Aerial view of Cripple Creek.
Cripple Creek is an Old West gambling town, located about an hour west of Colorado Springs. Downtown is lined with nearly all casinos and plenty of historic charm. The casinos aren’t as large as in Black Hawk, but there’s plenty to see and do in this fascinating town.
Main Attractions
Casinos – It’s one of only three casino towns in Colorado, along with Black Hawk and Central City. Popular casinos are Century, Double Eagle, JP McGills and Midnight Rose.
Mine Tours – As part of the “World’s Greatest Mining Camp”, Cripple Creek got it’s start with silver and gold. Exploring the area’s mines can be done at a variety of locations. The Mollie Kathleen Mine takes you one thousand feet below the surface.
Railroads – The Cripple Creek & Victor NGRR loops down to neighbor and fellow mining town Victor. It’s a forty-five minute train ride along a gorgeous mountainside, running mid-May to mid-October.
Recreation
Biking:
- Mueller State Park to the north offers 19 miles of scenic, wooded trails.
Camping:
- Mueller State Park is situated thirty minutes north on Highway 67. It’s nestled high in the mountain forests, offering a great getaway and base for exploring the area. Camping is open year round.
Hiking:
- Vindicator Valley Trail in nearby Victor is a remarkable trek around the old mining camps of Independence City.
- Mueller State Park has fifty-five miles of hiking trails.
Things to do near Cripple Creek
Factory Tours:
- Mollie Kathleen Mine (1mi)
- Vindicator Valley (7mi)
Museums:
- Cripple Creek District Museum
- Cripple Creek Heritage Center (1mi)
- Outlaws & Lawmen
- Victor Lowell Thomas (5mi)
National Lands:
Railroads:
State Parks:
- Eleven Mile (35mi)
- Mueller (17mi)
- Spinney Mountain (44mi)
Towns:
- Colorado Springs (45mi)
- Victor (5mi)
- Woodland Park (25mi)
