Day Itinerary
15 Activities
Day 1
189 mi2 mi
Chasing Springs, Waterfalls, And Ghost Towns
Your first stop at the springs will be the most relaxing way to start this road trip as you travel east of Durango and make several stops along the way. Once you leave Pagosa Springs, you'll make a quick detour to visit a 100 ft waterfall and later travel back in town to ghost towns and learn about the mining industry that once ran these small towns.
20 mi
30 min
09:0030 min
Brenda's Old West Cafe
Restaurant
Open Details
Start the morning right with a delicious breakfast that will leave you energized all day. Grab a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll to go since the day will be jammed packed with activities. This diner has a lot of great options for home-cooked meals, and you’ll most likely see Brenda greeting people and making them feel like family, so make sure to say hello.
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm
40.6 mi
50 min
10:301 hr 30 min
The Springs Resort & Spa
Health & Beauty Service
Open Details
Pagosa Springs is best know for having the deepest natural springs in the US and for year-round activities for everyone. There are several ways to enjoy the area, such as going for a hot air balloon ride or rafting down the San Juan river. But the springs are the cherry on top regarding what to do in Pagosa Springs.
A day pass at the resort will give you access to 20 beautiful pools with hot spring water filled with healing minerals. If you visit during mudding season, between winter and spring, you’ll experience Mother’s Mud, a blend of mud created with spring water filled with extra minerals that help detox the body. Soak near the San Juan River in the pools Marco Polo, Cricket Tub, and Paradise and relax in nature. If you like hot water, the Lobster pot is the resort's hottest tub at 112 degrees. If your looking for something more private, consider upgrading the day pass that gives you access to adult-only pools.
Book your day pass in advance online. Book your day pass
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
A day pass at the resort will give you access to 20 beautiful pools with hot spring water filled with healing minerals. If you visit during mudding season, between winter and spring, you’ll experience Mother’s Mud, a blend of mud created with spring water filled with extra minerals that help detox the body. Soak near the San Juan River in the pools Marco Polo, Cricket Tub, and Paradise and relax in nature. If you like hot water, the Lobster pot is the resort's hottest tub at 112 degrees. If your looking for something more private, consider upgrading the day pass that gives you access to adult-only pools.
Book your day pass in advance online. Book your day pass
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
15.4 mi
20 min
12:205 min
Treasure Falls Observation Site
Park
Open Details
You'll park your car here for your short hike to Treasure Falls. The parking lot has about 30 spots available on first-come, first-serve bases. As you approach the highway, please slow down so you don't miss it. There will be signs indicating the observation site.
0.1 mi
5 min
12:301 hr
Treasure Falls
Open Details
Now that you’ve spent the morning relaxing in hot spring water, it’s time to stretch your legs and visit a beautiful waterfall just off the highway. You might want to wear comfortable shoes as the trail is a bit steep but easy to do for all ages. This short and sweet .25-mile hike will take you to the base of Treasure falls.
You’ll find two trails, so make sure to read the signs correctly, so you pick the one that best fits you. If you want to hike a bit longer, there is a 1-mile round trip that takes you to a bridge and the main overlook. It shouldn’t take you 30 minutes from start to finish. However far you explore on this trail, there will be plenty of spots for pictures and views of the 105-foot waterfall.
You’ll find two trails, so make sure to read the signs correctly, so you pick the one that best fits you. If you want to hike a bit longer, there is a 1-mile round trip that takes you to a bridge and the main overlook. It shouldn’t take you 30 minutes from start to finish. However far you explore on this trail, there will be plenty of spots for pictures and views of the 105-foot waterfall.
0.1 mi
5 min
13:405 min
Treasure Falls Observation Site
Park
Open Details
Return to your car to continue your journey to lunch.
48.6 mi
1 hr
14:455 min
ChargePoint Charging Station
Open Details
Park your car to charge and walk to your lunch destination:
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 Plug Power: 62 kW
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 Plug Power: 62 kW
0.5 mi
10 min
15:001 hr
Tommyknocker Tavern
Bar
Open Details
As you walk through the historic downtown area of Creede, you’ll find this tavern in a beautiful old building. The inside is quirky, filled with cool memorabilia and country decor. The pulled pork sandwich is a fan favorite, and every Tuesday, they offer a rack of ribs at a great price.
During the summertime, you’ll find live music and seating available on the patio, and during the winter, they offer other activities to keep everyone entertained. Whenever you decide to go, you’ll always find a large variety of beers from local breweries available. They serve food until 5:00 pm but stay open later as a tavern and bar.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am Serving food: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
During the summertime, you’ll find live music and seating available on the patio, and during the winter, they offer other activities to keep everyone entertained. Whenever you decide to go, you’ll always find a large variety of beers from local breweries available. They serve food until 5:00 pm but stay open later as a tavern and bar.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am Serving food: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
0.5 mi
10 min
16:155 min
ChargePoint Charging Station
Open Details
Walk back to your car once fully charged to continue your journey to the Bachelor Loop.
1.3 mi
10 min
16:3030 min
Bachelor Loop Interpretive Site
Travel Agency
Open Details
A beautiful drive that showcases Willow creek Canyon’s ghost towns and past mining districts that will make you feel like time has stood still. The self-guided driving tour is 17 miles long and has several stops throughout the drive where you can step out of the car and take pictures.
If you want to complete the entire loop but don’t feel like your car is equipped, you can find tours available with 4wd Vehicles and a guide who can give you a more in-depth story about the area within the town.
Conditions of the roads are constantly changing, so it’s best to give a call to 719-658-2374 just a couple of days ahead of your visit to check the road conditions.
If you want to complete the entire loop but don’t feel like your car is equipped, you can find tours available with 4wd Vehicles and a guide who can give you a more in-depth story about the area within the town.
Conditions of the roads are constantly changing, so it’s best to give a call to 719-658-2374 just a couple of days ahead of your visit to check the road conditions.
7 mi
25 min
17:3030 min
Last Chance Mine
Landmark
Open Details
Most visitors will drive through Road 503 and only make it up to "The last chance Mine" before turning around. A 4WD should drive past this point.
The Last Chance Mine offers tours that let you go inside the mines to learn and explore life inside. By the time you arrive, it might be too late, but it's still a great stopping point for pictures.
The other option to get here is to start the loop where it ends in the town of Creede, make your way towards Keeth High Mountain Meadows on Road 504 (as suggested on the map) for some fantastic views of the mountains, and turn around whenever you feel it’s best for your car.
If you choose to take Highway 503, continue straight after the Bachelor Loop Interpretive Site.
The Last Chance Mine offers tours that let you go inside the mines to learn and explore life inside. By the time you arrive, it might be too late, but it's still a great stopping point for pictures.
The other option to get here is to start the loop where it ends in the town of Creede, make your way towards Keeth High Mountain Meadows on Road 504 (as suggested on the map) for some fantastic views of the mountains, and turn around whenever you feel it’s best for your car.
If you choose to take Highway 503, continue straight after the Bachelor Loop Interpretive Site.
55.6 mi
1 hr 30 min
19:305 min
ChargePoint Charging Station
Open Details
Park here to charge your car while you walk to your dinner destination:
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 62 kW
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 62 kW
0.4 mi
10 min
19:451 hr
Lake City Brewing Company
Restaurants
Open Details
A local gem in Lake City that shouldn’t be missed. Lake City Brewing Company has several rotating draft beers available and plenty of options for hot dogs and sandwiches. When you order your Beer Flight, make sure you also order a flight of deviled eggs. Something you don't always see in restaurants and has made this place best known for.
Enjoy your meal on the fabulous patio/deck that overlooks the mountains. As you enjoy the views, enjoy the live music that usually plays in the evening or catch a round of trivia on Tuesdays.
Their hours change depending on the season, so please double-check their site before confirming your arrival. Reservations are not required.
More Information If you are travelling on a day that the brewery is closed, another great option is Climb Elevated Eatery. Their hours also depend on the season, so it's essential to check their hours before arriving.
More Information
Enjoy your meal on the fabulous patio/deck that overlooks the mountains. As you enjoy the views, enjoy the live music that usually plays in the evening or catch a round of trivia on Tuesdays.
Their hours change depending on the season, so please double-check their site before confirming your arrival. Reservations are not required.
More Information If you are travelling on a day that the brewery is closed, another great option is Climb Elevated Eatery. Their hours also depend on the season, so it's essential to check their hours before arriving.
More Information
0.2 mi
5 min
21:0030 min
Restless Spirits Saloon
Bar
Open Details
Walk around town and make a quick late-night cap at this historic saloon. You'll feel like you just stepped into an old western film, and you enjoy a drink at the bar. It's one of the only places open in town past 9:00 pm, so you'll be sure to run into a few characters of locals and tourists alike.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sunday & Monday: Closed
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sunday & Monday: Closed
0.4 mi
10 min
21:455 min
ChargePoint Charging Station
Open Details
Walk back to the charging station and get to the hotel to rest up.
1.3 mi
10 min
22:009 hrsInns
The North Face Lodge
9.1
This is a family-run business that has put every ounce of love, dedication, and passion into its hotel. Beautifully decorated, each room in the hotel has a special theme related to the area. Some are based on all the different outdoor activities, and others are dedicated to the natural landscapes surrounding Lake City.
Whichever room you choose, all are equipped with a small kitchen and a patio so you can sit and look out to the stars or enjoy your coffee first thing in the morning.
Whichever room you choose, all are equipped with a small kitchen and a patio so you can sit and look out to the stars or enjoy your coffee first thing in the morning.