The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offer a 4-mile ride behind a 15-ton, 2-foot-gauge steam locomotive. Trains depart from the restored Bull Hill depot in Cripple Creek and follow the Midland Terminal Railway right-of-way south through the foothills of the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” The train steams through Poverty Gulch, where gold was discovered in 1890, and passes several abandoned mines before arriving at the old Anaconda mining camp.
Choices
Trains operate daily from mid-May to Labor Day, departing every 70 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A round trip is about 45 minutes. Reservations are not required.
When to go
At 9,494 feet above sea level, Cripple Creek is known for its cool, comfortable summer days. The train features open-air excursion cars that allow passengers to experience the beautiful Colorado high country. Since the weather can be unpredictable at high altitudes, be sure to dress for inclement conditions.
Good to know
The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad own four colorful coal-fired steam locomotives, including two that were brought to the U.S. from a mining railroad in Mexico. Locomotive No. 1 is a rare 0-4-4-0 Mallet that was built in Germany in 1902 and is the smallest locomotive of its type operating in North America.
Worth doing
Next to the railroad is the Cripple Creek District Museum, which showcases the history of the community and the gold rush that produced 224,000,000 ounces of gold between 1890 and 1910. Many of the exhibits are housed in the restored 1895 Midland Terminal Railway depot. Outdoors is a wooden Colorado Midland coach.
Don’t miss
Set aside some time to explore the Cripple Creek Historic District. A great place to start is the Cripple Creek Heritage and Information Center, which overlooks the town along Highway 67. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour takes visitors 1,000 feet below ground. In the evening try your luck at one of the many casinos that line historic Bennett Avenue.
Getting there
Cripple Creek is a 2 1/2-hour drive south of Denver. From Colorado Springs, take U.S. Route 24 West to State Route 67, then south into Cripple Creek.
Location: 520 East Carr Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO
Phone: 719-689-2640
Website: cripplecreekrailroad.com
E-mail: ccvngrr@aol.com
