Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
The snapshot
Climb aboard a 15-ton Iron Horse and let the whistle signal your departure into Colorado's gold mining past. The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through rolling hills and quiet valleys, past weathered mine shafts and aspen-lined ridges—a landscape that once fueled one of the richest gold strikes in history. Feel the rumble of the rails beneath you as the train curves through terrain that's changed little since the boom days.
The full experience
Located in Cripple Creek, Colorado, the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a family-owned attraction that is rich in railroad history. Every year since its grand opening in 1967, families, train enthusiasts, and other Colorado visitors travel to the small mining town to take a trip on the railroad’s open-air, coal-fired locomotives. Along the way, they enjoy historic mining structures, scenic views and more.
Ride the Railroad into Colorado History
The journey begins at the town’s train depot, a building that dates back to 1894. Every 40 minutes, from May to October, visitors can board the train and experience what it was like to travel the Midland Terminal roadbed at the height of the Gold Rush in Colorado.
While you travel along in open-air cars, you’ll enjoy a narrated history of the region and the miners who came to Cripple Creek and Victor to seek gold in the streams and earth of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The train also stops to share unique points of interest and allows riders ample opportunity to take photos of the views along the way.
Who Can Ride the Train?
The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is perfect for a variety of riders, with accommodations for those with specific disabilities or wheelchair accessibility (just be sure to call ahead). The trains are also pet-friendly. You may bring your leashed, well-behaved dog along! That’s a new way for your pet to enjoy the breeze. At the end of your ride, you can explore the railroad gift shop. It has more than a few train-related items, including Thomas the Tank Engine toys that kids are sure to love. (They also ship if you want to send some cool items to a loved one far away.)
Your locomotive adventure is just a simple scenic drive away. Head up to Cripple Creek to experience the fun for yourself.
Hours & seasons
Average time
- Typical Visit: 1-2 hours
Difficulty/accessibility
- The train is up a short hill, with about 20 steps to reach the platform.
- There is a ramp, and the staff is happy to assist. Please call for specific arrangements.
- The surface area at the platform is level, but primarily gravel
Phone & address
Additional information
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the train, too!
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.
I have always loved trains and going up to Cripple Creek to see the fall leaves and take a ride on the Narrow Gauge is an annual family tradition. Nothing beats the sound of the train whistle echoing off the canyon walls as you chug through yellow and orange aspens.
Plan your adventure
- What to bring
- How to prepare
- The Seasons
- Good to know
- Dress for the weather – it’s usually a little cooler in Cripple Creek so bring a jacket!
- Water bottle – staying hydrated helps with the elevation
- We recommend that you don’t wear white. There is some engine ash.
- Trains leave every hour and 20 minutes, so be sure to plan or enjoy the shops and museums in Cripple Creek.
The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is only open May through mid-October. While the early summer months are extra green, nothing beats a train ride in the fall with the changing aspens.
The train cars are open, so be sure to prepare for the weather.
Getting here
- Cripple Creek is about an hour from downtown Colorado Springs.
- There are some shuttles available from Colorado Springs
FAQs about Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
How long does the ride last?
Each trip on the Cripple Creek Railroad is four miles (round trip) and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
How often does the train run?
The train departs from the railroad station approximately every hour and 20 minutes.
Where does the train take you?
The track goes south out of Cripple Creek, past the old Midland Terminal Wye over a reconstructed trestle and past many historic mines. It terminates near the deserted mining camp of Anaconda, then returns back to Cripple Creek.
Do I need a reservation for the railroad?
No reservation is required! Trains run every hour and 20 minutes.
Should I be concerned with the weather during the ride?
Yes. Although the train cars are covered, they are also open. This means that whatever the weather is outside is what you will be experiencing while riding the train. Please dress according to the weather.
Call Pikes Peak Region Attractions and talk to a local: 1-800-525-2250
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Price List
Adult: $19
Child (3-12): $14
Senior (65+): $17
