Cripple Creek - South Central Colorado

Experience Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District of South Central Colorado

The Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District is layered with stories far older than the gold rush; the Ute, a nomadic people spent spring, summer, and fall in these high country meadows enjoying its abundant hunting and gathering grounds, for thousands of years. Their stewardship and traditions shaped the land long before it became famous for gold. Then in 1891, Bob Womack, a part-time prospector, struck a rich vein of gold in Poverty Gulch, which started a full-scale gold rush and the rapid development of Colorado's most famous gold mining region.

Immerse yourself in this rich history and the scenic beauty of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District, where Colorado's last great gold rush transformed the landscape and culture of south central Colorado. Today, donkeys roam the streets, and the Vindicator Valley Trail offers sweeping, breathtaking views of the hillside and valley below with informative storyboards sharing the local history, and making the scenery even more meaningful.

Step into a living storybook in Cripple Creek, where gold rush history meets modern adventure. Once the “World's Greatest Gold Camp,” this high-altitude town thrived with 500 mines during its 1890s heyday; including trailblazers like Mollie Kathleen Gortner, who defied convention to become the first woman to stake her own gold claim in the district. Today, Cripple Creek's Victorian-era charm blends seamlessly with Rocky Mountain adventures, family-friendly attractions, and thrilling casinos. Every June, Donkey Derby Days celebrate the town's “heritage herd” of donkeys, descendants of hardworking mining companions, with races and parades.

Just a short drive away, Victor, the “City of Mines,” is named after the Victor Mine, which itself honored early homesteader Victor Adams. Here, authentic gold rush history meets outdoor adventure in a setting rich with character. Stroll past brick buildings and towering headframes, visit the fascinating Victor Lowell Thomas Museum with hands-on mining exhibits and gold panning, or embark on open-pit mining tours that bring the area's storied past to life. The museum is named for Victor's most famous native son, Lowell Thomas, who began his legendary journalism career in town and went on to become a pioneering broadcaster, world traveler, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His achievements brought national attention to Victor, and his legacy is celebrated in a dedicated museum room filled with memorabilia from his remarkable life. Families can hike or bike wildflower-dotted trails, fish in serene alpine ponds, and wander the intriguing ruins of the nearby ghost town of Goldfield or Victor's historic hillside Sunnyside Cemetery with veterans from five different wars.

Don't miss “Rita the Rock Planter,” a whimsical 21-foot troll sculpture crafted from recycled wood by artist Thomas Dambo, perched on Little Grouse Mountain as a playful symbol of environmental stewardship and Victor's creative spirit. Annual events like the Victor Celebrates the Arts Plein Air Festival and the lively Pack Burro Race make Victor a unique blend of history, community, and high-country fun for explorers of all ages.

Hop aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad and ride back in time to Colorado's gold rush heyday. Winding through rugged hillsides on tracks first laid in the 1890s, this charming steam train follows a small section of what was once a vital lifeline for this booming mining community. Originally built to haul miners, supplies, and millions of dollars in gold ore through steep mountain passes, the narrow gauge railroad was an engineering marvel; its sharp curves and steep grades conquering terrain that standard trains couldn't touch. Today, as the whistle echoes through the valley and you pass remnants of old mines, it's easy to imagine the bustling days when electric streetcars zipped between towns and fortune-seekers filled the hills. The journey is more than a scenic ride; it's a living story of ingenuity, ambition, and the golden dreams that shaped Colorado's wild heart.

When you're done delving into Colorado's 1890s, take a trip even further back in time. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is home to thousands of plant and insect fossils, including petrified redwood stumps dating back to the Eocene Epoch, about 34 million years ago, making them truly prehistoric. The visitor center's educational films and exhibits help families understand the area's geology before they meander down the monument's two self-guided trails. PRO-TIP: Keep your eyes out for mule deer, foxes, and birds living at the monument!

Outdoor adventure awaits along 50 miles of scenic trails at Mueller State Park, a year-round haven perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Traverse rolling meadows, dense forests, and rocky ridges. The visitor center features interactive exhibits — whether you're planning a family picnic, a wildlife-spotting hike, or a peaceful afternoon of fishing in one of the park's tranquil ponds. PRO-TIP: Arrive early or stay late for a chance to photograph elk, mule deer, foxes, and even black bears, every visit offers a chance for a wild Colorado encounter!

Allow yourself three days to fully take in the 133 miles of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway one of America's Byways and a true Colorado classic. For the adventure down Shelf Road, rent a Jeep or 4x4: its 13 miles of dramatic cliffs and winding canyon best navigated with a capable vehicle. Plan to stop for hikes and picnics at scenic gems like Window Rock, the Garden Park Dinosaur Area, and Red Canyon Park. If you're exploring Shelf Road by ATV or unlicensed vehicle, it's an out-and-back trip rather than a full loop. Phantom Canyon Road is 30 miles of packed gravel and follows the old NGRR Route connecting Cripple to Florence known for a chance to spot bighorn sheep and golden eagles! With extra time to uncover hidden gems, you'll see why this historic byway is a favorite for families, photographers, and outdoor adventurers alike. This historic byway connects the towns of Florissant, Cripple Creek, Victor, Florence, Cañon City, and the Royal Gorge.

Driving Directions and Location: Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District Colorado

Exploring the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District in south-central Colorado is refreshingly easy. The two towns are just five miles apart along SH 67, a quick 10-15 minute drive or a convenient shuttle ride between them. From here, you're within easy reach of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (70 minutes), Lake George (30 minutes), Manitou Springs (50 minutes), Colorado Springs (70 minutes), and Denver (2 hours). With its central location along the Gold Belt Loop, one of Colorado's Historic and Scenic Byways, this historic region is easy to navigate and the perfect jumping-off point for your Colorado adventure.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by the City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS). Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District are near: Pikes Peak Area, Pikes Peak West, & the Royal Gorge Area

Featured Cripple Creek Businesses

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For more travel information contact:

Cripple Creek Activities & Maps

Scenic Byways:
Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

Seasonal Attractions:
The STCFG - Trails of Gold

Local Area Maps:
Pikes Peak & Cripple Creek Area Map

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