Cripple Creek is a historic mining town about an hour from Colorado Springs, on the back side of Pikes Peak and roughly 9,500 feet above sea level. For a Cripple Creek day trip, combine a look around downtown with a museum visit or seasonal ride. A hotel in north Colorado Springs can serve as your starting point.
- Drive: About an hour from Colorado Springs.
- Setting: A historic mining town at roughly 9,500 feet above sea level.
- Seasonal ride: The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad usually runs from mid-May to the first weekend in October.
- Museum admission: Adult admission is $9, with lower prices for other age groups.
The Drive into Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek sits about an hour from Colorado Springs, making the drive itself a manageable first part of a day trip. The town’s high-altitude setting on Pikes Peak’s back side gives the destination a distinct mountain backdrop.
If you are planning more than one outing from Colorado Springs, a day trip to Manitou Springs offers another itinerary to consider.
Historic Downtown Sights
Downtown Cripple Creek brings together historic storefronts, shops, murals and landmarks in a compact mountain-town setting.
The Old Homestead House, a former brothel, is open to visitors as a historic attraction. The Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum occupies the original Teller County Jail, and the city trolley’s usual fixed stops include both attractions as well as the Cripple Creek District Museum and Fire Station Museum #3.
For another outing beyond Cripple Creek, a Cañon City and Royal Gorge day trip pairs a different Colorado destination with the same starting point.
Museums and Visitor Attractions
Cripple Creek’s museums give you a closer look at the town’s mining history, local life and geology.
Cripple Creek District Museum
The Cripple Creek District Museum sits at 5th and Bennett Avenue and displays mining artifacts, photographs, mineral displays and Victorian living quarters. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for military visitors and $2 for children ages 6–12; children age 5 and under enter free with an adult or military admission.
From mid-October through May, the museum is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cripple Creek Heritage Center
The Cripple Creek Heritage Center is an 11,600-square-foot visitor center at 9283 S Hwy 67, on the approach to town from Highway 67. Its interactive exhibits cover mining, railroads, local history, geology, wildlife and regional recreation, and the center overlooks the town.
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad opened in 1967 and runs a seasonal train ride through the mining district. Its depot is at 520 E Carr St, Cripple Creek, CO 80813. Trains usually operate from mid-May to the first weekend in October, rain or shine, in open-air cars.
Road and Seasonal Conditions
Season affects which attractions and transport options you can use in Cripple Creek.
The city trolley usually operates from May 15 to October 15, with Saturday and Sunday service from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; its hours can change. Casino shuttle-coach service has daily departures from Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Divide and Pueblo, with schedules and fares available through CasinoShuttle.com.
Because museum hours, seasonal services and fares can change, check the official site before you go.
A Sample Day-Trip Plan
A practical Cripple Creek day trip starts with the Heritage Center on the Highway 67 approach, then continues into downtown for historic sights and a museum visit.
- Start at the Heritage Center. Its location on the approach to town makes it a natural first stop for an introduction to local mining, railroads and regional history.
- Spend time downtown. Walk among the historic storefronts, shops, murals and landmarks, then visit the Old Homestead House or the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum.
- Add a seasonal attraction. If the railroad is operating, take its ride through the mining district. The trolley can also link several historic attractions during its usual summer service period.
- Fit in the District Museum. Check its seasonal opening pattern and admission before you plan your visit.
FAQs
How far is Cripple Creek from Colorado Springs?
Cripple Creek is about an hour from Colorado Springs, on the back side of Pikes Peak.
When does the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad run?
Its usual season runs from mid-May to the first weekend in October. Trains run rain or shine in open-air cars.
What can you see at the Cripple Creek District Museum?
The museum displays mining artifacts, photographs, mineral displays and Victorian living quarters.
Does Cripple Creek have a trolley?
The city trolley usually operates from May 15 to October 15, with weekend service and stops at several historic attractions.