Area Attractions

Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? A timed entry reservation is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There are two different types of reservations available to choose from: Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road) or Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road.  

When Can I Make a Timed Entry Reservation? 

Timed entry reservations are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov based on the following schedule:

On June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: July 1 - July 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for June

RMNP Reservation System

Let the canyon walls open up your mind and your horizons. Conquer the challenge of the Royal Gorge and discover more about yourself and the Colorado mountain west than you thought possible. When you go Royal Gorge whitewater rafting, you get to see astounding geology, witness local wildlife, and feel the power of the Arkansas River as it bounces you downstream, splashing cool mountain water directly in your face.

https://www.raftecho.com/

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center – It’s a short thirty-minute drive from Cripple Creek. The center offers many different types of tours varying from a standard tour, a kid specific tour, scheduled feeding times, and full moon tours. Check out their website for more information.  www.wolfeducation.org

These donkeys are free roaming, so you’ll find them throughout the city. You’re welcome to feed them, just no processed food, and be aware that they are not always tame.

Select to learn 

Reservations Recommended

This is a forty-five minute round trip train ride in an open train car to view the scenic wonders of the area pulled by a century old, fifteen-ton steam locomotive. It travels past the old Midland Terminal over a reconstructed trestle, past many historic mines, and finishes near the deserted mining camp of Anaconda. www.cripplecreekrailroad.com

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument – Only a twenty-five-minute drive away, there’s 6,000 acres of forest and meadows with the richest deposits in the world. Here, you’ll find massive, petrified redwood trees and an abundance of diverse, detailed insect and plant fossils from thirty-four million years ago.  www.nps.gov/flfo

A historic old theater that has live performances of great plays and musicals. As of the date of this post, they have not yet listed what show will be playing in July 2026, but you can check out their website closer to that time. www.buttetheater.com

1.9 mile hike. It’s considered an easy route which takes approximately one hour to complete. It’s located just off CO-67 near Victor, CO.

THE COLORFUL BIRD HOUSES MARK THE HIKING TRAILS THAT LEAD TO THE TROLL - the road access is a different route. Driving directions from Victor - one mile west on HWY 67 to the left hand turn into the parking lot. Two trails lead from there or you can drive up the road and park in the upper lot. It is a .25 mile hike from the upper lot to the troll.  ​Please note that our trails are at nearly 10,000 feet elevation.

https://stcfg.com/hiking/

Outlaw and Lawmen Jail Museum – 136 W Bennett Ave.

Old Homestead House Museum – 353 Myers Ave.,  www.oldhomesteadhouse.com

Cripple Creek District Museum – 510 Bennett Ave.,  www.cripplecreekmuseum.com

Cripple Creek Heritage Center – 9283 CO-67 – Where the Friday night social is being held

Victor Lowell Thomas Museum – 298 Victor Ave., Victor CO, www.victormuseum.com

Victor’s Gold Camp AG & Mining Museum – 2nd & Victor Ave., Victor, CO,

www.victorcolorado.com

Golden Loop Historic Parkway 

Unpaved

"A Golden Journey 

Through Time and Terrain"

The Golden Loop Historic Parkway spans 17 miles between Cripple Creek and Victor, offering a journey through Colorado's gold mining history. This scenic route winds through picturesque hills and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, visitors can stop at historical markers, explore old mining sites, and take in the beauty of the region, making it a perfect outing for history buffs and nature lovers.

More information here: https://victorcolorado.com/drivingtour.htm

Shelf Road

Unpaved

"Grip the Wheel. Embrace the Edge"

The road remains unpaved and the cliffs in the area offer some of the best sport climbing in the state. Shelf Road is the most adventurous and rugged drive on the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, crossing over limestone cliffs with twists and turns through the area.

The road gets its name because it’s carved out of canyon wall and goes up more than 100 feet in some places. Shelf Road is a rough and mountainous but any vehicle can withstand the drive; however, vehicles with all-wheel drive are probably best.

Phantom Canyon Road 

Unpaved 

"A Road Carved by Rails, 

Made for Adventure"

Phantom Canyon Road is a historic 30-mile unpaved gravel route connecting Cañon City and Victor. Once a railroad bed, this drive features narrow one-way tunnels, wooden bridges, and remnants of the gold rush era, making it a fascinating journey into Colorado’s past. The road winds through dramatic canyon landscapes, offering a mix of adventure and beauty. Due to its narrow passages and steep drop-offs, vehicles over 25 feet are not allowed, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. This drive is perfect for those seeking a rugged and historic experience.