When do I need to RSVP by? Please let us know if you can join by April 15th or sooner if you can join us! If you already know you can't make it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can open the invitation up to others. If you're interested, but need to see if you can make it work, we recommend you try to make a decision by April 15th at the lastest, or it is unlikely you will be able to find/reserve lodging.

How do I RSVP? You can RSVP on this website "RSVP" tab or reach out to Billy or Jeanette as we'll be keeping a master list based on the website and what we hear directly from you.

I'm coming! When do I need to make my travel plans?

Awesome!!! In addition to RSVPing, make sure to make your lodging plans ASAP! The little mountain town will book out. We recommend you have your lodging plans locked in by April 15th at the latest. See the lodging/ accommodation tab for some local options, including where we have limited hotel rooms blocked/reserved for our group and have some posted camping information if camping out is more your style! Also see the "travel details" page for suggestions on airports.

Do we need to plan to come to everything? Or can we pick and choose?

You can pick and choose what sounds like fun and is doable for you. Just please RSVP to the events you are planning to join so we know who to communicate with about what! Make sure to read the Q&A section on each event/activity (below on this page), so you have the additional details on any tickets, rentals, or reservations you may need to book in advance! We like to adventure, but realize a full-day jeep adventure, or getting up early to go look for moose, etc. isn't for everyone! You may want to take a day to chill or forge our own adventure and then join the bigger group at select events. And, this is great! It's your vacation too!

Safety First! Altitude in Colorado is a real thing! And so is altitude sickness.

If you are flying in from a lower altitude location, you may want to take some precautions. Consider staying overnight night where you fly in and then travel to Lake City the next day. Drink plenty of fluids, minimize alcohol and caffeine. Talk to your Doctors before you come as there are some medications that can prevent and minimize altitude sickness.

For perspective, Denver's elevation is a mile above sea level (5,280ft), Lake City's is 8,672 ft above sea level, American Basin is between 11,300-12,365 ft, and the highest point on the Alpine loop can take you to 12,800 feet above sea level.

Let the fun begin! We are excited to get to see and celebrate with you.

Join us for our welcome activity on a private Walking History and Ghost tour of Lake City! Come learn about Lake City’s history and local ghosts in Lake City’s Historic District – from town-wide arsenic poisonings, duels to hangings, poltergeists and apparitions.

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Meet-up at the Hinsdale County Museum in Downtown Lake City (address below)

Hinsdale County Museum

130 Silver Street

Lake City, CO 81235

Are ghost tours your thing and you’re super bummed that you aren’t going to be in town early enough to join? It’s your lucky day! These Ghost tours normally take place on Friday nights. You can sign up to go on Friday (7/25)! Click on this link for more info. https://lakecitymuseum.com/event/ghost-tour-w-jesse-kendell-8

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Alternative Thursday evening activities if Walking History Ghost Tours aren’t your thing? Consider joining one of local events below:

Open Mic Night (7/24)

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join Lake City Arts for a lively evening of creativity and community at our all-ages Open Mic Night!

F3T Fly Fishing Film Festival 2025 (7/24)

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Join Dan's Fly Shop for this wonderful film event at the Mountaineer Movie Theatre. Great raffle prizes available!

When should we arrive?

We recommend you arrive Lake City Thursday afternoon – especially if you need to pick up a Rental Jeep or OHV for the Friday Off-Road adventure. Most of the Jeep/Razor rental companies in town close at 5 pm, and most will allow you to pick up rentals the night before. The Friday caravan fun starts early! Be sure to check on pick-up and return timing if you are renting.

If you are not planning to off-road adventure on Friday, feel free to arrive later in the evening. Note: Most hotels/cabins in the area require a 2-night minimum (see ‘Travel Tab’ for more details). If you’re planning to camp, the earlier in the day you arrive the better camping options you’ll find since most campgrounds are first-come, first-serve.

If you are driving from Denver, Montrose, Gunnison, or Durango be sure to build in some extra drive time for stops/traffic along the way. Mountain driving can include the joys of getting stuck behind big rigs and slow drivers.

What should we do when we arrive?

Once you check into your lodging, pick up any rentals, etc., venture to Main Street and to check out the quaint mining town, complete with wooden boardwalk and historic shop fronts. If time allows check out the Hinsdale County Museum https://www.lakecitymuseum.com/

What activities are planned? We have a fun for all ages optional Lake City Ghost Tour planned from ~7:00- 9:00 p.m. Join us if you dare!

If you are up for a true Colorado adventure plan to join us on an Off- Road/4-Wheel drive adventure to one of the most beautiful places in Colorado - American Basin. https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/regions/Rocky_Mountain/AmericanBasin/index.shtml.

If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive or OHV keep reading for rental or possible shuttle options.

If you're not up for a minimum half-day bumpy ~1.15 hour 4X4 or OHV trek with limited to no bathrooms or cell service, spend the day taking in Lake City shops and attractions or adventure to Creede, CO to do the same!

Back to the Basin…

Jeanette’s family has been coming to American Basin for decades. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, it just takes a little effort to get to. It's so beautiful, it's where we had our engagement photos taken!

After visiting American Basin, if you are up for even more off-road adventure fun and panoramic mountain views you can continue on the Alpine Loop and return to Lake City via Animas Forks, Cinnamon Pass and Engineer's Pass. Here’s a great tutorial on the sites you’ll see along the Alpine Loop if you want to check it out. https://lakecity.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-driving-the-alpine-loop/ . A map of the route, along with other tips, is on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-03/2023_Alpine%20Loop%20Brochure.pdf

American Basin and the Alpine Loop are truly some of the most beautiful and rugged parts of Colorado. We’re starting early so folks can get quite a bit of the loop in on a day Jeep rental if they want to!

Logistics: For those planning to join and caravan the plan is to meet early ~6 a.m. to avoid traffic on the single lane jeep road. You can also go on your own earlier or later!

Estimated time commitment below (this gives you time to enjoy the sights and stops along the way.) It is VERY important to have a vehicle with high clearance and good tires!

· American Basin is a half-day activity (4-6 hours)

· American Basin + the Full Alpine Loop is a 3/4 day activity (6-9 hours recommended)

Caravan Meet-up Point: (Pull out on lake side of road.)

County Road 30 and County Road 33

Lake City, Colorado 81235

Note: Most rentals will need to back to Lake City by 5 p.m. (read the fine print) so starting early also insures there is time to get back to Lake City in time.

Additional Jeep Day details:

It typically takes ~1.25 - 1.5 hours to drive to American Basin. We recommend planning to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour minimum in the Basin and then folks can adventure onward along the Alpine Loop back to Lake City or spend more time in the Basin and go back to town the shorter way!

Note: It is ~4-6 round trip adventure to American Basin and ~6-9 hour adventure on the Alpine Loop. If you have rented a jeep for the day, it will likely need to be returned around 4:30-5p.m. to avoid any late fees.

What if you you don't have a 4-Wheel drive or off highway vehicle? No problem! You can rent Jeeps or OHV’s in Lake City for the day (it is what we do! And there is even a shop in town that advertises private shuttles, if you really want to go, but don't want to drive! As we get closer we'll figure out how to "connect" folks if they want to ride-share or have an extra space in a 4X4 too.

Local Jeep/OHV Rental Companies:

We recommend you make jeep/OHV reservations early after you book lodging if you want to join in this part of the adventure. Like lodging, rental resources are limited in Lake City. Also be sure to do research to understand fees, additional insurance, and return times! Below are some local companies!

· Lake City Auto & Sports Center: https://www.lakecityauto.com/

· Cliffhanger Jeep Rental Lake City: https://cliffhangerjeeprental.com/lake-city/

· Lake City Loopers (OHV): https://www.lakecityloopers.com/

· High Altitude Adventures (OHV): https://www.highaltitudeadventures.com/

Jeep/OHV Shuttle Driver/Guide Possibilities:

· The Sportsman Fly Shop: https://www.lakecitysportsman.com/ Shuttle Service: https://www.lakecitysportsman.com/shuttles

· High Altitude Adventures (OHV): https://www.highaltitudeadventures.com/ advertises they offer guided tours. They may be open to guiding you through the Alpine Loop.

If I have an All-Wheel Drive will that work? If you have an all-wheel drive SUV or even a 2 wheel drive vehicle with high clearance and good tires the road may be passable to American Basin but not much further. The road has historically had some super sharp rocks. If you don’t have good Off-Road style Class E (Truck) tires on your vehicle, it may not be worth the risk! Rent a Jeep or OHV for the day instead! You’ll likely not be as worried!

Also, if you are thinking about driving but haven’t done much jeeping or mountain driving - be sure to check out some of the local rules of the road to make sure you are prepared and comfortable with what to expect. Below are some links and resources.

Additional Resources:

· OHV 101: https://www.colorado.com/articles/ohv-101-your-beginners-guide-colorado-roading

· OHV Etiquette – Passing Other Vehicles: https://staythetrail.org/passing-other-vehicles/

Looking for some Friday fun? Consider a visit to the "Mountaineer" a one screen, vintage movie theater showing blockbuster films!

What show is playing? We won’t know what show is scheduled until a couple weeks before the event. The showings are posted on their website: https://mountaineertheatre.com/ The theater tends to have pretty new shows. If the show they have is worth seeing, its a fun way to spend the evening!

How do I get tickets? You can buy tickets online at https://mountaineertheatre.com/ once the show is announced. There is typically a 7 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday nights and a matinee on Sunday. Tickets range from $5-8. We don’t recommend buying until we know which show they’ll have incase you'd rather chill by a campfire or check out town!

What if we don’t like the show? Don’t want to see a movie? What else is there to do? If the show isn’t something you want to see and/or movies aren’t your thing, there are so many more things to do! This could be catching the sunset at Lake San Cristobal, game night at the Lake City Brewery, a campfire with smores, a restaurant/bar with local music, or trip to Creede to catch the 7 p.m. Repertory theater show there!

Where will the ceremony take place? A short, casual outdoor ceremony will take place at Peninsula Park (2700 Co Rd 30, Lake City, CO 81235). This Park is adjacent to the Hinsdale County Boat/Dock Marina on Lake San Cristobal. Parking is available at the Boat Dock; however, if you come with friends, please carpool. To get to the ceremony site you will need to be able to walk ~a quarter of a mile walk up a small hill. Wear walkable shoes!

Why another ceremony? The Church ceremony with our family was fun, but we both knew we wanted to have a bigger celebration with some our friends – and mark the occasion outside in God’s playground! It’ll be short, fun, and not required if walking up a hill and pomp and circumstance isn't your thing!

What is the attire? Mountain Classy. Think classy casual – mountain style which really equals nice casual, sturdy shoes, and layers. For men this could be: nice jeans, fleece vests over a Henley or button down, hiking boots or Keens, etc. For women this could mean: nice jeans, fleece, sundress or knit dress and a jacket, hiking boots, or Keens. If you want to dress up more you can! We'll be dressed up and Billy's Kilt will be coming out again!

What to expect? A short, casual outdoor ceremony in a beautiful place! Be prepared for inclement weather. If really bad weather rolls in, we’ll pivot. Starting earlier in the day should help with this! Again, anticipate kilts… Bill is Scottish after all! Note: We *may need to get creative with how we do the ceremony if a lot of you join as we are working with some space limits se by Hinsdale County on the Peninsula. More to come on this if we anticipate any issues!

What is the timing? We anticipate the ceremony will start 10 a.m. and BBQ lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. and end 1:30-2ish. The exact timing may shift a bit +/`- 30 mins as we finalize the details!

Where will the BBQ lunch be? Stay tuned for more details here! We’re on the books for a catered feast by the best BBQ restaurant in town including pulled pork, pork ribs, brisket and chicken and the fixings. Mountain towns have limited reception options. Regardless of location, it'll be a rustic, casual, and fun lunch!

What if I have any dietary restrictions? Let Jeanette or Billy know when you RSVP so we can be sure to work some options with the caterer.

Love to watch wildlife? Or never seen a moose? Now's your chance! Get up early on Sunday for a Moose hunt with us! The place where we often see Moose is on the way to our next suggested adventure spot! We’ll plan on stopping by not the way to Creede. If you want to go earlier and look for moose longer that works too!


Where is Deer Lakes? Deer Lakes is about 9 miles outside of Lake City on the way to Creede, CO and part of the Deer Lakes Campground. (Address: 2250 Co Rd 50, Lake City, CO) Deer Lakes has been one of the most frequent places to see moose near Lake City. We’ve been lucky to see them about 65% of the time we’ve visited! Campers can also camp at Deer Lakes (first-come, first-serve). There is also an expansion campground on Slumgullion Pass if all the sites are booked.


Will we for sure see a Moose? No guarantees, but this is where we go to see them the most! If not, it’s a great opportunity to visit the Deer Lakes Day Use Area and take a quick morning hike. If the moose are there – they often come out they drink and eat in the lakes giving literally hours of view time! You might see a moose, deer, beavers, or catch a fish if you have a license and want to drop in a line.  


Are there any services or facilities at Deer Lakes? The Deer Lakes Campground and Day Use area has vault toilets and non – potable water, but otherwise no services!   Be prepared for limited to no cell service. 

As shared, this little mining town packs a big punch and we highly recommend spending a few hours here, checking out the town, doing the Bachelor Loop and/or catching a show. It's worth the time!

How far is Creede from Lake City? Creede is about 50 miles to the Southeast of Lake City. If you are headed back to Denver and take the Southern Route by the Great Sand Dunes you'll drive right through and it is worth a quick detour even if you only have time to spend an hour. Be sure to get off the highway and drive up Main street into the box canyon to see some of the old mines. You'll definitely want to stop and take some pictures!

What is the Bachelor Loop and how long does it take to do? The Bachelor loop tour is a 17-mile on your own drive through the historic mining district above Creede. Two wheel drive cars can make this trek. Along the way, visit the Ghost Town of Bachelor. Allow at least 1 hour for the loop more if you like to stop and take pictures. Here is an overview: https://www.creede.com/bachelor-loop. This YouTube video gives an entertaining oveview of what to expect too: https://youtu.be/T1maTXZfpZM?si=XlmorOlsOQPzrcAg

Why the Creede Repertory Theater? How do I get tickets? Is it really that good? YES! This little theater has literally has been called out as one of the best small town theaters in the US! If you can't join for the Sunday matinee consider driving over from Lake City on Friday or Saturday night or coming back to visit. It's that good! The Sunday Matinee starts at 1 p.m. and is “The 39 Steps” - (4 actors, play 150 characters deliver a Hitchcock meets juicy spy novel, with a dash of Monty Python sprinkled in). If you buy tickets and your plans change, you can cancel with in 24 hours and you’ll get a credit for up to 2 years (24 months) to come back and catch another show.

To learn more about the theater and get tickets to a show, visit the theater's website: www.creederep.org Shows tend to sell out - so if this is up your alley consider getting tickets early! We'll also suggest a meet-up place in advance near the theater for folk going to the show!

Not interested in more driving or shows? Spend a few hours in the little shops! It truly is a beautiful and rustic little town. If you like it as much as we do, come back for the 4th of July!

Looking for more things to do in Creede? check out this resource: https://www.creede.com/explore