Location: Cripple Creek
City of Victor
Victor is a Statutory City located in Teller County, Colorado – 10,000 feet above sea level and southwest of Pikes Peak. Gold was discovered in Victor in the late 19th century. Victor, along with Cripple Creek, became the second largest gold mining district in the United States, realizing over $10 billion of mined gold (adjusted to current dollars). It reached the peak around the turn of the century when there were approximately 18,000 residents in the town. Depleted ore in mines, labor strife and the exodus of miners during WWI caused a steep decline in the city’s economy.
The population of Victor was 397 at the 2010 census. There is a resumed mining effort on Battle Mountain and a growing tourism-based economy. Known as the City of Gold Mines, Victor is a well-preserved mining town in a unique setting of 1890’s structures and turn-of-the-century architecture. Victor experiences clean, cool mountain air and over 300 days of sunshine.
Victor abounds with numerous year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Adventurers tour the Gold Belt Scenic Byways of Phantom Canyon and Shelf Roads, fish at Skaguay Reservior, and hike the expansive local and regional trails.
City of Cripple Creek
A Part of Colorado’s Rich Heritage
Cripple Creek played an integral role in the rich heritage of Colorado. The first homesteaders arrived here in the mid-1800s. In 1890, a ranch hand named Bob Womack discovered gold and Cripple Creek changed forever. By 1900, more than 50,000 people called the gold camp home. When the golden era ended in 1918, more than $300 million in gold had been mined in what would be the last great gold rush in North America. By the 1920s, only about 40 mines remained, but two decades later, in the 1940s, the town began to promote itself as a tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. In 1991, the town was opened to limited-stakes gaming and today, the venerable gold camp has reinvented itself as a full-service tourist destination with 12 casinos offering 24 hour high-stakes gaming and great museums and attractions, all the while preserving and showcasing its rich history.
Vacation Planning Ideas
Colorado Vacation Ideas
You're ready to do some vacation planning. You could really use a break, and you've seen pictures of Colorado's majestic landscapes reaching 2 miles into the American sky. This is someplace you'd like to see and experience. It would take a few lifetimes to see, enjoy, experience, feel, and reach all of what Colorado offers. So, we're here to help you with your Colorado vacation planning and the best way to maximize your time while in Colorado.Create Your Vacation Plan
With so much going on in Colorado it’s best to identify your vacation passion and the passions of the group or other person you are traveling with. Here is a list of considerations to help you get the best Colorado vacation experience.
Summer Vacation Planning 
What summer Colorado activities are a priority for you and your group? Start by identifying the primary activity and prioritizing from there.
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Perhaps your bucket list includes visiting an adventure park, a scenic train ride, a hot springs visit, zip lining, getting a hike or two in, and rafting. Wow, that’s ambitious but it can be done. Once again, staying in a region like the Royal Gorge area can serve this up. If you look closely, you will find companies that even sell combinations of experiences in one day.
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If you're planning a backpacking trip. You will want to select a region, such as the Rocky Moutain National Park, and just stay there.
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If day hiking is more your thing. You will get the most hiking in by exploring a region versus trying to travel all over the state, but some travel is realistic.
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Are you planning to tour the state? Will you need lodging or will you be camping along the way?
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Summer tourist season in Colorado is popular. If you’re planning on camping, tent camping or RV camping, you will need to plan ahead. Reservations at public campgrounds are necessary, especially during “peak season”.
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Identify what “other” activities are important.
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Check-in with your travel companions and find out what activities they have in mind. You might find mutual interests or complete diversity. Knowing this will help you map out your route and where to find lodging.
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Activities such as Colorado events, historical tours, dining, art, farmers markets, rafting, or jeep tours.
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Winter Vacation Planning
Will your winter vacation be at a ski resort?
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There are 25 ski areas in Colorado, not including cross-country ski touring centers. First, understand the abilities and expectations of your group. Then investigate your options for what they offer, type of terrain, expense, apres ski activities, and more.
- There are other resort options besides ski resort towns. Many guest ranches stay open in the winter and offer a variety of winter activities. This is true for out-of-the-way cabin rentals and some of the natural hot spring resorts.
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Are all members of your group skiers, or are there snowboarders too?
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If you’re vacationing with a mix of skiers and snowboarders, as well as ability level. It’s best to closely examine the resorts with terrain parks and a mix of blue and expert-level ski runs. The larger resorts will have the most options.
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Does your group want to travel to different resort destinations or stay at a specific resort?
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If touring different resorts is what you have in mind. Staying in the Central part of Colorado is by far the most efficient. As all these resorts can be traveled to by car in a few hours. Or, skip the winter driving around, stay at a designated resort, and focus on your fun there.
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Is vacationing on a budget a concern?
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If being budget-minded is part of your vacation. Try planning your trip during the “off-season” or not “peak-season” times. Check out lesser-known resorts. In either case, you should be able to find deals on lift tickets and lodging.
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Are off-slope activities appealing, such as shopping, dining, spas, events, or alternative activities?
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If your group needs alternative activities. The bigger resorts will have the most varied selection of activities to choose from. However, popular attractions like winter scenic train rides, natural hot springs, and guided tours such as snowmobiling or sleigh rides are not necessarily at the resort. Check out “other attractions” first and then decided on the resort to stay at.
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Colorado's Endless List of Vacation Options
Colorado offers an almost endless list of vacation options. The first step is to understand if you want to tour around or stay in one place. Either has much to offer. However, touring the state will require more vacation planning. Please use our free vacation planning itinerary tool. This will help you keep track of the sights and experiences you don’t want to miss. Plus, organize your lodging and travel routes along the way.
Staying put at that special place in Colorado is also a good way to spend your vacation. With so much to explore in any given region of the State, it might make more sense for you just to find lodging in a favorite place and base all your activities on that location. In either case, feel free to request some of our free visitor guides, and use our free itinerary tool to help organize all the activities, keep the dates and times handy, and make your vacation more relaxing.
Colorado Destinations
Unique Colorado Destination
Colorado’s cities and towns are as diverse and beautiful as its landscape.
From the culturally rich city of Denver to the quiet mountain escape of Aspen. Colorado has a vacation destination for everyone. Are the high mountain peaks calling your name? Get to know Colorado and plan your trip to check off everything in your bucket list. Rafting, skiing, hiking, art shows, concerts, mountain biking, cycling, dinning, fishing, mountain retreats, exploring nature, and much more. Coloradoinfo.com has divided Colorado into 3 regions. Each of these regions represents unique characteristics and proximity.
View our interactive regional map of Colorado to take a closer look and find the locations you want to visit.
Order a free Colorado vacation planning guide to help find the perfect vacation spot!
The Central Mountains
The heart of the Rocky Mountains spans the state north to south, and is home to the highest elevated cities and towns in the country, which feature over two dozen ski resorts. This region is Colorado’s gem for world-famous ski areas, mountain lifestyle, and activities.
The Rockies Playground, recently named by the Colorado Tourism Office, is the most central region of the Rocky Mountains and includes some of Colorado’s most famous resort towns. Due to their close proximity and popularity as ski resorts, the name was chosen to appeal to potential tourists. This region’s towns include Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Winter Park, Glenwood Springs, Dillon and Leadville. However, significant resort towns lie north and south of the playground region, including Steamboat Springs in north-central Colorado. Resort towns in south-central Colorado include: Crested Butte, Monarch, Del Norte, Powderhorn and Wolf Creek. The Central Mountains region captures almost all of the mountain towns north to south, aside from Telluride and Durango.
The Central Mountains region includes several spectacular national forests.
All of which include amazing mountain scenery, wildlife, trail systems, nearby camping and towns. From north to south:
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
Steamboat Springs, a ski town. A large area with a variety of mountain attractions. - White River National Forest
The Rockies Playground, many ski resort towns. Engulfed in mountain recreation. - Pike and San Isabel National Forest
The Royal Gorge attraction. This area is rich with wilderness, fourteeners, Backpacking, Camping…More on recreation. - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Crested Butte ski resort and nearby Gunnison. A variety of summer & winter recreation. - Rio Grande National Forest
Wolf Creek ski resort, nearby towns Pagosa Springs and Alamosa, lie within the Mystic San Luis Valley. A huge wilderness area including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Alamosa National Refuge. This area is considered Colorado’s undiscovered jewel. Discover solitude and self-reliance.
The Front Range & Plains
A way of referring to how the plains of Colorado meet the eastern slope of the continental divide.
If you want to watch a broadway show or enjoy a museum exhibit, you will have the most options in the Front Range. The urban cities of Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs are well known for their performing arts, museums, and cultural festivals.
Front Range Mountain Attractions
The Front Range region includes notable attractions such as Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Pikes Peak, a whole family mountain attraction, lies just west of Colorado Springs. Featuring a scenic train, rafting, horseback riding and much more.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an amazing music venue in the foothills west of Denver.
Colorado’s Western Slope
A general way of referring to Northwest and Southwest Colorado.
The Western Slope is a much more remote experience. Grand Junction is the largest city in the area and is often referred to as a city with a small-town feel. This high plains region is rich in agriculture, canyonlands, and warmer weather. Offering up a distinctively unique variety of Colorado destinations.
Northwest Colorado, or The Great West
Features of this area are the national parks such as Dinosaur National Park, the remote Brown’s Park, and the wild horses of the Sand Wash Basin. This area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts offering a variety of camping, RV parks, off-road vehicles, horseback riding, rafting, cycling and exploring in general. While the mountains are melting down, northwest Colorado is in full bloom.
Southwest Colorado, or The Mountain Mesas
Another very diverse region of Colorado with a mix of Colorado destinations and ski resort towns such as Telluride, and Durango. Complemented by Montrose, a very agricultural community but also rich with adventure. In the very southwest corner of Colorado is Cortez. Surrounded by big attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley . Cortez is also the gateway to the Four Corners and the Canyonlands of Utah
Royal Gorge Region
Welcome to the Royal Gorge Region
The Royal Gorge Region, is a great vacation choice among many beautiful and fun Colorado destinations. Base your adventure in Cañon City, the “Climate Capital of Colorado”! Where it is warmer, dryer and sunnier than Colorado Springs and Denver. Close and convenient, but without the crowds and traffic that can overwhelm other popular destinations.
Request a FREE visitors guide or email about the Royal Gorge Region.
Attractions
Families and visitors of all ages will find there are loads of options to enjoy the area’s amazing scenery or participate in some real Colorado fun,
- Experience the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Route scenic train.
- Take a guided jeep tour.
- Check out the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Take in the sweeping mountain vistas from America’s highest suspension bridge, or sign up for some of the other Park’s adventure experiences.
- Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine from the local, award-winning winery.
- Explore the unique geography while hiking or mountain biking.
Many visitors consider the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River the finest natural assets. America’s top destination for whitewater rafting and anglers relish the fact that it is the country’s longest stretch of Gold Medal Trout water. The trail networks offer something for every ability level, whether on foot or a bicycle. Up for a challenge? Check out mountain bike trails or world-class rock climbing. Try the exhilarating experience of ziplining across the gorge, plus classic and extreme courses above treetops and canyons.
Downtown Cañon City
Don’t forget to visit the region’s museums, history and heritage sites. Downtown Cañon City and Florence are both hidden gems offering quaint, locally-owned shops, farmer’s markets, restaurants, breweries, and annual festivals. Learn about dinosaurs that roamed this land 150 million years ago through outstanding indoor and outdoor exhibits and interpretive trails. Check out the Royal Gorge Dinosaur experience just north of Canon City. They have all kinds of fun for the kids including interactive exhibits.
Plan more than a day to experience all the Royal Gorge Region has to offer. The recommendation is to spend at least a night, or more. Options include hotels, motels, cabins, B&B’s, full-service and forest campgrounds, or even glamping! Enjoy your visit! Cañon City looks forward to welcoming you to the attractions and activities that await in the Royal Gorge Region. Safe travels.
Fremont County Tourism Council
Cripple Creek
Discover Cripple Creek, Colorado
On the back side of Pikes Peak, snugged onto the hillsides of a once-rollicking and wildly rich gold camp, sits today’s Cripple Creek, a limited-stakes gaming town that draws visitors from around the world.
Like many of Colorado’s mountain towns, it was first home to the Ute tribe, which moved through the high country with the seasons, living off the abundance of game and fish.
When settlers discovered gold, the landscape changed dramatically. It was Bob Womack, who had searched in vain along the southwest slope of Pikes Peak for more than a decade before hitting paydirt in 1890. Ironically, his riches were found in a place known as Poverty Gulch, which eventually became Cripple Creek.
Thousands of prospectors and the ancillary businesses of merchants and ladies of the night came to the region, and between the time of Womack’s discovery and 1910, the region was hailed as the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” If you were assign a 21st century value to the 22.4 million ounces of gold extracted from more than 500 mines during Cripple Creek’s heyday, you’d have yourselves more than $11 billion.
Gambling Strike in 1991
Although gold production declined dramatically in a relatively short period of time, Cripple Creek hit it big again in 1991 with legalized gambling. Many of the historic buildings became refurbished casinos and hotels, and new edifices were erected where others once stood.
In 1995 an open-pit gold mine was opened at the site of the old Cresson Mine, and it continues to produce today.
Now for many the draw is the glitter of the casino and the sounds of the electric slots and the murmur of gamers at the tables. But for history buffs, the Cripple Creek Historic District, a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, offers a wonderful glimpse into times gone by.
Many shops maintain the rustic ambience of old-time mining days, and the Cripple Creek Heritage Center offers hands-on displays that bring the past alive. Today, visitors to the area can experience the rich Cripple Creek, Colorado history through its shops, attractions and museums.
You can also tour 1,000 feet underground in the historic Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, and the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad provides another perspective on the area’s past.
Colorado Winter
Colorado Winter
Colorado's central location and 25 world-class ski resorts attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. With convenient non-stop flights, regional airports, discount travel packages, and other means of getting around the mountains, snow enthusiasts are quickly placing Colorado at the top of their must-visit lists. Colorado's ski areas span the state, covering more than 40,000 acres of terrain beginning at the sky-scraping Continental Divide and unfolding north, south and west deep into the Centennial State's majestic mountain ranges. Learn more about skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Colorado's world-renowned resorts and accommodating ski towns beckon travelers of all backgrounds, ages and interests, with every ski resort offering something different. From the family of four looking for lessons and a laid-back day on groomed runs to the hardcore backcountry hike-it crowd, there's a resort that will exceed expectations
Colorado Summer
Colorado Summer Vacation
A Colorado summer vacation is all about celebrating and enjoying the great outdoors, and with 300+ days of sunshine, it’s easy to have the perfect day. Experience one of the many stunning Rocky Mountain sunsets, races and contests, unrivaled outdoor concert venues, food and wine festivals, golfing, horse riding, hiking, rafting and much more as you travel through Colorado. Don’t forget the sunscreen and lots of water.
Request a FREE Summer Travel Guide
Top 10 Can’t-miss Colorado Summer Activities
1. Whitewater Rafting
Rafting in Colorado is our favorite can’t-miss chance for fun. There are floats for every kind of friend or family adventure. Raft the Royal Gorge and experience class-V rapids as the Arkansas River carries you under the Royal Gorge Bridge. Head a little further west to Salida to catch their annual Fibark Festival and see what the fuss is about. Raft through Brown’s Canyon National Monument, or head north with the kiddos to raft the Colorado River with smaller rapids, but plenty of fun. Local’s Tip: water is highest in the spring and early summer as the snow melts off the mountains to fill our Rivers. Book early for an adrenaline-filled adventure, or wait until later in the Colorado summer to take the kids on a mellow float.
2. Mountain or Road Biking
Colorado boasts 26 scenic byways, with views to take your breath away if the altitude doesn’t get you first. Pound out the miles as you tackle Independence pass between Leadville and Aspen, or watch for wildlife as you pedal over Trail Ride Road in Rocky Mountain Nation Park. If you prefer dirt under your tires, visit one of the many lift-accessed bike parks, like Keystone Resort or Crested Butte Mountain resorts. There are also thousands of miles of singletrack around the state. Wait for the snow to melt and experience high alpine rides in Summit County, this Colorado summer during July, August, and September. Local’s tip: Stick to the road after its rained. Our dirt dries fast, but if you ride when it’s wet, your knobby tires will do significant manage.
3. Horseback Riding
Colorado’s “wild west” roots live on, with many ranches offering horseback rides for the whole family. Saddle up, head into the plains, or over the trails to expansive vistas. If you bring your own horses, many trails outside of Denver are horse-friendly. Durango has an active equestrian culture with many trails and ride opportunities!
4. Ziplining & Aerial Parks
Fly over canyons and zip over rivers. Ziplining is an activity growing in popularity for good reason – It is so much fun for every age! Race your friends in a dual slalom race to the finish while your family cheers from below! Then test your balance on the aerial parks with rope ladders, wooden platforms, and balance beams. Both activities utilize 4-point harnesses to keep everyone safe and having fun. Local’s tip: Book a package of ½ day of zipline, followed by ½ day a the aerial park, which many times includes lunch for everyone!
5. Golfing
There are over 250 golf courses in Colorado, with many that are playable year-round! The thin air in Colorado lets your ball fly further than at sea-level, so don’t let a 144 slope make you nervous. Colorado Spring’s Castle Pine’s Golf Club has hosted PGA golf tours on its Jack Nicklaus-designed course and is always rated one of the best courses in the country. Cañon City and Pueblo are in the “banana belt” of Colorado and have courses open all year. Local’s tip: Many courses offer reduced greens fees for last-minute tee times, so don’t stress if you want to play a late 9-hole after lunch.
6. Rock Climbing
Pack the chalk back on your sticky shoes! Garden of the Gods or the Boulder Flat Irons are popular spots near Denver for multiple routes and a variety of difficulty. The town of Rifle has some of the best limestone climbing areas in the country with near-by camping sites. Not to far from Rifle is another climbing hot spot: Black Canyon of the Gunnison which has over 140 documented routes up the canyon walls for experienced climbers. Local’s Tip: Make it a real Colorado Adventure by hiking or biking into your route.
7. Soaking in Hot Springs
When you’re ready for real relaxation, Colorado’s natural hot springs await you. Try a rustic hike-to Radium Hot Springs near Kremmling, where you can wave to the passing kayakers and rafters on the Colorado River. Or if you prefer a more spa-like retreat, head west to Glenwood Springs for various hot springs and vapor cave options!
8. Scenic Train Rides
Spend the day riding the rails and taking in the scenery. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable adventure aboard original 1880s steam engine trains. Local’s tip: Take the train to Silverton, but then take the bus back over Red Mountain Pass to spend more time in Silverton AND Durango.
9. Fishing
Colorado has 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs to choose from, including many sections of gold medal fishing waters. Float the Colorado or wade into the Blue River for your best chance to catch a prized trout or salmon. Check in with a local outfitter to get the best flys and lures for the area, and don’t forget your fishing license! Local’s tip: Book a guided trip to really get insider information from a local.
10. Kayaking or StandUp Paddle boarding
These popular modes will keep you fit and smiling on white or flat water. Test your balance while SUPing on Dillon Reservoir. Marinas in Frisco and Dillon offer rentals by the hour or the day. Follow the shoreline to stay away from any boat wake. Pack a snack and picnic with your dog on the islands you’ve only seen from a distance. Local’s tip: Go early in the day before the winds kick up!
Other Popular Colorado Summer Activities
- ATV Rentals and tours
- Hiking
- Camping
- Visiting State and National Parks
- More summer vacation activity ideas.
by Kathleen Fitzsimmons
Lodging & Accommodations
Colorado Lodging & Accommodations
Big blue skies, wide open spaces, and majestic mountains - Colorado has it all. With these many attractions and activities comes a variety of lodging options. Understanding where best to stay depends on your expectations for your Colorado vacation. Camping is for those who want to get close to nature versus staying at an Inn in one of Colorado’s popular resort towns. You can find the highest luxury appointments in Colorado and have just about everything catered, or discover more out-of-the-way cabins and motels that provide location access to various attractions. Colorado has developed as an expert in accommodating tourists of all types. With a little looking around, you will certainly find the lodging and vacation experience that will meet your expectations and budget.
At ColoradoInfo.com you’ll find everything from the Frisco Lodge and Frisco Inn B&B’s to the Royal Gorge RV Resort to Estes Park’s Aspen Winds Condos to Dillon’s BW Ptarmigan Inn to Aspen’s St. Moritz Lodge to the Vail Mountain Haus Condominiums
Know where you want to stay? Skip to the info.
Resort Town Lodging
Staying at one of Colorado’s resort towns is commonly associated with ski vacations. Thankfully for that popular activity, Colorado’s resort towns have various lodging choices that are available year-round. Local resort management companies will book lodging or seek out an online booking website. Resort town lodging often has “deals” on lodging during off-seasons or between peak seasons. Staying in a resort town is perfect for those who want to experience the liveliness of mountain town life and access mountain attractions, outdoor activities, or events.Types of resort town lodging
- Ski chalet rental - These can be ski-in, ski-out, or located within close proximity to the lifts. Best for large groups or families. They come complete with kitchens, living spaces, game rooms, hot tubs, and more, depending on the chalet.
- Bed & Breakfast Inns - most commonly located near or within resort communities. These small personable Inns are often historical and well-appointed. In addition to being within close proximity of the ski slopes, they are usually around the corner to downtown districts and provide access to venues, restaurants, shopping, and more. Often Inns include spa services, facilitate reservations, or help you find guided experiences.
- Condominium Rentals - Condominium complexes are found at ski resorts, and condos can be rented for several days or weeks. Ski area condominiums can vary from older and dated in their appointments to economy-style construction or very high-end, fancy. Condos usually have kitchens, living space, and access to shared hot tubs or pool areas. The high-end condos might have hot tubs within the unit, or a common pool, hot tub, gym facilities, and access to other services. That could include spa services, concierge services, food services, and more. Renting a condominium is a good choice for groups and families.
- Brand Name and Local Motels - Almost all popular brand name motels can be found near the ski slopes. The services they provide are typical of that brand. It’s not uncommon to find luxury brand-name motels slopeside of popular ski resorts.
Popular Destination Lodging
Colorado is full of popular destinations besides ski resort towns. Such as Estes Park, the Royal Gorge Region, Casinos, or any of the National Monuments, National Forests, and public lands. Due to Colorado’s diverse topography, rich western history, and a plethora of public lands and parks, there is a lot to see and do. Depending on what you want to do, lodging options change when looking beyond a resort town.- Campgrounds, RV parks, Cabins, and alternate lodging options - Common around water attractions such as whitewater rivers, mountain lakes, state parks, forest access, and BLM lands, is usually an assortment of campgrounds for both tent campers and RV travelers. Yurts, cabins, bunkhouses, RV parks, AirBnB, and other similar types of lodging are also found in these areas; however, they are usually associated with a private business such as a guest ranch, natural hot springs, or rafting outfits. State parks often offer cabin rentals, RV, and tent campsites as well.
- Popular destinations such as the Royal Gorge region or towns like Silverthorne and Ouray have different attractions such as off-road touring, amusement parks, gambling, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, or even sailing. Lodging in these locations can be the most varied, from remote mom-and-pop motels, quaint Inns, guest ranches, and luxury hotels to campgrounds and RV parks. Essentially the traveler will choose from what’s available and their budget.
- Colorado’s Luxury Hotels and Resorts - Many of Colorado’s luxury hotels grew out of the 1800s mining boom and the need to facilitate early business development and provide luxury experiences to Colorado’s early elite vacationers. Luxury hotels and resorts can be found in various places throughout Colorado and facilitate the traveler in many extraordinary ways, including guided outdoor mountain experiences and extensive spa services. Colorado’s luxury hotels and resorts are for those who prefer the red carpet treatment.
