Why Photographers Love The Views On Colorado’s Bachelor Loop

You could say that Colorado has a thing for scenic drives. As of 2025, our state has 26 Scenic and Historic Byways, 13 of which have been designated 'America's Byways' by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Does this mean that Colorado ONLY has 26 scenic drives? Heck, no! A little homework will reveal more scenic routes and views than you can handle in just one summer.

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The Incredible San Juan Volcanic Field

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A trip down Colorado 149 will take you to Mineral County, home to the city of Creede. The community is located on the Creede Caldera near the San Juan Volcanic Field and the Wheeler Geologic Area. 'Wheeler' was designated as a National Monument by President Roosevelt in 1908. Old TR was a big fan of Wheeler, and today those who road trip to Creede are often impressed by how pretty it is.

Today, access to the Wheeler Geologic Area is very limited. Visitors can choose from a 7-mile hike or an ugly 14-mile four-wheel drive road. For this reason, it was removed from the list of Colorado Monuments in 1950.

What Is So Special About Colorado’s Creede Caldera?

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The Creede Caldera is what remains of an incredibly large volcanic eruption from about 30 million years ago. This event left a 15-mile-wide depression, which filled in with mineral deposits (thus, Mineral County). Visiting Creede means a chance to see this one-of-a-kind landscape featuring volcanic rock, aspen groves, and endless opportunities for unique photography.

Colorado's Bachelor Loop Scenic Drive

Explore the Creede Caldera on the 17-mile Bachelor Loop scenic drive, featuring the Rio Grande Overlook, the ghost town site of Bachelor, Colorado, the Last Chance Mine, the Historic Outlet Mine, and the Underground Mining Museum.

Bachelor Road is located off CO 149. Great camping and fishing can be found throughout the Creede area.

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LOOK: Explore All 26 of Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways

Colorado is home to 26 amazing and beautiful scenic byways. Scroll on for a glimpse of each of them as we navigate Colorado's most beautiful roadways. Summer means peak driving season for many of the byways so it's time to hit the road.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

MORE: 11 Cool Facts About Colorado’s Oldest Scenic and Historic Byway

Colorado's Peak to Peak Historic and Scenic Byway was the first road built to show off our state's forestlands and mountain peaks of the Front Range. Keep reading to learn eleven cool facts you may not have known about the first scenic byway to open in Colorado in 1918.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: 12 Strange Things You See on the Side of the Road in Colorado

Colorado is loaded with some pretty interesting roadside attractions. Check out the wonder of Bishop Castle, the largest fork sculpture in America, an 18-ton hotdog, a UFO watchtower, and even a statue of a headless chicken. Scroll on to check out 12 of Colorado's strangest roadside attractions.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Filed Under: Colorado Outdoors, Colorado Roads + Highways, Social

Categories: Colorado Local, Colorado News, Colorado Outdoors