'Half-day' road trip features mining towns, a fourteener, and cliffs in Colorado
This half-day road trip in Colorado’s Pikes Peak region circles ‘America’s Mountain.’ Drive over mountain passes, visit historic towns, and catch high elevation views on this 115ish-mile one-tank road trip. As an added bonus, this road trip includes a drive through Colorado’s ‘Gold Belt. This portion of the drive features multiple scenic roads, giving drivers the choice of taking Phantom Canyon Road, Shelf Road, or Teller County Road to High Park Road.
Editor's Note: This road trip is designed to allow for limited stopping. It can be driven in one go with no breaks. Please be highly aware of COVID-19 rules and restrictions present along the way.
Pikes Peak (Photo) Credit Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette
Starting in downtown Colorado Springs, head about 20 miles west on US Highway 24, up Ute Pass and into the foothills of Pikes Peak. This highway cuts through Woodland Park, a mountain town dubbed the “City Above the Clouds.” It sits at about 8,500 feet above sea level.
Photo Credit: Dougal Brownlie/The Gazette
Pikes Peak (Photo) Credit Richard Bittles (iStock)
Continue west via U.S. 24, where the surrounding forests turn into rolling meadows as the elevation climbs above 9,100 feet. The next town reached is Divide, about 7 miles west of Woodland Park. Here, travelers will encounter a breathtaking view of Pikes Peak.
Photo Credit: Richard Bittles (iStock)
Cripple Creek (Photo) Credit ABDESIGN (iStock)
At the traffic light on the southwest edge of Divide, turn left to Colorado Highway 67 South. Travelers will be on this paved, winding route for about a half-hour, passing through 19 miles of historic gold mining country. Take time to stop along the road at one of the many pull-offs and take in views of surrounding aspen groves and the Sawatch Range in the western distance.
Photo Credit ABDESIGN (iStock)
Cripple Creek (Photo) Credit RiverNorthPhotography (iStock)
At the 10,200-foot summit of Tenderfoot Pass, the highway descends into the Gold Rush town of Cripple Creek. Mining operations are still active here today. The town’s main strip, Bennet Avenue, is lined with Victorian-era buildings that house several casinos, hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. At the end of the road lies Pigsah Cemetery, where the oldest burial is dated at 1892.
ROAD TRIP NOTE: At this point, drivers will be able to choose their own route depending on the experience they want. See a few route previews below.
Photo Credit RiverNorthPhotography (iStock)
Victor (Photo) Credit SWKrullImaging (iStock)
Those seeking a more rugged adventure may consider the 10-minute drive from Cripple Creek via CO-67 to Victor, another historic town found at above 9,700 feet.
Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock)
Phantom Canyon Road (Photo) Credit Jeffrey Beall (Flickr)
On the edge of Victor is Phantom Canyon Road, one section of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway. This 33-mile gravel route reaches 9,500 feet in elevation and follows the route of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad from 1894. The road features unique bridges, tunnels, and remnants of historic mines on the way to Cañon City.
Photo Credit Jeffrey Beall (Flickr)
Shelf Road (Photo) Credit Phil Howland (courtesy of Bureau of Land Management)
Shelf Road is a bumpy, rugged, off-road alternative to Phantom Canyon Road if your vehicle is capable. The approximately 25-mile 4x4 road cuts through Garden Park Fossil Area, a renowned rock climbing site, and travels along the stream of Cripple Creek. As you near Cañon City, prepare for sheer canyon walls and cliff drop-offs along this section of the scenic byway.
Author’s Note: Those wishing to see Victor but wanting to opt for a less-rugged route can return to Cripple Creek after the 10-minute drive on CO-67.
Photo Credit: Phil Howland, courtesy of Bureau of Land Management.
Teller County (Photo) Credit James St. John (Flickr)
The more comfortable alternative route to Cañon City is the paved Teller County Road One from Cripple Creek. After about 32 miles, continue south on CO-9, which is High Park Road, and then travel 31 miles east on U.S. 50. You won’t miss out on views along this curvy, high-elevation journey that is still considered part of the scenic byway.
Photo Credit James St. John (Flickr)
Skyline Drive (Photo) Credit Simon Morris (Flickr)
If you’re looking to add a little bit of adrenaline to your drive, take Skyline Drive. It’s a one-way, steep and narrow road that travels the top of a sheer ridge near Cañon City. This road isn’t for the faint of heart.
Photo Credit: Simon Morris (Flickr)
Cañon City (Photo) Credit chapin31 (iStock)
In the heart of the Royal Gorge Region, Cañon City holds many views and adventures. Stretch your legs on the Arkansas River Walk.
Photo Credit chapin31 (iStock)
Colorado Springs (Photo) Credit Sean Pavone (iStock)
The return to Colorado Springs via eastbound U.S. 50 leads to Colorado Highway 115 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. This drops drivers back in ‘Olympic City, USA.’
Photo Credit Sean Pavone (iStock)
Colorado (Photo) Credit raksybH (iStock)
This half-day road trip circles Pikes Peak, bringing drivers through high elevations, forests, canyon landscapes, and historical towns of Colorado.
Photo Credit raksybH (iStock)
Tips for Road Trip (Photo) Credit krblokhin (iStock)
Tips for the trip
The majority of this roughly 115-mile road trip is on mountain roads. Be aware of incoming snow storms that could produce slick roads, especially if you travel via Phantom Canyon or Shelf roads. Be aware of the causes of altitude sickness and how to react if you experience symptoms. Be familiar with the route you choose and make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Photo Credit krblokhin (iStock)
Colorado Highway 67 (Photo) Credit CO_Wizard (iStock)
Colorado Road Trip Snapshot
Colorado Springs to Woodland Park: 19.1 miles
Woodland Park to Divide: 6.5 miles
Divide to Cripple Creek: 18.7 miles (pictured)
Cripple Creek to Victor: 4.7 miles
Cripple Creek to Cañon City: 50.2 miles via Teller County Road One to CO-9 to US-50
Victor to Cañon City: 33 miles via Phantom Canyon Road (no services)
Victor to Cañon City: 24.4 miles via Shelf Road (no services)
Cañon City to Colorado Springs: 45.4 miles
Photo Credit: CO_Wizard (iStock)
Leslie James
Leslie James is all about Colorado when it comes to writing features, sharing adventures, and creating colorful galleries. She loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. Leslie joined OutThere Colorado in November 2020.
(4) comments
You turn left at Divide, not right.
Thanks, that's been fixed!
What is actually the best is that people learn their directions then you could have just said you turn South.
I would suggest if you don't know your directions and don't want to learn directions you should never leave home.
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