Nestled in an extinct volcano crater and riddled with gold fields is one of the most famous towns in south central Colorado. The 1890's gold rush helped to build Cripple Creek as the race to stake the first claim and "strike it rich" was on. The town and its surroundings eventually produced $600 million in gold. During the Summer months you can stop by the Butte Opera House in Cripple Creek to catch a melodrama complete with villains, heroes, and heroines. Cripple Creek's year 'round limited stakes gambling casinos offer an opportunity to "strike it rich" nowadays.

Victor Colorado is also the home of famous reporter and radio announcer, Lowell Thomas. Thomas gained considerable fame as a radio newscaster and world traveler. He began his career at the Victor Record as a reporter, shortly after graduation from Victor High School. Visit the Victor/Lowell Thomas museum in Victor.

In the early 1900's President Theodore Roosevelt made two trips to Cripple Creek. On his second trip he rode the "Short Line Railroad" to the area and as he passed a point near Rosemont, where travelers can see all the way to Kansas, he commented on the view. "This is the ride that bankrupts the English language." Experience the beautiful scenery of Pikes Peak's purple mountain's majesty. You'll see what inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" as she stood on the mountains overlooking Colorado Springs.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers many activities to teach you about the history of this area. At the visitor center, located in the center of the park, exhibits go through the history of the Fossil Beds. Rangers also offer interpretive talks and free mini seminars in the summer. Hiking is an excellent way to explore the fossil beds. All trails start and end at the visitor center. The one mile long Petrified Forest Loop is an easy, self-guided trail that loops through the bed of the ancient Florissant Lake. Along the route, you will pass the "Big Stump," a huge petrified Redwood Stump. The Boulder Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile loop, going as far as the west boundary of the park. Along the way you will pass the distinctive rock form called "The Caves." On these hikes you might see some of the animals that inhabit the park. Common sightings include: squirrels, rabbits, bats, badgers, mountain lions, black bears, elk, mule deer, and countless species of birds.

Mueller State Park has abundant trail options and wonderful scenery. All the trails are open to both bikers and hikers within the 12,000-acre park. More than 80 miles of trails are available. The trails are a mix of smooth single track and dirt road (closed to autos) covered with a sand and gravel mix.

Cripple Creek is near: Colorado Springs Metro, Pikes Peak Area & Park County