bachelor loop

Beautiful (and a bit scary!) drive which leads to the last chance mine. Really sort of felt like I was driving through history. I recommend buying a guidebook at the Mining museum which will tell you about the stops you can make along the loop. We arrived later in the day and really needed more than the 2 hours we allotted ourselves for the Last Chance Mine. Don't miss the Last Chance Mine where Karen and her dog, Mink, can show you around. You can even mine your own rocks!

This drive did not disappoint! Beautiful blue skies and gorgeous vistas are everywhere on the Loop. We spotted 2 herds of deer, and I got to see a beaver dam and their frozen pond. There are historic sites, summer homes, and wildlife everywhere. Can't recommend this drive enough! You will enjoy the trip!

It's so rare to see these structures still standing and unrestored. My husband and I have driven this loop twice - once in the winter and once in the summer. In the winter, you really get an appreciation for what those miners were up against and the hardships they faced. Definitely a great way to experience some mining history.

The Bachelor Loop is a very nice drive, the road is in good enough condition that four wheel drive is not necessary. Be sure to take your camera with you because there are very many places with views that are perfect for photos. Also, keep your eyes very open because you will see some animals. At Allens Crossing leave the bachelor Loop and drive up to the Equity Mine, again you will probably see some high country critters!!

Fascinating old mine ruins. Excellent photo ops all the way! Two wheel drive is all you have to have.

A great trail to ride while in Creede. Not difficult to do. We rode it in a 4wheel drive Jeep. But could be done in a 2wheel drive.

It is a 17 mile loop with stops along the way (get the flyer that tells about the stops at the Chamber of Commerce) - it has about 15 stops - definitely 4 wheel drive as it is ALL dirt roads - but lots of mines to see and amazing scenery and wildlife. so fun to see where hundreds of people lived and worked 150 years ago! have lots of "card" space on the camera - also, Last Chance Mine was a wonderful stop - it will be doing tours next summer 2015.

The drive was well worth taking the time. The historic mines were scenic and sculpted rocks walls were gorgeous. The road was slight rough but very drivable. Stop and see the "Last Chance" mine.

We made the loop drive in a PT Cruiser (and even drove partway around the East Willow Creek loop). Got a thumbs up from a Jeep driver, relieved to see us, because then he knew he could make it himself. After going past the mining museum, be sure to stop and look at the billboard at the beginning of the loop. Notice that the very large rock outcropping in front of you is in one of the photos there, with multi-story buildings all around it, which have all since disintegrated into the rubble around the terraces, with bits of the timbers showing in places. The next site, Commodore Mine, boggles the mind. Such massive structures and railway lines perched on these steep slopes makes one wonder at the determination it took to achieve this. On the drive itself, the views are spectacular, with one mine ruin after another, and plenty of critters strolling near and across the roads. Though the loop is only 17 miles, if you're watching the sights at all, it will take an hour at the very least to complete (it took us more than 2). But a little more than halfway around, salvation! The signs for the "Last Chance Mine" announce Restrooms! Technically a nicely decorated outhouse, but very welcome nonetheless. If you choose to make this short detour, you won't be sorry. Mink the dog will greet you, and Karen will make you feel like they were waiting just for you. She is very knowledgeable about the area mines, and all of the stones, ores and fossils they have on display for collectors or souvenir seekers. Step onto the deck for a breathtaking view of steep slopes, more mine buildings, and a waterfall far below. As you get to site 12, the Bachelor Town Site, the San Luis valley opens up in front of you for a fantastic photo op. Don't miss it!Definitely worth the drive up to Creede, and don't let the SUV's intimidate you. If our little car could do it with no trouble, so can yours.

Absolutely beautiful winding drive through the mountains. Breath taking views of mountains , old mining camps , and streams. The road is gravel and not for the faint if heart. No guardrails!

Nothing too exciting here. Wide gravel road through the mountains around the town. I prefer something less traveled and few less folks. Never the less there are some mining ruins to view. If you have regular car or want something tame this is a good way to see a bit of history.

A beautiful mountain drive - rushing streams, wildlife, flora, fauna, many old mines...We were only able to go up a couple of miles because of the rough terrain...If a 4wd company provided safe vehicles and competent tour guides, we would love to be able to sign on and go all the way along the loop...

Just up the well-groomed dirt road where the self-guided tour begins, you see up close a spectacular 5-story mine on the side of the hill. Then there is much more. Each site is marked by a sign that corresponds with a $2 book that you can buy at the Mining Museum in Creede. It may be available at the Visitor's Center, as well. The road is fine for a passenger car. There is just one 23% incline that is a bit steep. As the lady in the Mining Museum said, "Just gun it!" We did and made it just fine. It is just 17 winding miles but we spent about 1.5 hours taking photos and reading the booklet as we went. A wonderful way to spend part of a brilliant , sunny morning. Be aware that clouds and rain are apt to appear in the afternoon in the mountains.

We usually drive Bachelor Loop every summer because it is so pretty. If you have a smaller vehicle that is rear wheel drive you will probably have trouble going up the part traditionally considered the "beginning", up the canyon past the underground mining museum, so get out the Bachelor Loop guidebook (a few bucks at Creede's visitor center), turn to the end, and drive the loop "backwards", starting near the Creede cemetery. Plan to spend an hour or more on the loop and take lots of pictures. Save your brakes by going down the steeper hills in 1st or 2nd gear. LOL...our car travels the loop more often than we do as we let our guests use it if their vehicle isn't hardy or powerful enough to make it. There are only a few places that are particularly challenging for smaller cars, but they do make it worth using a bigger vehicle. Lots of the loop is wide enough for two cars, but not all of it, particularly near the Commodore Mine, so if you see an oncoming car pull into a turnout to let it go by.

We took the loop around unguided. The scenery is breath taking. We stopped at the last chance mine which was located about 11.5 miles into the loop. Very interesting to see the mines from the top of the hill. The drive is not for the unseasoned drivers, back problems, fear of heights or those with a lead foot. Great experience was had.