These historic towns are worth the trip
Updated: June 25, 2026
“Up on Cripple Creek, she sends me!” From The Band’s mouths to your ears, Cripple Creek is exactly where we’re sending you with this itinerary.
Along with its lovely neighboring town, Victor, these spots have so much to explore, learn and experience that you can stay there for days and still have more to uncover about the region’s history and natural wonders.
Cripple Creek is casino land, so embrace it and stay in one of the area’s hotel/casino combos! Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino is the highest casino in the world, sitting at 9,593 feet above sea level. You can count on great views, modern amenities and plenty of slot machines to choose from. The town’s newest lodging spot is Chamonix Casino Hotel, which brings European luxury to the Rockies. There’s plenty of on-site gaming, plus great dining, a spa/salon and heated rooftop pool. Or take a hard pivot and stay in a historic haunted boutique hotel in Victor called The Black Monarch. This former casino/brothel was renovated in 2019 but has spooky beginnings.
Browse all lodging options and categories here.
Eat like a high roller in these mining towns! Chamonix Casino Hotel has a steakhouse called 980 Prime, led by a celebrated Las Vegas chef (think Michelin stars and James Beard Awards). Their more casual offering, Don Juan’s Cocina, blends traditional Mexican flavors with a modern flair. In Victor, don’t miss Dirty Sally’s Pizzeria, Gold Camp Bakery Café & Deli and 1899 Mining Claim and Saloon.
Browse all dining options and categories here.
AM: Drive the Golden Loop Historic Parkway
AM: Explore old mines along the Vindicator Valley Trail
PM: Tour the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum
PM: Visit Rita the Rock Planter troll
The Golden Loop Historic Parkway is an offshoot of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway – that’s a lot of “ways,” but basically, this is a scenic drive. And it’s especially stunning in the fall months when the aspen leaves are changing colors! You can use this path to traverse between Cripple Creek and Victor.
Along the route, stop at the Vindicator Valley Trail where you’ll find some of Victor’s oldest and largest mines. A 2-mile loop on an easy trail will take you past remains of mines from the late 1800s, plus great views of the surrounding mountains.
In the afternoon, tour the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, named in honor of one of America’s pioneering journalists and former residents of the area. Located in a building from 1899, the museum houses many artifacts, books and photographs showcasing life in Victor during the gold mining days. In the summer months, you can even pan for real gold and gems, weather permitting!
End the day with a stroll to Rita the Rock Planter troll – a sculpture built by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo! Dambo has built trolls all over the world, so Rita can be the start of your troll-hunting adventure (or another one to cross off if you’ve already begun!).
AM: Ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
PM: Explore Historic Cripple Creek
PM: Snap photos with the free-roaming donkeys
All aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad! Seasonally, around May-October, this century-old steam engine takes riders on a 45-minute adventure around the area’s historic sites. Views are always scenic, but fall is really something special if you’re looking to leaf peep!
After your ride, hit the town. Historic Bennett Avenue offers plenty of local shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture to enjoy. Check for upcoming events, as Cripple Creek hosts many year-round!
AM: Cripple Creek Heritage Center
PM: Tour the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum
PM: Catch a show at the Butte Theater
The Cripple Creek Heritage Center serves as a Visitor Information Center and has great exhibits. Check out the interactive technology that illustrates gold mining history, plus geologic and human history of the region.
You’re in the Wild West, baby. Live out the full experience with a visit to the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum. This authentic, historic site from 1901 even has the original jail cells intact so you can experience what it was like to be on the wrong side of the law (without actually breaking any laws, please).
In the evening, catch a show at the Butte Theater. Originally the Historic Butte Opera House, it was refurbished in 1999 by the City of Cripple Creek. It’s one of the last remaining theaters in the country that is considered Classical American Melodrama. Browse the year-round programming to see what’s coming up next!
AM: Visit the historic Cripple Creek Fire Station #3
PM: Treat yourself at the Chamonix spa
PM: Go casino hopping
Start your day with a visit to the historic Cripple Creek Fire Station #3. Built in 1900, this site features historic photos and firefighting equipment from the early 1900s and commemorates the service of firefighters throughout the years.
Later, treat yourself to a spa day at Chamonix’s spa and salon! You’ve been learning about gold mines and panning for gold, now it’s time for your 24-karat gold facial. And a hot stone massage. And a manicure. Afterward, enjoy the hotel’s heated rooftop pool and sauna.
Spend the evening on a casino-hopping adventure. There are so many great spots to check out, including Bronco Billy’s, Chamonix, Triple Crown, Golden Nugget, Brass Ass and Double Eagle. Even if you don’t win big monetarily, you will hit the jackpot in fun!
If you’re looking for some fun local happenings to inspire the timing of your trip, check out these area events!
February 14 — 22, 2026
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is one of the most exciting times of the year in historic Pikes Peak Region.
June 26 — 28, 2026
Watch this gold rush town’s resident donkey herd race in this historic festival.
Posted: December 4, 2023
Enter a frosty wonderland, where the magic of winter comes alive, at Cripple Creek Ice Castles.
June 12 — 14, 2026
The Cripple Creek Gold Rush Rodeo (previously known as the Top of the World Rodeo) has fun for the entire…
Looking for even more? Check out these resources to plan additional days in the Pikes Peak Region. And don't forget – you can always use our AI chatbot Penny in the bottom righthand corner to further assist you in your trip planning.
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