As the leaves change color and fall gently to the ground, now is the perfect time to get out and explore all that Teller County and Cripple Creek have to offer. From hikes with stunning mountain views to drives through aspen-lined roads, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the crisp autumn air. Here are some of the best views in Teller County and Cripple Creek this fall that will grasp the attention of your camera. The scenic byways in this part of Colorado lead you through iconic towns, past mountain views and crystal-clear lakes, and the ruins and debris of the gold rush proper.
Here are some routes you might take through and around Cripple Creek this fall:
Enjoy Your Day in Breathtaking Natural Features and Beautiful Views
You don’t have to spend your day in downtown Cripple Creek to appreciate the area’s natural beauty. Take a short drive outside of town and explore all that Teller County offers. You’ll want to ensure your camera is handy with so many incredible views. From Gold Camp Road to Pikes Peak, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the best views in Teller County and Cripple Creek this fall. So, get out there and explore all the county has to offer!
1. Gold Camp Road
Over the years, Gold Camp Road has become one of the most popular scenic drives in Colorado. The road winds through the rugged mountains west of Colorado Springs, offering stunning views of the cityscape below. Aspen trees line the road and change color as fall approaches, making for a beautiful drive. Be sure to take Gold Camp Road to Cripple Creek for even more incredible views. You can enjoy the drive any time of the year, but it is particularly lovely in the fall.
2. Pikes Peak
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, look no further than Pikes Peak. At 14,115 feet, it is the highest summit of the Southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. You can drive to the top of Pikes Peak on the Pikes Peak Highway or take a more challenging hike up one of the many trails. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains and valleys below. Remember to pack your camera, as you’ll want to capture the view from the top. Pikes Peak is one of the best peaks offering Teller County and Cripple Creek views this fall.
3. Devil’s Head Lookout Tower
Head to Devil’s Head Lookout Tower for a unique area view. The tower is located in Pikes National Forest and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. You can see Pikes Peak and the city of Colorado Springs from the top of the tower. Devil’s Head is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and camping, so there’s plenty to do in the area. The tower is open year-round, but the views are beautiful in the fall.
4. Seven Falls
Seven Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado Springs. The falls are located within a box canyon and cascade down seven tiers, totaling 181 feet. You can take a scenic hike to the top of the falls or take an elevator ride for a bird’s eye view. Either way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the falls and the canyon below. Thanks to the changing leaves, you’ll notice that the views are even more beautiful in the fall.
5. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a must-see when visiting Colorado Springs. The park is home to unique red sandstone formations and offers stunning views of Pikes Peak. You can hike through the park or enjoy the views from one of the many lookout points. Garden of the Gods is also an excellent spot for rock climbing and picnicking.
6. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a must-see when in Manitou Springs. The Anasazi people built the dwellings, which are thought to be over 800 years old. The structures were built into the cliffs and offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a tour of the dwellings and learn about the history of the area. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are open year-round but are especially beautiful in the fall.
7. Phantom Canyon Road
Phantom Canyon Road is a great two-hour drive from Cañon City to Victor, just south of Cripple Creek. This road is unpaved but in good enough condition that you can drive it in a regular car as long as you take it steady. It’s twenty miles of short tunnels, old wooden bridges, and truly spectacular views, especially when the aspen trees change. The route is in a canyon with weird and wonderful rock formations.
8. Skyline Drive
Cañon City’s Skyline Drive is a short 2.6-mile road that is very popular with photographers. It’s a one-way drive because of the narrow road, but you can pull off in several places to take those photographs. The most direct route between Cripple Creek and Cañon City is the Phantom Gorge, but if you prefer to avoid that road, you can drive a longer way, which will only take about an hour. Of course, you will want to see Phantom Gorge if you are road-tripping to or from Cripple Creek.
9. Golden Loop Historic Parkway
This parkway is a 17-mile drive from Cripple Creek to Victor, so it starts here. It’s gorgeous in the fall, with aspens and miles of rolling hills and grasslands. The Vindicator Valley is a particularly great place to stop, with lots of mines in a small area. The main route also takes you past the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine and through the town of Goldfield, with its iconic fire station.
10. Gold Belt Scenic Byway
If you have all day or are taking in Cripple Creek as part of your road trip, route yourself along the Gold Belt Scenic Byway. This byway runs through Cañon City, Victor, and Florence, past Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge. The entire length is about 8 hours, but you don’t want to do it all in a day, as there are far too many places to stop. Drive up to Cripple Creek, stay at one of our casino hotels, then keep going.
Get The Taste of Triple Crown Casinos and Other Nightlife Activities in Cripple Creek This Fall
Gambling dominates the nightlife scene in Cripple Creek, with three casinos offering a wide variety of games and entertainment. The Triple Crown Casinos are the most popular in town, offering everything from blackjack and poker to slots and roulette.
The Brass Ass Casino
The Brass Ass is a typical old-west-themed casino that is your place if you want a more intimate gambling experience. You’ll get access to all of the classic casino games, plus live entertainment on selected nights.
The Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino
The Midnight Rose is one of the newer casinos in Cripple Creek, but it’s already become a popular spot for gambling and nightlife. The casino offers all your favorite table games, slots, and video poker, and you can also enjoy live entertainment on the weekends. After a night of gambling, check out the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Dynamite Dick’s, for a delicious meal.
McGills Hotel & Casino
McGills casino in Cripple Creek offers a little something for everyone. You’ll find all of your favorite table games, plus slots, video poker, and live entertainment. The hotel attached to the casino is also worth a visit, and the luxurious accommodations will make you feel like royalty.
What Next?
Fall is near, so it’s time to start planning your trip to Cripple Creek. Be sure to add these must-see attractions to your list. You won’t be disappointed. The nature and best views in Teller County and Cripple Creek await you. You can also keep the fun going by visiting the casinos in Cripple Creek. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today
