Have you ever heard of (or visited) the magical City of Gnomes? While this may sound like a fantasy world full of tiny troll-like creatures with long beards and pointed hats, it is actually a fascinating and prehistoric Colorado treasure that you HAVE to visit ASAP:

Welcome to the City of Gnomes (AKA the Wheeler Geologic Area)!
TripAdvisor/Alexa D
Tucked away in the Rio Grande National Forest near Creede, the Wheeler Geologic Area is historically and geologically significant, as the protected area houses a highly eroded outcropping of layers of volcanic ash.
TripAdvisor/Ecriswell7
Volcanic ash in Colorado? You read that right, folks, as the Centennial State was home to countless volcanoes tens (and hundreds) of millions of years ago, including the Creede Caldera and its distinct outcroppings that make up Wheeler.
TripAdvisor/Michael F
Why is it called the "City of Gnomes" (especially when there isn't a tiny old man with pointed shoes to be found)? It earned its nickname for its many strange shapes, some of which resemble mythical creatures.
TripAdvisor/Roland_Denver

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Wheeler Geologic Area is accessible on foot via the 7-mile East Bellows Trail or by high clearance vehicle or ATV.
TripAdvisor/TheHikerDog
Please note: The US Forest Service recommends spending the day at Wheeler, as getting to and from the remains takes time.
TripAdvisor/Monty
To learn more about the "City of Gnomes" — including area conditions and its current status — please visit the US Forest Service's website.
TripAdvisor/bvmoon
Admission to the volcanic remains is free.
TripAdvisor/Michael F
Wheeler Geologic Area is open year-round and is best used from May through October.
TripAdvisor/Michael F

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more to see and do around Creede, check out this article with a long list of reasons why Creede is considered one of the best small town vacations in America.

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Featured Addresses
Wheeler Geologic Area, Colorado 81130, USA