Lake City or Creede?
 

I live in Colorado and have traveled around a lot, but have never been to Lake City or Creede. I'd like to plan a week long trip, half in Crested Butte and half in one of these two towns. Hub and I love to hike, but our 4 year old isn't up for anything too big. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks!

I've spent a couple of Fourth of July weekends in Lake City, either camping or at a B&B, and it's a quaint little town situated in a unbelievably gorgeous location. We've also stopped for lunch in Creede and it has a bit more history, and has an interesting Opera House, but there's not much to it either. If you're into four-wheeling, Lake City is one of the jumping off points for the Alpine Loop trail, which is a great but challenging ride. The wildflowers above treeline are something to see if you get a sunny day. I believe there's fishing in the big lake just outside of town. Both towns are fairly isolated, not on the way anywhere... you really have to want to go there! I did like Lake City and wouldn't hestitate to recommend it, mainly because of the surrounding scenery.

I spent time in Lake City as a kid - our aunt and uncle owned one of the old resorts in town. It's a beautiful area as tekwriter mentions, and I think you'd love it.

I vote for Lake City, too. Spectacular setting. And you'd have to go through Creede to get there, so you could see it anyway, right? There's also a great BandB in Del Norte, 90 miles southeast of there, called the Applelodge--don't know from which direction you'd be coming.

Lake City here too! More to do there than in Creede.
Try the little 50's cafe.