Toward the prominent peak of the Rio Grande Pyramid above Hermit and Brown’s Lake lies the headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande (translated: Grand River). The third largest river in the United States begins here in the snow-capped San Juans. The Rio Grande rages, flows and meanders over 1,800 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, forming a large portion of the border between the United States and Mexico.
The research, writing and production of this interpretive booklet were made possible by grants from the following generous organizations: Federal Highway Administration Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), colorado Historical Society, Western Colorado Interpretive Association (WCIA), Hinsdale County Lodging Tax Panel, Lake City Chamber of Commerce, the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway Council, and the Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Action Coordination Team. Special thanks to Grant Houston of the Hinsdale County Historical Society, Lynna Jackson of Creede, Nancy Houston, and the authors, Laurene Farley and Sandy Thompson of the U.S. Forest Service, Gunnison, Colorado. Layout and design update by B4 Studio, Creede.