Photography Courtesy of Denise Uhleman-Armstrong©

Written By Kathleen M. Bush & Nichole Zangara
Since towns are often dubbed gems, Creede certainly ranks as a precious jewel. This diamond-in-the-sky shines with rough-hewn charms glorious alpine surroundings made up of rivers, valleys, canyons and jagged mountain peaks.

Mineral County straddles the Continental Divide and is the birth site of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. Creede, which rests in Willow Creek Canyon, is home to a 17-mile mining district, the award-winning Creede Repertory Theatre, the Underground Mining Museum, Creede Fossil Formations and is ranked among the best small arts towns in America.

While in Creede, don't miss out on the Taste of Creede Fine Arts Festival Memorial Day weekend, the Mineral County Rock and Gem Show in August, or the luscious Chocolate Tasting Festival in November. Make sure to pack your camera as photo opportunities are aplenty:snap a few shots while riding the rapids of the Rio Grande, gazing at North Creek Falls (the most photographed waterfall in Colorado), or quietly observing moose and other wildlife along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

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