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The Cripple Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad, situated within the Cripple Creek Historic District and designated a National Historic Landmark, is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. The Town of Cripple Creek, situated at an elevation of 9,400 feet on the southwest flank of Pikes Peak, offers a glimpse into Colorado’s Wild West history, combining the rugged spirit of the gold rush era with contemporary tourism. Here’s what to expect when visiting Cripple Creek, Colorado.
Riding the Narrow Gauge Railroad
This narrow-gauge heritage railroad operates seasonal tourist trains between Cripple Creek and the city’s southern outskirts. The Railroad uses sections of the original Midland Terminal Railway and the Florence Cripple Creek Railroad. Passengers board the train at the Cripple Creek Historic District for a 45-minute, pet-friendly journey back into history.
This fantastic family-owned attraction allows visitors to experience what it was like to travel along the Midland Terminal roadbed during Colorado’s Gold Rush. It’s a delightful journey for both railroad enthusiasts and history buffs. A 15-ton Iron Horse steam engine takes you south past the Midland Terminal Wye, over a reconstructed trestle, and alongside historic mines on a four-mile round trip. The journey concludes at the desert mining camp of Anaconda before returning to the depot.
History of the Railroad
The history of this area dates back to the late 19th-century mining boom, when railroads such as the Midland Terminal Railway (standard gauge) and the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad (narrow gauge, 3-foot) played a crucial role in transporting ore and supplies through the rugged terrain of the Cripple Creek Mining District. These rail lines connected remote mining camps to larger networks, facilitating the extraction of over 21 million ounces of gold from more than 500 mines between 1890 and the early 1900s.
Cripple Creek Railroad Train Schedule
Trains depart every 40 minutes from mid-May through to the middle of October. Tickets can be purchased at the train depot, which also serves as a gift shop. Souvenirs include t-shirts, books, and a wide range of locomotive-related items. Pick up a souvenir or a book about the history of the Railroad for an exciting read. Trains run or shine, so be sure to layer up for the high-altitude chill—elevation is approximately 9,400 feet.
Exploring Historic Cripple Creek, Colorado
Cripple Creek Information Center: Located inside an authentic old train car built in 1887 as a first-class passenger train car, the Information Center is worth visiting. Watch videos related to the area and pick up a map of local points of interest. The center’s friendly staff are always happy to help.
Cripple Creek District Museum: In the 1895 Midland Terminal depot, exhibits on mining, labor wars, and artifacts (open year-round). Website.
Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum: Dive into the town’s rowdy past with cells and stories of sheriffs and shootouts.
Butte Theater: Historic venue for summer melodramas, music, and films.
Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway: Drive the National Scenic Byway through mining sites and Florence/Cañon City.
Casinos & Dining: Slots, sports betting, and spots like Maggie’s (casual American) or upscale steakhouses at Chamonix Casino.
Getting To Cripple Creek
The Railroad is located at E Carr Ave, in the historic city of Cripple Creek, Colorado. For more details, visit the Railroad’s website. Denver is approximately 100 miles from Cripple Creek, Colorado, via CO-67 and US-24 through Colorado Springs, then I-25 north. The drive takes approximately 2 hours under normal conditions, although it may vary depending on traffic, weather, or roadwork. Colorado Springs is 25 miles from Cripple Creek, and the drive takes about an hour. Railroad Website.
Historic Colorado Railroads You Can Ride
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a heritage railroad between the towns of Durango and Silverton. This Railroad has been designated a National Historic Landmark and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It primarily serves tourists, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Animas River, which flows alongside the tracks in certain areas. The 45-mile journey on this historic Railroad is a must-do for any rail enthusiast.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Dating back to 1879, the Railroad tracks originally transported miners and ore from the region and also served as a passenger route. Today, trains operate year-round, taking passengers on a scenic journey through the Royal Gorge. They depart from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City and travel to the western terminus in Parkdale before returning. This train ride is regarded as one of America’s most spectacular railroad journeys.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge steam train ride located in Georgetown, Colorado, approximately 45 miles west of Denver, off Interstate 70. Completed in 1884, it was an engineering marvel designed to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, navigating a 2-mile distance with a 640-foot elevation gain through rugged Clear Creek Canyon. The Railroad runs 5-mile round-trip excursions between Georgetown and Silver Plume. Passengers can board the train from either station. The Georgetown Loop Railroad is located on I-70, about 45 miles west of Denver. Website.