Thousands struck with gold fever made their way into the area on the southwest side of Pikes Peak in the 1890s. Most of them walked or rode horses. Their goal was to reach the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District, where newly found gold was bringing promises of easy-found wealth.
Today the remnants of that gold rush legacy live on, dotting the landscape, atop mountains, along valleys where city streets used to be filled with miners, wagons and mules going to and from the mines. The great Independence Mine founded by Winfield Scott Stratton, the iron marvel of the Theresa, the giant fire-warped Vindicator and the grand Gold Coin hoist are all sites to be noted in the modern gold camp.
Once again attention is being turned toward walking to the mines, or at least through the mining district, this time for purposes the 1890's miners hardly had time for - mining education, historic interpretation, recreation and just plain fun. The Southern Teller County Focus Group and the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company teamed up to create a series of trails that lead you through the wealth of gold mining that made Victor and Cripple Creek famous.
The trails are open to foot, horse and bicycle traffic in summer and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. No motorized traffic is allowed.
Visitors to all trails must remember they are crossing private land and must stay on the trails for their safety. The trails are through mountain terrain at elevations of 9,500 to 10,500 feet above sea level. Dress appropriately for mountain weather and bring a hat, sunscreen and a jacket in case of a shower.
Access to the Theresa, Vindicator and Independence mines are handicap accessible; the trails are open year-round; cross country skiing and snowshoeing are best in spring. There are no services at the trail; camping and overnight parking are not allowed.
Local
Eat and Drink
- Iron Springs Chateau Dinner Theater - Manitou Springs (15.2 miles) - The Iron Springs Chateau is a great place for family fun. Have a blast booing the villain and cheeri...
- Joanies Deli and bakery - Woodland park (20.2 miles) - We are a Small but great Deli, We serve Boars Head meats and cheeses. We offer Gluten free bread. We...
- Colorado Gold Distillery - Colorado Springs (21.4 miles) - Craft distillery that focuses on vodka and whiskey. Something new and unique is always right around ...
See and Do
- Trails of Gold/Southern Teller County Focus Group Victor (0.0 miles) - Thousands struck with gold fever made their way into the area on the southwest side of Pikes Peak in...
- Cripple Creek & Victor Mine Tours Victor (0.0 miles) - Experience mining old and new this summer and explore gold rush history past and present at the Vict...
- Victor Lowell Thomas Museum Victor (0.0 miles) - The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum is an original 1899 building that houses two floors of artifacts, bo...
- Cripple Creek Heritage Center Cripple Creek (3.1 miles) - This 11,600-square-foot visitors center is designed in a style reminiscent of the town’s heyday; h...
- Butte Theater Cripple Creek (3.3 miles) - Live Entertainment - Theater, Music, Movies, and More in Historic Cripple Creek, Colorado Historic C...
