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Cripple creek/Pikes Peak

Fordlover
Explorer
Explorer
Taking the wife and kids, 7 and 9 on a early August trip to Colorado Springs area, staying in Cripple Creek. We will travel up to Denver for one day but that will be consumed spending time with family. The balance of the 4 days will be in and round the Springs.

So what are the must-do's? We will visit Garden of the Gods (Been 20 years since I've been there) and will likely drive up to Pikes peak or take the cog railway. Probably won't do much hiking as I expect traveling sea level to 10K elevation will take a toll.

But what other suggestions?
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13 REPLIES 13

Devo_the_dog
Explorer
Explorer
Even though this reply is late, it might help others if they do a search on Cripple Creek. We stayed in a small private campground outside of Divide CO with RV parking a few years back. It's called Golden Bell and was beautiful and centrally located. Driving down the hill to Colorado Springs wasn't a big deal. Also, we were close to Cripple Creek and other hiking spots. We were in town for a family wedding - bride and groom were finishing up at the Academy.

The first few days we were there, we were alone other than the 4 couples that were camp hosts. Later in the week, others showed up but it was never crowded. It was also on 300+ acres so we had plenty of places to hike.

We enjoyed it so much, it was worthwhile to give the camp a donation.

I have many other photos but here are a few:



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LindaAnn
Explorer
Explorer
Our daughter and son-in-law live in nearby Florissant, CO. On visits out there, we have been to Cripple Creek a number of times. A really neat little town with lots of history in mining.

Donkeys roam free downtown.
There is a railroad ride you can take from there..scenic ride on a steam-engine train
The Heritage Center (welcome center) just before getting into town is very interesting.

If you gamble a bit, there is a Casino there...but even if that's not for you, they have a good restaurant...great breakfasts.

Take a walk downtown and a drive to see the old houses, painted in pastel colors.

Nearby Victor is also an old mining town...almost a ghost town now.

The drive up to Cripple Creek on Hwy 67 affords some beautiful scenery.

LowRyter
Explorer
Explorer
Manitou Springs is a nice to visit. Cripple Creek has casino.
John L
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Thom02099
Explorer II
Explorer II
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Cave of the Winds
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
Seven Falls (does involve hiking/climbing stairs)
Will Rogers Shrine
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
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Fordlover
Explorer
Explorer
I'm loving all the hints and suggestions. Thank you all and hope there is more to come.
2016 Skyline Layton Javelin 285BH
2018 F-250 Lariat Crew 6.2 Gas 4x4 FX4 4.30 Gear
2007 Infiniti G35 Sport 6 speed daily driver
Retired 2002 Ford Explorer 4.6 V8 4x4
Sold 2007 Crossroads Sunset Trail ST19CK

RAS43
Explorer III
Explorer III
Heisenberg wrote:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.


Ditto, the kids will love it. Make sure they get to feed the giraffes.

Jackathan
Explorer
Explorer
We stayed a week at Lone Duck on 6/20. They are completely rebuilding the top of Pikes Peak. New visitor center, catwalks/overlooks. You were stopped at mile 16 and sent to a makeshift parking area. From there, you had to ride a shuttle bus to the top. One exception was if you had a handicap tag, you could continue on to the top. We have one, so we were able to drive to the top. Pick the day you want to go carefully. You want a clear day, otherwise, it could be cloudy and/or snowing and you won't be able to see much.

Heisenberg
Explorer
Explorer
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
2013 Winnebago Sightseer
2017 Colorado

Horsedoc
Explorer II
Explorer II
Cog has re-opened since closing in 2017.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has finally opened to the public after closing in 2017 for improvements. The railway invested $100 million in new tracks and cars, shipped in from Switzerland, to carry folks up to the summit of Pikes Peak.

May 20, 2021
horsedoc
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Blue Ox tow

charlestonsouth
Explorer
Explorer
Fordlover, your kids would certainly love a visit to the Air Force Academy. Call ahead to determine if you can get on a tour. Of course, the majority of the cadets don't return until fall and the cadet parades on the grounds would have been enjoyable.

Rug
Explorer
Explorer
Another mountain in the area to drive to the top is mount Evans.
This use to be the tallest paved road in the U. S. until they paved the upper half of pikes peak.
A couple of Mules
with a Covered Wagon

4runnerguy
Explorer
Explorer
For a lesser known experience, take the Phantom Canyon Road (CR 67) south to Florence. This section of road is the original route of one of the railroads that serviced the mines of the Cripple Creek area. From Florence, continue south on CO 67 to Wetmore and catch CO 96 west. About 10 miles from Wetmore, head south on CO 165 for 12 miles or so to Bishops Castle. Free, the best price. An amazing castle hand built by one man over the course of around 50 years. Your kids will love this place. Search Bishops Castle to see images.

You can return via the same route or extend your day by heading to Royal Gorge. There's a theme park and the bridge on top. Or there's an interesting railroad trip along the river into the gorge below the bridge that starts in Canon City.

Another route back to Cripple Creek is the Shelf Road (CR 9).

Note that both of the county roads are graded gravel roads but I've easily done both in small sedans.
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MRC54
Explorer
Explorer
I lived in Woodland Park for 30 years, and worked in Cripple Creek for most of the time. Just left in April for our full time adventure.

Couple thoughts:
If you're concerned about altitude (Cripple Creek is 9,500), consider Woodland Park (8,500) or Colorado Springs (6,000).
Royal Gorge in Canon City is spectacular. Lunch/Dinner train or just visit.
New Olympic museum in Colorado Springs is spectacular.
Air Force Academy is something to see.
Under the radar: Paint Mines (google it), about 30 min west of Colorado Springs.
Victor Gold Mining tour, right next to Cripple Creek.
Florissant Fossil beds.

Have fun. It's beautiful!
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