There’s something powerful about waking up with the Rio Grande outside your door,
lacing up your boots, and climbing above it all – especially when the trail you’re on, the
campground you’re staying at, and even your coffee stop were picked perfectly for you.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
That’s the magic of using AdventureGenie, the AI-powered trip planner that takes your road trip dreams and maps them into reality.
This time, we are talking about Creede, Colorado, specifically the Up and Over Trail – an alpine trek with history, views, and some amazing surprises along the way.
🏕 Where to Stay: Creede Campgrounds We Loved
You can start the day at a cozy riverside site, recommended by AdventureGenie for its
proximity to trails and dog-friendly amenities. If you’re planning your own visit, three
great options include:
🌲 Bristol Head Campground – Nestled beside the Rio Grande, this campground has gorgeous river access and is just minutes from town. Pet-friendly and peaceful.
🏞 North Clear Creek Campground – A bit farther out but stunning. It’s near one of Colorado’s most photogenic waterfalls and offers dispersed camping vibes with picnic tables and vault toilets.
🌄 Mountain Views RV Resort – This campground is a game changer. Not only is it nestled right beside the Rio Grande with panoramic mountain views, but it’s directly across the road from a side-by-side rental shop. That means you can literally wake up, grab your morning coffee, and hit an ATV trail by 10 AM.
These campgrounds are searchable and reviewable through AdventureGenie – just drop your starting point and let it map.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
🥾 The Up and Over Trail: A True Colorado Classic
This roughly 4-mile trail climbs from 8,845 ft to 9,501 ft, crossing forests, ridgelines, and scenic mining ruins. It’s one of the most rewarding hikes near Creede, especially if you catch the morning light.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Dog-friendly? Absolutely. Keep pups leashed, and be mindful of steep edges near the summit.
Along the way, you can see:
🏞 Sweeping views of Creede’s historic downtown
🏔 Weathered mine shafts and switchbacks from the silver boom
🌲 Beautiful Douglas Fir forests that seemed tailor-made for fall colors
Use AdventureGenie’s PersonalGenie to help you find other great hiking trails for more breathtaking photo ops! Worth every extra step.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
🧭 Bonus: History, Arts & Unexpected Adventures
One of the best parts of exploring with AdventureGenie is that it doesn’t just show you trails – it uncovers local secrets and sightseeing gems too.
Don’t miss these:
⛏️ Last Chance Mine
High above town, this authentic silver mine offers guided tours into restored tunnels, old mining gear, and some of the best views around. The storytelling alone is worth the trip—and the gift shop rocks (literally).
🎭 Creede Repertory Theatre
Believe it or not, this tiny mountain town hosts Broadway-quality summer performances. Shows run from May to September and range from classic musicals to original productions. It’s one of the most unexpected cultural gems in this Colorado small town.
Pro tip: Plan your hike in the morning and grab tickets to a matinee or evening show. Nothing like a day on the trail followed by a glass of wine and a curtain call.
🍻 Hidden Gems: Post-Hike Eats & Sips in Creede
Back in town, Main Street Creede welcomes you like a hug from an old friend – rustic
buildings, quirky shops, and some surprisingly good eats.
Here are a few local gems AdventureGenie flagged:
🍺 Tommyknockers Tavern – Classic pub fare, great craft beer, and dog-friendly
outdoor seating. Try the green chili burger with a local IPA.
🍔 Kip’s Grill – Kip’s Grill is the go to place for locals and tourists in Creede and
Pagosa Springs.
🍷 Bristol Brewing Company (nearby in Salida) – Worth the short drive on
your way out. Housed in an old schoolhouse with a wine bar next door. Bonus:
they host pup-friendly patios.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
🧭 Your Trip, Your Way: Powered by AdventureGenie
AdventureGenie is a tool that lets you start from your home, plug in your interests
(like scenic hikes, pet-friendly campsites, or historic stops), and generate a fully
personalized trip plan in seconds.
From finding dog-friendly trails to locating hidden waterfalls, AdventureGenie
removes the stress from planning so you can focus on exploring. Whether you’re mapping a loop through the San Juans, chasing ghost towns across
Southwest Colorado, or plotting a beer-and-hike tour of Breckenridge and beyond,
the tools are all right there.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
🚐 Ready to Go Up and Over?
The most beautiful journeys are the ones we don’t overthink – just follow your curiosity and let the road (and the app) lead you. If you’re craving something similar, give
AdventureGenie a spin. You’ll be surprised by what you discover.
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