Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
Cripple Creek, CO

In October of 1890, a man named Bob Womack discovered gold in what is now Cripple Creek, Colorado. The discovery set off a gold rush that continues even today. As the center of politics, finance, and entertainment for the Mining District, Cripple Creek grew quickly and soon had two opera houses, 75 saloons, eight newspapers, and a stock exchange.

Colorado's largest open-pit and heap-leach gold mine is found between Cripple Creek and Victor, Colorado. Although the methods of mining have changed, Cripple Creek still has all the trappings and charm of an Old West gold town. Historic hotels line Cripple Creek's streets, and you can even take an underground tour of a gold mine. Visit the Cripple Creek District Museum and the Lowell Thomas Museum in Victor to see relics left over from the gold boom. Stop at the Homestead House Museum to see another side of life on the old frontier. Driving and walking tours are also available, along with tours through the historic Mount Pisgah cemetery.