east of the Divide and descend into the Rio Grande Valley, following the Rio Grande River north to the small 1890’s mining community of Creede located at 8,852 ft. elevation. Creede was once a thriving silver mining district with a population of 10,000+. Today with all the mines closed down, only 400 hardy souls inhabit the town which was once one of the most notorious towns in the old west. Bat Masterson, famous gambler and gunfighter, buddy of Wyatt Earp, was a regular in the Creede saloons. Your guide will relate stories about the notorious Soapy Smith gang that ran the town until their luck ran out, the petrified man scandal, Calamity Jane and her gambling partner, Poker Alice Tubbs. Next, we will visit the Creede Underground Mining Museum. Just north of town, in a mining tunnel, the miners and the people of Creede have developed an underground walk through the history of hard rock mining. We will also visit the old town site of Bachelorville. You may choose to ride high up on the scenic roof rack during our drive up narrow Willow Creek Canyon north of Creede to view the remains of the Commodore, Amethyst and Kentucky Belle silver mines. Set high on the Canyon walls, these are some of the most picturesque mines in the west. After a hearty lunch, you’ll have a choice of activities. Photographers will enjoy wandering around town, taking in the old sites remain much the same as they were in 1892 after the big fire. The old pioneer cemetery up on the hill is also picturesque and worth a visit. Many of old Creede’s notorious men and women are buried up on Boot Hill. The shopping is fantastic for those who love boutiques, handmade crafts, original design jewelry, art galleries, antiques, music boxes, hand-blown glass, unusual pottery, and numerous other beautiful gift and collector’s items. During theater season (mid-July through August, Wednesdays only) many of you may choose to take in the matinee performance of Creede Repertory Theater. This theater, in its 30th year, is renowned throughout the west for its excellent plays, suitable for the whole family. This is a fun relaxing trip with options for everyone. Please join us for a taste of the silver rush days-truly a trip back in time!
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For more information or reservations call (970)731-4081. |