Cripple Creek, Colorado

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.

The town is a full of history and casinos. It’s located west of Colorado Springs, about an hour’s drive. In addition to casinos, the area is full of historic mines, and surrounded by nature. Combined with Victor, it was the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp”.

Cripple Creek CO Battle Mountain Mines — Battle Mountain Mines, Cripple Creek, circa 1898. Photo: trialsanderrors

Camping and hiking trails can be found seventeen miles away at Mueller State Park. For a short one or two hour trek, walk the Vindicator Valley Trail in Victor.

Main Attractions

Casinos – Cripple Creek is one of only three casino towns in Colorado, along with Black Hawk and Central City. There’s also two Indian casinos in the Southwest. Popular casinos are:

Cripple Creek CO Welcome Sign — Entering Cripple Creek on Highway 67.

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

Cripple Creek CO Aerial View — Aerial view of Highway 67 into town.

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.
Read about the camping near Divide, Cripple Creek and Victor.

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.