EXPLORING

Cripple Creek's

Cripple Creek is part of some of Colorado's most fascinating scenic routes. And our town is close to a number of other unique byways and highways that you're sure to enjoy traveling.

Gold Belt Scenic Byway

Location: Include Cripple Creek
Length: Approx. 135 miles
Distance from us: Includes Cripple Creek

The Gold Belt Scenic Byway runs through Colorado's gold country, connecting many gold mining districts to each other. The byway is actually one scenic drive that includes a number of smaller scenic drives, such as Phantom Canyon Road and High Park Road. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit many of Colorado's most famous landmarks, including Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge. Besides Cripple Creek, the byway travels through such iconic towns as Victor, Canon City, and Florence. To drive the entire byway can take up to eight hours, but you certainly don't have to drive the entire route in one day.

Golden Loop Historic Parkway

Location: Cripple Creek, Colorado to Victor, Colorado
Length: 17 miles
Distance from us: Starts in Cripple Creek

Golden Loop Historic Parkway, part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, is a self-guided tour of the mining district that includes Cripple Creek and Victor. This is one of the most famous mining areas associated with the 1890s gold rush. Golden Loop Historic Parkway has great views of the surrounding mountains and hills. It is especially popular when fall colors are in season.

Phantom Canyon Road

Location: Canon City, Colorado to Victor, Colorado
Length: Approx. 30 miles
Distance from us: 22.1 miles

Phantom Canyon Road is one of Colorado's most historic drives. The route runs through Phantom Canyon as it connects Canon City, Colorado to Victor, Colorado. This unpaved gravel road was originally constructed in the late 1800s and was used to connect Florence, Colorado to goldfields near Victor and Cripple Creek. The area had over 500 mines at one time, and the remnants of many of them can be seen along this route. Phantom Canyon Road also twists and turns through narrow one-way tunnels and over scenic wooden bridges. Phantom Canyon Road is narrow. Vehicles over 25 feet are not allowed. High clearance is recommended. You will encounter steep drop-offs along the route. Elevation gain on the route is 4,727 feet. Hikers and mountain bikers also use the road.

Skyline Drive

Location: Canon City, Colorado
Length: 2.6 miles
Distance from us: 29.4 miles

Considered one of America's best scenic drives, Skyline Drive in Canon City is a 2.6-mile road that follows a mountain ridge overlooking Canon City. The narrow, one-way road was originally constructed in 1905. Today, the drive is popular with tourists and photographers. It offers unique views of Canon City, Royal Gorge, and the Arkansas River Valley. The drive also passes by an interpretive display of viewable dinosaur tracks in one of the cliff faces. Note that Skyline Drive is very narrow, with steep inclines and declines. You are traveling along a ridge, with sheer cliffs on either side, and there are no guardrails. All traffic is one way: Once you start down Skyline Drive, you cannot turn around. However; a number of pull-outs are located along the way, so you can take a break--and a few photographs--as you head down the road.

Pikes Peak Highway

Location: Cascade, Colorado
Length: 19 miles
Distance from us: 37.7 miles

Pikes Peak Highway runs from an altitude of 7,400 feet in Cascade, Colorado to 14,115 feet at the top of Pikes Peak. It features incredible views on Colorado and beyond. It is possible, if the weather is clear to see as far as western Kansas. You'll pass by beautiful lakes and beautiful Crystal Creek Reservoir along the way. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can visit a souvenir shop and pick up a momento or stop by the onsite cafe and get a bite to eat. Note that Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road with rates that vary depending on the number of passengers and the time of year. The highway is typically open year-round, although it may be closed at higher elevations if there's excessive snowfall.

Cripple Creek is at the epicenter of some of Colorado's most scenic spots. If you're wanting more scenic drives beyond these, our staff is knowledgeable about the area and willing to share some other options. Please ask a member of our staff for further recommendations.