Travel Itineraries
Get Off The Paved Roads
Mountain Trip Itinerary
One Day Itinerary
Get off the paved roads and experience the authentic backcountry character of the Gold Belt Byway on this exciting one-day mountain adventure. Travel historic mining roads that once transported gold and supplies between the Arkansas Valley and America's Greatest Gold Camp.
This itinerary takes you up the legendary Phantom Canyon Road - following the original Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad grade - through Victor's authentic mining town atmosphere, and into Cripple Creek's living history. Perfect for those seeking scenic unpaved roads, mining heritage, and mountain town exploration.
Important Vehicle Requirements
High-clearance vehicles recommended for Phantom Canyon Road. NOT suitable for RVs, trailers, motor homes, or low-clearance vehicles. The road is winding, narrow (one lane in many places), and gravel for most of the route. Check weather and road conditions before departing.
Your Mountain Adventure
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am |
Breakfast in Florence or Cripple Creek
Choose your starting point and fuel up for your mountain journey |
| 9:00 am - 11:00 am |
Phantom Canyon Road Journey
Following the Gold Belt LineTravel the scenic gravel road that follows the historic Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad grade through Phantom Canyon. This engineering marvel once carried gold ore downgrade and supplies upgrade. Don't Miss:
Audio Tour Available: Enhance your journey with a narrated CD sharing railroad and mining history (719) 689-2461 |
| 11:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Explore Victor, Colorado
Lunch in VictorEnjoy lunch at a local restaurant in this authentic mining town "a stone's throw from the richest mines" Victor Museums
Historic Victor Walking TourDiscover the Gold Coin Mine site where the Wood brothers struck gold while digging a hotel foundation. Walk streets lined with historic buildings that housed the district's miners during the boom years. |
| 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
Cripple Creek Experience
Travel the short 7 miles to Cripple Creek and immerse yourself in America's Greatest Gold Camp: Museums
RailroadCripple Creek/Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic rides Mine TourMolly Kathleen Gold Mine - Underground tour CasinosLimited stakes gaming in historic buildings Dinner in Cripple Creek: Enjoy dinner and choose to overnight in Cripple Creek to experience the evening gambling atmosphere, or return to Cañon City via the paved High Park Road |
Road Conditions
- Gravel surface - allow extra travel time
- Watch for oncoming traffic on narrow sections
- Respect drop-offs and guardrails
- Check weather before departing
- Flash floods possible in summer storms
Photography Tips
- Pull completely off road for photos
- Morning light best for Phantom Canyon
- Afternoon light ideal for Victor/Cripple Creek
- Capture historic railroad remnants
- Mine structures and headframes make great subjects
Elevation Changes
- Florence: 5,187 feet
- Phantom Canyon base: 5,500 feet
- Victor: 9,708 feet
- Cripple Creek: 9,494 feet
- Bring layers for temperature variations
Map & Directions
