By Kenneth Jensen
The Wheeler Geologic Natural Area northwest of Wagon Wheel Gap offers some of the most unique and beautiful formations in Colorado. The site has an interesting history. During the start of the mining era in Creede, the formations were accessible by horseback and not considered remote. In 1908, the site became so popular that it was designated by President Theodore Roosevelt as the Wheeler National Monument, named for George M. Wheeler, head of the 1874 survey of Colorado.