Like many attractions in the San Juans, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway finds its roots in the rich mining days of the late 19th century.  Industrialists and merchants became road builders and widened the narrow footpaths of the Ute Indians, turning the paths into toll roads for transporting ore, supplies, and people to the remote San Juans. Eventually, the railroad came to Hinsdale County, making travel faster and more efficient. By the 1920s, more and more travelers were using automobiles, creating the need for better roads. Highway 149 remained a dirt road until 1968, when paving began between Lake City and Creede. The last stretch was paved in the Santa Marie Reservoir area in 1983. In 1990, portions of Highway 149 were designated as a historic byway. 

Today, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway spans the entire length of Highway 149, winding through four counties and three towns including Lake City, Creede, and South Fork. From beginning to end, it is a historical route with astounding beauty, recreational abundance, and a varied and unique geology. Elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep are often seen along the highway. There are several marked stopping points along the Byway and beautiful views with every turn. For more information about, pick up a Silver Thread Guide at the Lake City Visitor Center.

Points of Interest

Blue Mesa Reservoir: Located in Curecanti National Recreation Area, this 20-mile long reservoir, the largest in the state, is a popular recreation area for anglers, boaters, hikers, campers, and swimmers.

The Gate: This stunning rock formation, which resembles a gate in a fence of mountains, was carved by the Lake Fork of the Gunnison and towers over the river and highway. In this area, there is easy access to the Lake Fork and a public campground.

High Bridge: The railroad bed and trestle of a bridge owned by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad that once spanned the canyon still remain at this site. When the line was abandoned, timbers from the bridge were removed and used to build a school in Gunnison. The road to this area is steep and may not be accessible to all cars.

Alferd Packer Massacre Site: Early in 1874, Alferd Packer led five under-prepared prospectors into the wilderness. In April, Packer emerged alone, looking suspiciously well-fed. He later confessed to killing one crazed man in self-defense and eating the remains of his five companions in order to survive. He was eventually convicted and imprisoned until 1901. His victims are memorialized at this site.

Lake San Cristobal Overlook: A short hike is required to view Lake San Cristobal but is worth the walk. The overlook offers a view of Colorado’s second largest natural lake and surrounding peaks. 

Slumgullion Earthflow: This earthflow, a National Natural Landmark, caused the damming of the Lake Fork and formed Lake San Cristobal. It continues to move up to 20 feet a year. 

Windy Point Scenic Overlook: This overlook offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the northern San Juans, fourteeners, and many thirteeners. 

Spring Creek Pass: The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail cross the highway at Spring Creek. It also includes an informational kiosk, restrooms, and a nice place for picnicking. 

North Clear Creek Falls: Though it is not visible from  the road, a short detour brings to view a waterfall that appears almost magically out of a meadow. A short drive and walk are required to see one of the most photographed waterfalls in Colorado.

Bristol Head: Named by a settler who missed his native Bristol, England, this distinctively shaped mountain is an imposing and impressive feature along the Silver Thread.

Browns Lake/Rio Grande Overlook: On the side of the Silver Thread is an overlook of impressing beauty that showcases the Rio Grande River. At this overlook, look to the skyline and locate the Rio Grande Pyramid.  North of  the Pyramid is the Stony Pass area, where the mighty 1,885 mile Rio Grande River begins as a little trickle of water.

Wheeler Geologic Area: Geology enthusiasts are sure to enjoy these spiral rock formations. The road to Wheeler is four wheel drive only and can take time. Wheeler is also accessible via a beautiful hike, which is probably faster than driving.

Creede: During the height of Creede’s mining boom, it was said to be one of the wildest mountain towns in the state. It was home to a two mile long street that consisted mainly of saloons, gambling houses, and brothels. In this century, Creede is considerably tamer that it was in the 1890s. Some of its many attractions include Wheeler Geologic Area, the Bachelor Loop, and the Creede Underground Mining Museum and the Creede Repertory Theater.

South Fork: This town marks the southern end of the Silver Thread. Once an important timber industry town, South Fork is now home to tourism and great fishing in its 13 surrounding lakes and many Rio Grande tributaries. Located just 18 miles from Wolf Creek Ski Area and surrounded by almost 2 million acres of National Forest, South Fork provides an excellent stopping off point during an excursion to  Williams Reservoir in the Piedra area of Hinsdale County. 

Driving the Silver Thread

The Silver Thread is a well- maintained, paved highway suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles.  It is open year round.

The Byway ranges from gently rolling straight-aways to hairpin turns, and traverses two high mountain passes: Spring Creek Pass, at 10,901 feet, and Slumgullion Pass, at 11,530 feet.

The north side of Slumgullion Pass has an incline of 9.4%, making this the steepest paved highway in the state.  All drivers should use low gear when descending this pass.

Motorcyclists should use extra caution on the Silver Thread due to loose gravel that may be on the pavement. 

Watch for deer, elk, moose, and other animals that may be in the road.

Map - Click here to download a PDF of this map

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