Creede OHV Club
The
majority of visitors to the Creede area arrive by motor vehicle. Surveys
indicate that visitors and locals alike are concerned about vehicle damage to
vegetation, increases in erosion and the overall impacts of vehicles on the
fragile environment. In response to these concerns, all motorized vehicles
including jeeps, licensed and unlicensed motorcycles, SUV’Sand ATV’S are
required to stay on designated roads identified on the travel map issued by the
USFS. If in doubt, please check with the USFS or the Sheriff’s office. Under
no circumstances is any unlicensed motor vehicle to be used within the Creede
City Limits.
When
visiting our area, you will see a number of old trails and routes that exit the
main road. Many of these are old mining and logging roads that are not open to
motorized traffic. Please do not attempt to travel on them.
Although
vehicles must stay on established roads for camping, picnicking, or driving, you
may park next to a road if such use does not damage the environment. Signs are
posted in areas where parking is not permitted.
Please
stay on designated roads, especially if you encounter gates, burms, rocks or
other barriers blocking your route. These barriers are used to protect private
property, to prevent damage to fragile meadows, to prevent vehicle access to the
Wilderness or Wilderness Study areas as required by law.
Please
Note: Colorado requires unlicensed motorcycles and ATV’S to display and
off-highway vehicle permit.
Safety is your responsibility:
1.
Let others know your travel plans.
2.
Plan your route and carry essential supplies and water.
3.
Be prepared for changes in weather.
4.
Keep track of time.
5.
Stay out of mine buildings, tunnels and shafts. They are dangerous.
6.
Please respect private property.
7.
Call the Sheriffs office in the event of an emergency but remember, cell
phones don’t work in all areas.
8.
Mineral County Sheriff: (719) 658-2600
The Silver Thread
Welcome to the Silver Thread Scenic By-way, one of the finest examples of our by-way system. Seventy-five miles of highway connecting the towns of South Fork, Creede, and Lake City, Colorado and Many more miles of Forest Service roads, County roads and motorized trails bring recreational opportunities to those who wish to experience the unusual. Several routes through the mountains follow ancient paths worn by Native Americans traversing the region as they returned to traditional summer camps. In the late 1800’s miners, in search of precious metals, widened some of these paths to accommodate horse and mule drawn wagons and built additional roads to access mines. Several are even old Stage Coach Roads. Today the remains of ghost towns, mines, mills, aerial trams and railroads, are prominent reminders of this regions extensive mining history.
Most Forest Service roads are open to ATV’s and
unlicensed motorcycles. These vehicles cannot be driven within the Creede City
Limits. Plan your trip accordingly and bring an adequate amount of fuel and
allow plenty of time to return to your shuttle vehicles.
Mineral County has provided three OHV Staging Area’s and there are other staging areas at each motorized trailhead. For information on these staging areas, the USFS in Creede will provide travel maps and other useful information.
Regulations
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Colorado law requires unlicensed
motorcycles and all terrain vehicles to display an annual ohv permit.
Ø
All unlicensed motorcycle and ATV
operators must possess a valid drivers license or vehicle operator’s license.
Ø
Licensed vehicles can travel on all
roads that are legally established routes.
Ø
All vehicles are required to stay
on roads or trails as required by the USFS travel map.
Ø
Liability insurance is not required
in Mineral County but is recommended.