A Guide to Thrilling Adventures Near Cripple Creek

Sky view of an old western town, Cripple Creek Colorado. This t

When it comes to thrilling adventures in Cripple Creek, there is no better place to start your adventure than Triple Crown Casinos. Our casinos and hotels offer some of the most exciting casino action in Cripple Creek and are the perfect place to find nearby adventure in the Pikes Peak region. Keep reading to discover a few of the most thrilling adventures near Cripple Creek. 

Drive the Pikes Peak Highway

A view of the pikes peak winding road to the top of the mountain

Embarking on a drive up the Pikes Peak Highway is a truly incredible experience that is sure to impress. This 19-mile paved road, winding its way to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, offers a captivating adventure perfect for your next trip to Cripple Creek. As you start your journey on this winding road, keep an eye on the dramatic shifts in scenery, from lush forests to stark alpine tundra. On this scenic road, you will see breathtaking panoramic vistas every few miles that show the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains. The summit itself is a truly awe-inspiring experience, a place where you can stand atop one of Colorado’s iconic “fourteeners” and gaze out at a seemingly endless expanse of peaks, valleys, and plains. The newly renovated summit house offers a place to warm up, eat a famous Pikes Peak donut, and learn more about the history of the mountain. Driving Pikes Peak Highway is a chance to connect with nature, witness the beauty of the high-altitude environment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove / Guffey Gorge Park near Colorado Springs

Near Cripple Creek, you can find Paradise Cove. It’s also known as Guffey Cove and is a popular spot for cliff jumping. To arrive at the cove, you will have to take a short but steep half-mile hike. It’s a beautiful hike that follows a stream that eventually cascades into a small rocky cove. From here, you will see many visitors making the exhilarating jump off the nearby rocks. Bring a blanket to the cove and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Remember that cliff jumping can be dangerous, and water levels at the cove can fluctuate, so jump at your own risk.

Explore Cave of the Winds

A look at a cave roof.

Cave of the Winds is located off Highway 24, just outside of Manitou Springs. This thrilling adventure park offers cave experiences, rope courses, zip lines, an exhilarating Terror-Dactyl ride, and more. The cave offers three types of tours, including a discovery tour, a lantern tour, and an expedition tour. The ropes course and zip lines take you high above Williams Canyon, located just outside the park, giving you remarkable views of the canyon below. Those brave enough to ride the Terror-Dactyl will be launched 200 feet into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour! This is truly a one-of-a-kind destination and is one of the most unique places to find thrilling adventures near Cripple Creek.

Hike the Manitou Incline

a view from the top of the Manitou Incline located in Colorado

Also located in Manitou Springs, you will find an old cable car railway that has been transformed into a hiking trail now called the Manitou Incline. The Manitou Incline isn’t just a hike; it’s a legendary challenge and a badge of honor for fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Although this trail is only one mile long, it has 2,768 steps and gains almost 2,000 feet of elevation by the time you get to the end of the trial. On average, the grade for the trail is around 45%, but it can be as steep as 68%. 

It is recommended that you only attempt this trail if you are physically active and an advanced hiker. It is a challenge that is truly exhausting to even top athletes. If you have a medical issue, it can take first responders up to 3 – 4 hours to get to you, so you should avoid this trail if that is a concern for you.

Explore the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

A look at the Royal Gorge in Colorado

A short drive from Cripple Creek sits one of the highest and most famous suspension bridges in America, the Royal Gorge Bridge. Located in Cañon City, Colorado, this attraction is a favorite of thrill seekers near Cripple Creek. Enjoy Colorado’s beauty while standing nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. Walk across the bridge and check out the view of the river and canyon below.

While you’re at the park, you can check out the Cloudscraper Zip Line. This attraction lets you soar 1,200 feet above the roaring Arkansas River. It’s located on the South Rim of the Royal Gorge and runs parallel between the Royal Gorge Bridge and the Aerial Gondolas.

Take in Views at Skyline Drive

A view of Skyline Drive in Canon City.

Another must-see attraction in Cañon City, Colorado, is Skyline Drive. It is considered one of America’s most scenic drives and is known for its steep, cliff-side climb. There are no guardrails on this drive, so you can look right out the window to see what it would have been like to travel the road in the early 1900s.

This drive starts off of Highway 50 and is a one-way road. You will follow the path that overlooks the Royal Gorge, Cañon City, and the Arkansas River Valley. You can stop along the way to enjoy the view, and at the top, you can check out dinosaur tracks on the cliff face. It is best to take this route with a small car or truck.

Triple Crown Casinos in Cripple Creek

If you’re staying in Cripple Creek, consider staying at the Triple Crown Casinos and Hotels. Our newly renovated rooms put you right in the middle of the action in central Cripple Creek. Our friendly staff is known for their incredible hospitality, and we ensure your stay is unforgettable! Enjoy your thrilling adventures near Cripple Creek, and finish your evening with a highlight. 

elderly tourist playing slot machines and gambling in casino

The Brass Ass

For history lovers, The Brass Ass is the oldest casino in Cripple Creek. At the casino, you will find live-action Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, and Craps, along with up-to-date video poker and slot machines.

Midnight Rose

If you’re looking for a casino with the best gambling games around, you should check into the Midnight Rose. It is one of the most decorated gaming rooms in Cripple Creek. You can check out the Victorian-era surroundings while exploring two floors with over 300 of the newest and hottest slot machines and the only Poker Room in Cripple Creek.

McGills

If you want a hotel and casino with a large variety of games and plenty of space, McGills is for you. It has a large variety of progressive machines, slots, and video poker. Hang out on the mezzanine to enjoy a nice view of the main floor.

Use the Shuttle Bus

2 Ramblin Express luxury buses parked

Don’t want to drive to Cripple Creek?  Let the Ramblin Express luxury shuttle buses drive you safely from convenient locations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Woodland Park.  Enjoy your exhilarating adventures and end your day at Triple Crown Casinos!

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