Why Cripple Creek and Victor Are Worth It in Fall

This part of Colorado sits high, with Cripple Creek around 9,500 feet and Victor a little higher. That means the colors tend to show up earlier than in the lower towns, usually in late September and into early October. We caught it just past peak, so some of the aspen had already dropped their leaves, but the pines, the golden hillsides and the long mountain views still made it a beautiful drive.

It also feels quieter than the big name fall spots. You get old mining history, wide open views and trails that do not require a long drive or an alarm set for 3am. If you want a gentle fall day that still feels like an adventure, this is a great one.

Our Route at a Glance

Here is how our day flowed. Nothing was rushed and we skipped a few extras that you can add if you have more time.

Hike the Horsethief Falls Trail at Horsethief Park

We started the day on the Horsethief Falls trail. I hiked this one with my sister earlier in the summer, and it was a completely different experience in fall. The trail is mostly lined with pine trees, with pockets of gold mixed in, and the whole walk felt calm and cozy. There are other trails in the Horsethief Park area, but this was the one we chose and it was a great fit for an easy morning.

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The Walk to the Falls

The path starts wide and climbs steadily along a creek. Stay straight at the junctions to keep following the signs toward Horsethief Falls. The forest is mostly pine, and a mountain peak (Sentinel Point) rises over the meadow near the start of the hike. The falls are small, not a huge Colorado showstopper, but with fall color around them the whole spot felt special.

Wander Through Cripple Creek

From the trailhead it is a short drive on Highway 67 into Cripple Creek, a former gold mining boomtown that is now known for its historic downtown and casinos.

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The Overlook Before Town

Just before the Cripple Creek Heritage Center there is a scenic overlook right off the highway, and the views were amazing. It is an easy pullout, and it gives you a bird’s eye view over the valley and the mountains beyond. Even if you only have a few minutes, it is worth stopping for photos.

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Downtown Cripple Creek

We had hoped to ride the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad with Tira, but it had already closed for the season when we visited. The train runs seasonally, so check the schedule before you go if a ride is on your list. We still enjoyed walking the historic downtown, with its brick storefronts and mountain backdrop. It is a nice area to stretch your legs and it was easy to stroll with a dog.

Planning Tip

The Cripple Creek Heritage Center is right there if you want a quick look at local history and a map of the area.

See Rita the Rock Planter in Victor

Rita the Rock Planter is a giant wooden troll made by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, and she sits on Little Grouse Mountain just outside Victor. The setting is the real star. You get wide views of the surrounding mountains and the old headframe of the American Eagles Mine, a reminder of the gold rush that built this area.

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Getting to Rita

You can walk up from the lower trailhead off Highway 67 or drive up to the small lot beside the mine headframe, then follow the short trail to Rita. Stay on the marked trail to protect the meadow, and pack out all trash and dog waste.

Good to Know

The area is open dawn to dusk. It is a quick visit, so it pairs well with the Victor loop right after.

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The Trail and the Mountain Views

The short trail from Rita gives you a great look at the Cripple Creek and Victor gold mine and the wooden American Eagles Mine structure. Then turn around and take in the mountains. The views from Rita were some of our favorite of the whole day, with fall color rolling across the hillsides in every direction.

Drive the Victor Scenic Loop

After Rita we looped through Victor and over the pass, and this was one of the prettiest stretches of the day. The hillsides still had good color, the road was quiet and we kept pulling over just to look around. This is the part that turned a simple day into a favorite one. Even if you skip every other stop, the drive alone is worth it.

Take a few minutes to roll slowly through downtown Victor too. It is a small, quiet town with old mining town character, and it makes a lovely backdrop for one more photo stop.

Stops to Add to Your Day

We kept our day simple, but these are the extras we recommend if you want to fill it out.

Make It a Weekend: Where to Stay

This works beautifully as a day trip, but it also pairs well with a longer stay in the Pikes Peak region. Here is how we would plan it.