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Description
- Cripple Creek's attractions include a wide scope of activities. For the history enthusiast there is the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. This steam-powered locomotive takes travelers through the mining district of the rival cities Cripple Creek and Victor. The tailing piles and abandoned mine sites provide visitors with a firsthand glimpse at the desecration of the hillsides through mining. The trip takes 45 minutes. The Molly Kathleen Mine Tour takes visitors to the depths of 1,000' under ground. The tours are provided by hard-rock miners who do a great job of explaining the conditions and procedures used in the extraction of gold. It doesn't get more tactile than riding the cage down the shaft to the 1,000' level of the mine.
Recreation - Since much of the land surrounding the town of Cripple Creek is privately owned (and littered with mining debris) few recreation opportunities exist from the townsite. The activities described below are located within the general vicinity of Cripple Creek. The Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway leads through Cripple Creek and Victor. This scenic drive highlights several historically and geologically significant sites. Brochures are available at most tourist attractions. Horsethief Park, located north of Cripple Creek, provides a limited amount of hiking and biking trails. Mueller State Park has many miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. It is a state-operated fee area on Highway 67 north of Cripple Creek. Florissant Fossil Beds is a site of geological interest that includes several miles of hiking trails. Climate - Cripple Creek lies at an elevation of 9,494 feet. This altitude creates cold winters and mild summers. The air is thin, thus filters fewer UV rays from the sun. When exercising in this climate be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause headaches and nausea. Layering clothing is important, because the weather can change quickly at this elevation. When the sun ducks behind a cloud the air can feel very brisk. Being prepared for afternoon precipitation during the late summer months is also important. Usually the clouds begin to build close to noon. Snow, hail and/or rain are all possible forms of precipitation at this altitude. Location -
Cripple Creek is located south of Florissant on Highway 67. It lies at the southwestern base of Pikes Peak. It may be reached from the south via two four-wheel drive roads: Shelf Road and Phantom Canyon Road. Both of these access roads should not be attempted with vehicles over 25 feet long.
LAT: 38.7385528539
LONG: -105.178985596
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