Historic Cripple Creek
The snapshot
The winding road to Cripple Creek climbs through aspen groves and opens onto a town frozen in the 1890s—but far from quiet. Stroll past Victorian facades, catch live entertainment in a century-old theater, and arrive any month to find a new celebration underway. It's a day trip that feels like time travel.
The full experience
Cripple Creek: Where Gold Rush Grit Meets Mountain Magic
An hour west of Colorado Springs, the road climbs through pine forests and opens onto a sweeping valley where Colorado’s wildest chapter unfolded. Cripple Creek was once the wealthiest square mile on earth—over 500 mines pulled more than 22 million ounces of gold from these mountains across two decades. Today, the treasure looks different: weathered storefronts filled with stories, festivals that pack the streets, and adventures the whole family can share.
A Drive Worth Savoring
The route to Cripple Creek is half the experience. Aspen groves blaze gold in autumn, and the road curves past meadows before dropping into a valley ringed by mine-scarred peaks. Victorian facades and false-front buildings still stand along the main drag—now home to sweet shops, souvenir stops, and local haunts. Keep your eyes open for the wild donkeys that wander through town, unhurried and happy to pose for photos.
Step Into the Story
Climb aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad for a 45-minute journey through dense forest and high-country meadows—your dog is welcome to ride along. Wander the District Museum’s collection of historic buildings and mining-era artifacts, peer into cells at the old Jail Museum, or dig deeper at the Heritage Center.
A Festival for Every Season
For a small town, Cripple Creek keeps a big calendar. Ice sculptors carve frozen masterpieces in winter. Donkeys race through downtown in summer. The Top of the World Rodeo kicks up dust, Gold Rush Days relive the boomtown era, and the Butte Theater stages shows year-round. Add car rallies, music festivals, and art walks, and you’ll find a reason to return no matter the month.
Hours & seasons
Average time
- Typical Visit: 3-5 hours
Difficulty/accessibility
Cripple Creek is an old mining town, made up mostly of restored Victorian-era buildings. The Cripple Creek Heritage Center is fully accessible, but some buildings in town have a step or two to get into. Call individual businesses for their accessibility. Keep in mind that higher elevation can affect anyone, especially those with heart conditions or asthma.
Phone & address
Additional information
Cripple Creek is home to a herd of free-range donkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for a special treat!
What we love (and you will too)
Your Local Guide, Cole Powell
Fourth-generation Colorado Springs native, Cole loves to find quieter adventures and places to soak in that Colorado sunshine.
For as long as I can remember, my family has taken an annual trip up to Cripple Creek in the fall to see the aspens. We always stop for donuts and hot chocolate at the Donut Mill in Woodland Park and we spend the whole day enjoying the changing trees and looking for the donkeys - my favorite donkey is Hershey.
Awesome Events
Cripple Creek also knows how to throw a party. Parades, rodeos, a donkey race down Bennet Avenue (seriously!), ice castles, an ice festival, the historic tour of the cemetery with actors dressed as some of Cripple Creek's iconic past. There are a ton of big events, but they all maintain that small town vibe that's so hard to find.
Plan your adventure
Getting here
- Cripple Creek is about an hour from downtown Colorado Springs.
- There are some shuttles available from Colorado Springs
FAQs about Historic Cripple Creek
Are there more things to do in Cripple Creek than just gambling?
Absolutely! There are numerous attractions such as the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Heritage Center and Butte Theater in addition to beautiful scenic views and hikes!
When is the best time to see the fall leaves change?
It can very quite a bit because it’s dependent on weather, but the last weekend in September is typically when the changing leaves are at their peak!
What is the Jail Museum?
This historic museum gives visitors a taste of the criminal side of life in the world’s greatest gold camp, along with a glimpse into the lives of the lawmen charged with keeping the peace.
What are some of the major events?
The biggest event is the ice festival! Check out amazing ice sculptures around February. Several sculptures are made just for the kiddos, with ice slides, mazes and carnival-like games. The adults can enjoy the ice bar complete with a liquor luge.
Is there anywhere to stay in Cripple Creek?
There are several great lodging options including historic places like the Cripple Creek Hospitality and Travel Park. See all the lodging options here.
Call Pikes Peak Region Attractions and talk to a local: 1-800-525-2250
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Price List
Call individual businesses for prices and hours.
