Quick Info
From Colorado Springs: 45 miles, about 1 hour. From Denver: 115 miles, about 2 hours. Route: Highway 24 to Highway 67. Scenic option: Gold Camp Road (rough, historic).
Cripple Creek sits in a mountain basin southwest of Pikes Peak at 9,494 feet elevation. The standard route from Colorado Springs climbs through diverse terrain, from grasslands to mountain forests. From Denver, the drive is about two hours via I-25 and Highway 24.
From Colorado Springs
Standard Route
Take Highway 24 west through Woodland Park. Turn south on Highway 67 and climb to Cripple Creek. About one hour total. Paved highway the entire way.
The Drive
The route passes through Ute Pass and the mountain town of Woodland Park before climbing into the mining district. Scenic with mountain views.
From Denver
Take I-25 south to Colorado Springs, then follow the Colorado Springs directions. Alternatively, Highway 24 west from Colorado Springs can be accessed via Highway 24 from Limon for an all-highway route. About 2 hours total.
Gold Camp Road (Adventure)
Historic Route
The old railroad grade from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek is now a rough dirt road. Spectacular scenery through tunnels and along mountainsides. High clearance recommended.
Conditions
Not maintained in winter. Check conditions before attempting. Tunnel 3 has been closed for years—alternate routes exist. Not for the faint-hearted but rewarding for adventurous drivers.
Tips
Highway 67 is the easy choice. Paved and well-maintained. Fine for any vehicle.
Watch for weather. Mountain roads can have snow or ice outside summer. Check conditions.
Gas up before the climb. Limited services between Woodland Park and Cripple Creek.
Return via Victor if you want. Loop back through the ghost town for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive difficult?
Highway 67 is straightforward—paved with normal mountain curves. Gold Camp Road is challenging and requires experience.
Is there public transportation?
Limited. Most visitors drive. Some casino shuttles operate from Colorado Springs.