Gold King Mountain Inn

Amazing view from American Eagle Overlook

by WebTopGunCom

Located at the former location of one of the highest gold mines in the world, on a clear day you can see seven mountain ranges. Or look down for a great view of operations at the worlds largest and richest gold mine. If expansion plans are approved it will eventually be several miles long and over a mile deep. Parking on site for 3 or 4 cars is rarely full with overflow parking directly below for hundreds. From Cripple Creek drive south on state highway 67 to Victor, jog left one block in downtown Victor, as you leave town follow sign and turn left up gravel road to the Overlook. Before you leave explore the crumbling remains of the old mine with descriptive signs.

Cripple Creek -awesome place!

by malkey

I grew up close to Cripple Creek/Victor. At that time the whole area was nothing short of a real ghost town. Just like out of a real western! Went back and was amazed at the drastic changes. It's like a mini Las Vegas or Reno with all the gambling . Unlike Vegas or Reno, it still retains it's historic western heritage, and is not kitschy or tasteless. In fact, I was really surprised how many folks were committed to keeping Cripple Creek restored to its former glory without ruining it with maddening commercialism. Main drag is a bit over the top, but venture onto one of the side streets or travel a bit out of town to Victor ( an authentic western ghost town). I can promise you that your trip here will NOT be a waste of time!

Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

by frank_delargy

Drive the Gold Belt Tour and retrace the historic travel routes connecting Cripple Creek and Victor Mining District, site of the world's largest gold rush, to the communities of Florence, Cañon City and Florissant. Today the communities of the Gold Belt Tour invite you to experience the rich local heritage as you follow the "Roads to Riches"...

We chose to take Phantom Canyon Road. Shelf Canyon was closed because of landslides.

Phantom Canyon Road, the route of the Florence and Cripple Creek (F&CC) Railroad, follows the path of what was once the busiest narrow gauge railroad in the West.

Cripple Creek Bonanza

by Yorick12

Cripple Creek boomed in 1891 when gold was discovered. The rest of the state, mainly dependent of silver, was suffering as silver prices fell, but not Cripple Creek. Miners from all over the state poured in and Cripple Creek flourished. The beautiful downtown today stands as a monument to the money made in the gold mines. Gambling is now the main income in the area, but even if gambling is not your thing, the beauty of the area is worth coming to Cripple Creek. The Sangre de Cristo mountains are just awesome.

Gold Dust, Early West

by leafmcgowan

"Cripple Creek, Casino Town"

From Colorado Springs via US 24 and SR 67, or the adventurous "Gold Camp Road" thru the mountainsCripple Creek Welcome Center, 5th and Bennett, PO BOX 430, Cripple Creek, CO 80813; 719-689-3315Population: 1,115Elevation: 9,508'"There be Gold in dem Hills" ... "Pikes Peak or Bust ..." and many rumors of 'gold' 'color' on what was once the Womack Ranch brought curious prospectors into the area, especially after Bob Womack made the first major gold strike in 1891. Bob rode to Colorado City (aka Colorado Springs all grown up), spending lots of money and bragging about his claim. He sold it for $500 not realizing that through history it would yield more than $350 million in gold. 1891 saw the "$300 million cow pasture" dotted with prospectors like a disturbed ant mound with ants. The town was created and within 2 years had a population of 18,000. Destroyed in 1896 by wild rampage fires, it was rebuilt and even though the boom ended in 1904, many still seek the area and the shafts still yield gold today. With the wealth came gambling, hustling, casinos, strippers, and prostitution; much of which exist today minus any blatant stripping and prostitution focusing on entertainment and tourism traps. Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5. Visited 10/13/06.