Cripple Creek, Colorado, is the “Gateway to the Rockies.” It is a popular base camp for hikers and mountain climbers alike. The town is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and offers visitors a variety of activities such as golf, skiing, fishing, hiking, shopping, and dining.
Originally inhabited by Native people, the area also features a rich history dating back to the gold rush days of 1859. Since then, it has become home to many pioneers. It retains its western flavor and charm, making it an excellent place to visit.
Hiking and Fishing in Cripple Creek
Escape to this unique, historic town where you can walk along the streets and experience what it might have been like during the old gold mining days. Take a stroll through the trails, indulge in fishing in Cripple Creek and see its beautiful sites.
Horsethief Falls Trail
The Horsethief Falls Trail provides visitors with a moderate 5-mile round trip hike through the Pike National Forest. The trailhead begins at Horsethief Falls Campground on County Road 67 and leads to a series of cascading waterfalls. The trail is open year-round for hikers, dogs (on leash), horses, and mountain bikers.
Pancake Rocks Trail
Another fun hike is the Pancake Rocks Trail located at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. This 6-mile loop trail is perfect for families. Visitors will find the trailhead near the gift shop at the mine tour parking lot entrance and follow an easy hike along the creek bed that leads to Pancake Rocks.
Along this path, you’ll get great views of Pikes Peak and Mt. Pisgah and unique rock formations that resemble pancakes (hence the name). Some steep areas are no more than a few hundred yards long.
The trail will guide you through rock formations, scrub oak and pine trees, wildflowers, and other vegetation. The destination for this trail is the Pancake Rocks which are large slabs of sandstone that look like pancakes stacked on top of each other.
Horsethief Falls to Crags Trail
If you want something more challenging, the Horsethief Falls to Crags Trail takes you through meadows, across streams, and over bridges as it winds up to the parking area at the Crags campground.
At the end of this 9.67-mile hike, you will reach a scenic overlook that offers incredible views of Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The best part is most of these trails do not require any major license except if you want to fish, whereby you need to confirm where fishing is legal.
Day Trip Sporting Events Near Cripple Creek and Teller County
Coloradans love the outdoors, but they are also big sports fans. The state is home to several professional and college teams, and many of the games are within an hour or two of Cripple Creek. So, if you’re in town for a weekend and want to take in a game, it’s an easy day trip. Here are some of your options:
Rocky Mountain Vibes
The Rocky Mountain Vibes is a Minor League Baseball team based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that plays in the Pioneer League. They are an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers Major League Baseball team as of 2019. The Rocky Mountain Vibes play at UCHealth Park, which is over a 1000-seat stadium with countless day trips to see the team.
Source: Rocky Mountain Vibes
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team located in Denver. They play in Coors Field, a high–capacity seat stadium located on Blake Street near downtown Denver.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a National Football League team located in Denver. They play at Empower Field at Mile High, which is a high–capacity seat stadium and is located near downtown Denver. The Broncos play against teams from across the country and often host events like fireworks nights, giveaways, and parties to engage with fans.
Golfing Near Cripple Creek and Teller County
The best way to enjoy a lovely summer’s day in Cripple Creek, Colorado, is by golfing. Cripple Creek and Teller County are home to several golf courses. From the challenging Mountain Estates Country Club to the Shining Mountain Golf Course, there are plenty of nearby places for you to enjoy a game of golf.
Shining Mountain Golf Course
Shining Mountain is located just off Hwy 24, about 40 minutes west of Colorado Springs in Woodland Park. You will pass through some beautiful scenery as you wind your way west on Hwy 24 from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park.
This is a beautiful mountain community at the base of the Rocky Mountains with a quaint little downtown shopping district full of shops and restaurants perfect for those who like to shop or have a bite to eat after a round of golf.
Cripple Creek Mountain Estates Country Club
This 18-hole, par 72 course in Cripple Creek is excellent to play golf. With beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, this is truly every golfer’s dream. The course is 7,000 yards long and open to the public.
SKOL Ranch
This private golf club offers its members access to an 18-hole course, clubhouse with bar and grill, pro shop, swimming pool, and tennis courts. The club also offers social events throughout the year for members.
Sports Betting at Triple Crown Casinos
A great way to wind down after a long day of golfing and sports is by placing a bet on your favorite team. With sports betting being legal in Colorado, you can bet on your favorite games at Triple Crown Casinos. We offer sports betting on all major sporting events, from football to baseball and everything in between. To maximize your experience, take advantage of the Triple Play Club Card.
Sports betting is a great way to enjoy your favorite casino games, watch sports and win. We’re excited to be one of the first casinos in Colorado to offer sports betting. We’re ready with tables, kiosks, and our mobile app. It’s safe, easy, and offers excellent odds. So grab your friends, take a seat, and enjoy the game like never before.
The Triple Crown Casinos in Cripple Creek offer a variety of restaurants and gift shops. Three casinos make up the Triple Crown:
- Brass Ass
- Midnight Rose
- McGills
There’s no better place to stay in Cripple Creek than the Midnight Rose. The hotel’s history is reflected in our many original building features throughout the hotel and casino. As one of the oldest hotels in Cripple Creek, we are proud of our historical roots.
The Brass Ass Casino is located in the historic district of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and opened in June 2005. The Casino features over 15 table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em, and 3 Card Poker.
In addition to the table games, guests can enjoy an array of electronic games on one of our 300 machines. The Brass Ass Casino is home to special events such as tournaments and promotional drawings, which help keep the fun going at “Colorado’s Luckiest Casino.”
At McGills, you can enjoy live music, your favorite beverages, and good food. McGills has great poker games going on at all times, and you can also find blackjack and roulette tables there.
McGills Hotel & Casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer food service throughout the casino and hotel, a gift shop, free Wi-Fi, and free parking (steps away from the hotel entrance).
Don’t Want to Drive? Use our Shuttle Bus
There is no need to drive to and from your favorite casino in Cripple Creek when our shuttle can take you there for a minimal fee and bring you back safely after having fun with friends or family members. You will be able to see the beautiful scenery aboard the comfortable shuttles.
Teller County offers an array of activities for you and your family. We are a four-season vacation destination perfect for all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, history, and culture or need to relax and escape from your daily routine, Teller County is the perfect place for you. Triple Crown Casinos is a must experience.
