Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek

Quick Facts: Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek

A scenic mountain drive to casinos and history

Distance: 45 miles via Highway 24 and Highway 67

Drive Time: 50-70 minutes

Route: Highway 24 west to Divide, then Highway 67 south to Cripple Creek

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Best For
Casino Shuttle	Free-$10	Budget travelers
Uber/Lyft	$60-90	Flexibility (limited availability)
Private Car/Limo	$180-350	Groups, special occasions
Drive Yourself	Gas only	Scenic drive, flexibility

The scenic route: The drive from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek is beautiful, passing through Ute Pass and offering mountain views. It's worth driving yourself at least once.

Casino Shuttles

Free and low-cost options from Colorado Springs

Cripple Creek casinos offer shuttle services from Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. These are the most economical option and eliminate concerns about driving mountain roads after drinking.

How It Works

Pickup locations in Colorado Springs area
Round-trip service typically included
Some require players club signup (free)
May include gaming credits or meal vouchers
Fixed schedules—note departure times

Cripple Creek Casinos

Bronco Billy's Casino – Largest property, full resort
Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino – Historic hotel, good promotions
Wildwood Casino – Local favorite
Century Casino – Table games, hotel
Brass Ass Casino – Historic building, slots focus
Johnny Nolon's – Old West atmosphere

Contact casinos directly for current shuttle schedules. Services vary seasonally and days of week.

Driving to Cripple Creek

A scenic mountain journey

The drive from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek is one of Colorado's most scenic casino routes. You'll climb from 6,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet elevation.

The Route

Take Highway 24 West from Colorado Springs through Manitou Springs
Continue through Woodland Park and Ute Pass
At Divide, turn south on Highway 67
Follow Highway 67 to Cripple Creek (about 18 miles)

What to Know

Elevation: Cripple Creek sits at 9,494 feet
Winter driving: Snow and ice possible October-April
Scenic stops: Pull-offs available for photos
Wildlife: Watch for deer and elk, especially at dusk
Free parking: All casinos have free lots

Alternative Route

For a longer but incredibly scenic loop, return via Victor (the "City of Mines") and the Gold Camp Road/Shelf Road through Phantom Canyon—one of Colorado's most dramatic drives. Only in summer/fall and requires a vehicle comfortable on unpaved roads.

Beyond the Casinos

Cripple Creek's other attractions

Cripple Creek was once Colorado's richest gold camp. Beyond gaming, the town offers genuine Old West history and mountain activities.

Things to Do

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad: 4-mile heritage train ride
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine: Descend 1,000 feet into a real mine
Cripple Creek Heritage Center: Gold rush history
Butte Theater: Victorian-era melodramas (summer)
Historic Main Street: 1890s architecture preserved
Victor: Sister city with fewer tourists, more authentic mining feel

Day Trip Idea

Combine Cripple Creek with other Pikes Peak region attractions. Visit Garden of the Gods in the morning, drive to Cripple Creek for lunch and gaming, then take the scenic return. The area is rich with things to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek transportation

How long is the drive from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek?

About 50-70 minutes for the 45-mile drive. The route goes through Ute Pass and climbs to nearly 10,000 feet elevation. Add time in winter or for scenic stops.

Is there a free shuttle to Cripple Creek?

Several casinos offer free or low-cost shuttles from Colorado Springs area pickup points. Contact individual casinos for current schedules and locations—they change seasonally.

Can I take Uber to Cripple Creek from Colorado Springs?

Uber and Lyft can take you there ($60-90), but getting a ride back can be very difficult. Drivers don't want to wait in Cripple Creek. Use casino shuttles or arrange private car service for round-trip reliability.

What's the elevation of Cripple Creek?

9,494 feet—higher than many ski resorts. If you're not acclimated to altitude, take it easy, stay hydrated, and be aware that alcohol affects you more strongly at elevation.

Is Cripple Creek better than Black Hawk?

Different experience. Cripple Creek has more Old West authenticity, better non-gaming attractions, and is closer to Colorado Springs. Black Hawk has bigger, resort-style casinos and is closer to Denver. Both are worth visiting.