Explore Cripple Creek

Perched at 9,494 feet in the Colorado Rockies, Cripple Creek stands as America's most authentic gold rush community, where over 130 years of rich mining heritage comes alive through meticulously preserved Victorian architecture and genuine Western hospitality. Once known as "The World's Greatest Gold Camp," our National Historic District protects the legacy of a boom town that produced over 700 tons of gold and housed 50,000 residents at its peak. Today's Cripple Creek masterfully balances historical preservation with modern recreation. Our limited-stakes gaming operates within lovingly restored 1890s buildings, creating an authentic atmosphere where Old West charm meets contemporary entertainment. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine offers visitors the rare opportunity to descend 1,000 feet underground into a genuine working mine, providing an unparalleled connection to our mining past. Surrounded by Pike National Forest and adjacent to Eleven Mile State Park, Cripple Creek serves as your gateway to spectacular outdoor recreation, from world-class fishing and hiking to wildlife viewing beneath the majestic Pikes Peak. The fully restored Butte Opera House presents professional theatrical productions, while year-round festivals celebrate our heritage and mountain culture. What distinguishes Cripple Creek is our authenticity – this isn't a recreated theme park but a living community where residents serve as proud stewards of American mining heritage. Whether you're seeking genuine Western history, mountain recreation, or the rare experience of a perfectly preserved frontier town, Cripple Creek delivers an authentic slice of the American West that honors its past while embracing its future with mountain pride and genuine hospitality.