The best route from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek is US-24 West through Woodland Park to the town of Divide, then south on Colorado Highway 67 for the final 18 miles into town. The full drive is about 45 miles and takes roughly one hour. The route is fully paved and open year-round, climbing from the Springs up to 9,494 feet through some of the best mountain scenery in the Pikes Peak region.
Double Eagle Hotel & Casino sits right in the heart of it all at 442 E Bennett Ave in downtown Cripple Creek, which makes it an easy landmark to point your GPS toward once you roll into town.
What this post covers:
- The best route from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek
- How long the drive really takes
- What Highway 67 is like (and the winding part near town)
- Driving the route in winter
- Fun stops worth making along the way
- Where to park and stay once you arrive
How Far Is Cripple Creek from Colorado Springs?
Cripple Creek is about 45 miles from Colorado Springs, and the drive takes around one hour without stops. It feels shorter than the mileage suggests because most of it is a straight shot west on US-24, a well-maintained highway that carries commuters and travelers every day of the week.
For reference, if you are coming from farther out: Pueblo is about an hour and a half away, and Denver is roughly two hours north.
What Is the Best Route to Cripple Creek?
The best route is US-24 West to Colorado Highway 67 South. Here is how it breaks down.
Leave Colorado Springs heading west on US-24. You will pass Manitou Springs, then climb through Cascade, Green Mountain Falls, and into Woodland Park, the largest town on the way and a good spot to grab gas or coffee. Keep going west to Divide, a small crossroads about six miles past Woodland Park. At Divide, turn left (south) onto Highway 67.
From Divide, it is about 18 miles on Highway 67 right into Cripple Creek. This is the prettiest stretch of the drive, winding through pine forest along the west side of Pikes Peak. Keep your eyes open for Big Horned Sheep along the way!
A Quick Tip on the Divide Turn
The turnoff at Divide is easy to miss if you are not watching for it. Get into the left lane as you approach Divide and look for the Highway 67 South signs. As your coming into Divide, you'll pass through the first stop light, and then turn left at the second stop light.
Is the Drive to Cripple Creek Hard or Winding?
Most of the drive is easy, but the last stretch of Highway 67 near Cripple Creek is winding and drops downhill into town, with a few spots where the speed limit falls to 25 mph as you enter town. None of it is technical mountain driving, and the road is paved the whole way. Just take the curves at a relaxed pace, especially if you are not used to mountain roads, and you will be fine.
The payoff is worth it. The final descent gives you your first look at the historic district laid out below, and it is a genuinely great way to arrive.
Can You Drive to Cripple Creek in Winter?
Yes, Highway 67 stays open year-round and is regularly plowed and maintained through the winter. That said, this is a mountain route that climbs to nearly 9,500 feet, so conditions can change fast. Snow and ice are possible from roughly October through April.
A few honest pointers for winter drives:
- Check road conditions before you leave at COtrip.org or the CDOT app
- Give yourself extra time and do not rush the curves
- Keep your gas tank topped off, since services thin out past Woodland Park
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive helps on snow days, but a careful driver in a standard car handles the route most of the year
Best Stops Between Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek
Part of the fun of this drive is that the route is loaded with worthwhile stops. If you have time, consider turning the trip into a half-day adventure.
- Manitou Springs — historic arts town with mineral springs, right at the start of the drive
- Garden of the Gods — the famous red rock formations sit just off US-24 near the Springs
- Woodland Park — restaurants, shops, and gas, the last real supply stop before the mountains
- Mueller State Park — hiking, wildlife, and overlooks just off Highway 67 south of Divide
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad — a short historic train ride once you reach town
Where to Park and Stay in Cripple Creek
Once you arrive, downtown Cripple Creek is compact and walkable, and parking is easy compared to a big city. Double Eagle Hotel & Casino is located at 442 E Bennett Ave, right in the center of the historic district, with on-site parking and 158 hotel rooms if you decide to make a night of it.
Turning the drive into an overnight is a popular move. You skip the return trip in the dark, you get a full evening and morning in town, and with the Play. Earn. Stay. program at Double Eagle, same-day players can earn points toward a room. It is an easy way to stretch a day trip into a proper weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek?
The drive takes about one hour without stops, covering roughly 45 miles. Traffic through Colorado Springs and slower speeds on the winding final stretch of Highway 67 can add a little time, so plan for about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes door to door.
What is the best route to Cripple Creek from Colorado Springs?
Take US-24 West through Woodland Park to Divide, then turn south onto Colorado Highway 67 for the final 18 miles into Cripple Creek. It is the most direct route, fully paved, and the most scenic way into town.
Is the road to Cripple Creek open in winter?
Yes. Highway 67 is a year-round, maintained route that is plowed through the winter. Because it climbs to nearly 9,500 feet, check conditions before you go during snow season and allow extra time in bad weather.
How high is Cripple Creek?
Cripple Creek sits at 9,494 feet of elevation on the southwest side of Pikes Peak. Visitors coming up from lower elevations should drink plenty of water and take it easy the first few hours, since the thinner air can affect you.
Is there anything to see on the drive up?
Plenty. The route passes Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Woodland Park, and Mueller State Park, any of which makes a worthwhile stop and turns the drive into an adventure of its own.
Plan Your Trip to Cripple Creek
The drive from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek is short, scenic, and easy, one of the best hour-long mountain drives in Colorado. When you are ready to make the trip, Double Eagle Hotel & Casino is right in the heart of town at 442 E Bennett Ave, with gaming, Lombard's Restaurant, and 158 hotel rooms waiting for you.
Or call 719-689-5000 to plan your visit.
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