Trails reveal much about storied gold rush town
By Melissa Voss
Cripple Creek is one of the many Colorado towns that housed miners during the gold rush that took the area by storm in the 1890s. Today, hikers can stroll back in time to see some of the locations where folks sought their fortunes.
Photo by Brent J
Cripple Creek is both rich in history and nature, commemorated through the hiking trails that surround the small town. The trails are popular with locals and visitors who enjoy taking a step into the past — or just taking a step into nature.
“I come here when my mind needs to be quiet and remind me of how we got where we are,” says Janice LeFau, a Teller County resident who frequents the trails around Cripple Creek. “Colorado is a nature playground and these trails never cease to be in my rotation of hikes.”
Several trails celebrate the different camps and mining operations that took place in the area. Here are our suggestions for exploring Cripple Creek hiking trails and the history they have to offer.
Gold Camp Trail – Easy
One of Cripple Creek’s most visited hiking trails, Gold Camp Trail takes you through the Poverty Gulch mining operation. In 1890, local Bob Womack first discovered gold in Poverty Gulch. After the country caught wind of the latest opportunity for riches, Cripple Creek became home to several mining camps, housing more than 50,000 miners in 1894. Cripple Creek’s camp ended up becoming the fifth richest gold strike in the world at the time. Today, several of the mining mills and some housing still stand and are visible from the Gold Camp Trail. Hikers should be prepared for some areas of steep terrain and an altitude of over 9,000 feet. For planning purposes, don’t confuse the trail with Gold Camp Road, which runs between Colorado Springs and Victor.
Photo by Brent J
Vindicator Valley Trailhead – Easy, 2 miles round trip
Just outside Cripple Creek is the town of Victor, another gold rush town with a similar history. Vindicator Valley Trailhead explores the historical railroads, gold rush towns and mines, all posted with informative signs to further engulf you in the history. The trail is open to bikes, horses and hikers throughout the summer season but is also popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Several viewing spots on the trail provide gorgeous views of the valley, no matter the time of year.
Photo by Steve Krull
Pancake Rocks – Moderate, 12 miles round trip
Looking for a more challenging hike? Named after the pancake-stack rock formations, Pancake Rocks is an out-and-back trail that has it all: treks through the trees, climbing rocks, and valley walks. Located in the Pike National Forest, visitors will be able to go through both the iconic pancake rock formations as well as the mixed-pine forest.
This trail is open for hiking, snowshoeing, biking and horses. It is also on-leash dog friendly. Looking to take something a bit easier but still see gorgeous views? Alongside the Pancake Rocks trail is Horsethief Falls Trail. It is an easier, half-mile trail best for infrequent hikers and bikers with children. The trail includes log teepees and a small waterfall.
Pony Gulch Homestead – Moderate, 4 miles round trip
Southwest of Cripple Creek, you’ll find the Pony Gulch Trail. Unlike the previous trails, Pony Gulch Homestead trails through the homesteads and barns of the miners that lived in the area. The trail is more of an old ranch road than a trail. It’s not marked well, especially at the beginning of the hike, so be sure to look out for cairns to follow or better yet, use GPS to help guide the way. Although not a long stretch, the trail is challenging because it climbs about 1,000-feet elevation in just one mile. Open mine shafts are part of the experience, so be sure to stay on the trail for safety purposes. The best time to visit is April through November, and dogs are welcome on-leash.