Skip to main content
DESTINATION

Cripple Creek

By late 1891 the “$300 million cow pasture” was crawling with prospectors. A town was platted and grew to a population of about 18,000 within 2 years. Town buildings were rebuilt with brick after a fire in 1896; most of the present-day structures date from this period. Although the boom ended in 1904, the shafts that yielded $25 million in a single year were reactivated when gold mining once again became profitable in the 1930s during the Great Depression.

Cripple Creek is reached from Colorado Springs by US 24 and SR 67; the adventurous can take the Gold Camp Road over the mountains. The Phantom Canyon Highway runs south from Cripple Creek to US 50, 7 miles east of Cañon City. Only experienced mountain drivers should attempt the Gold Camp and Phantom Canyon routes; check road conditions before starting.

Things to Do

Butte Theater

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Cripple Creek District Museum

Cripple Creek Heritage Center

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

The Old Homestead House Museum

GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS

Bronco Billy's

Century Casino Cripple Creek

McGills Casino

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP