FR 503 North of Creede

This is a scenic and historic road that runs through a spectacular canyon past numerous abandoned silver mines and extensive stands of bristlecone pine. White-throated Swifts hurtle overhead in the canyon, and once you emerge in the north into montane forests and meadows, almost any high-elevation bird is possible. This is also one of the areas in the San Juan mountains where you may be able to find a moose.

County: Mineral

Attractions: Historic mines

Habitat: Cliff Face, Stream, Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest, Streamside Willow, Mountain Meadow

Directions: FR 503 is the continuation of Main Street in Creede, and goes north for 7.5 miles before becoming a four-wheel drive road.

Delorme: 78 A2-B2
Roads of Colorado: 132 C1, 116 C4

Dates of Access: Summer
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions after snow or rain.

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Some primitive camping, or hotels in Creede

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Latitude: 37.8955165
Longitude: -106.9381152