Attention Tour Operators: Phantom Canyon Road is not suited for motor-coaches
Dear enthusiastic fellow explorers, let me take a moment to introduce you to a
historic and picturesque segment of Colorado that feels as though it's been
lifted from the pages of an Old West novel. Today, I am thrilled to guide you
towards an enriching journey through the historic towns of Cripple Creek and
Victor, all along the scenic Colorado State Road 67, and finally to the
stunningly beautiful Phantom Canyon.
Cripple Creek, a town where history runs as deep as the gold veins that put it
on the map, offers a treasure trove of stories from Colorado's vibrant mining
era. The Cripple Creek District Museum
www.cripplecreekmuseum.com and
the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
www.goldminetours.com together offer an immersive glimpse into the lives of
the 19th-century miners who sought their fortunes here. For an entertaining
diversion, do catch a show at the wonderfully preserved Butte Theater
www.buttetheater.com.
A short drive south on the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway, more
commonly known as State Road 67, will lead you to Victor, often referred to as
the "City of Mines". It's worth exploring the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum to
understand the city's gold mining history, and to experience a stunning view of
the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.
Driving further north from Cañon City, prepare to be amazed by Phantom Canyon.
This route, which follows what was once the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad,
snakes through a landscape carved by centuries of geological activity. Be sure
to have your camera ready, as the narrow, winding road offers magnificent views
of the canyon's cliffs and the abundant wildlife that call this place home.
Be advised, though, the Phantom Canyon Road is unpaved and can be a little rough
in places, so it's best suited for high-clearance vehicles and is impassable
during winter months or after heavy rains. But if you're prepared for a bit of
an adventure, it's undoubtedly worth the trip.
To fully enjoy the unique charm of Cripple Creek and Victor, as well as the
stunning vistas along State Road 67 and Phantom Canyon, I suggest you take your
time. There's something genuinely timeless about this journey - in the stories
of miners who once walked these streets, the historic buildings that line them,
and the untamed beauty of the landscape that surrounds it all.
Your adventure through the heart of Colorado's gold country will undoubtedly be
one for the books. Yours truly, M.K.W.
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