Cripple Creek
Historic gold mining town and disc golf adventure.
Table of Contents
- What It Is
- Getting There
- Mountain View Adventure Park
- Historic Cripple Creek
- Casino Gaming
- Sample Itinerary
- Eating in Cripple Creek
- Nearby: Victor
- Practical Information
- Disc Golf: The Family Sport
What It Is
Cripple Creek sits on the slopes of Pikes Peak in what was once the world’s richest gold mining district. Today it’s a quirky mix of historic mining town, casino gaming destination, and mountain recreation area. For families, the disc golf course at Mountain View Adventure Park is a particular draw.
Why Visit
- Mountain View Adventure Park – Excellent disc golf course
- History – Genuine gold rush heritage
- Gaming – Colorado’s casino town (adults)
- Quirky character – Donkeys roaming the streets
- Easy access – 30 miles, 45 minutes from Eleven Mile
Getting There
From Eleven Mile: ~30 miles, ~45 minutes
- Head east toward Lake George
- Take US-24 east to Divide
- Turn south on CO-67 to Cripple Creek
The drive crosses the back side of Pikes Peak—scenic mountain road with forest and meadow views.
Mountain View Adventure Park
Disc Golf Course
Address: 365 E. Carr Avenue, Cripple Creek Holes: 18 Difficulty: Intermediate Features: Mountain terrain, forest, meadows, elevation changes
This is one of the highlights for active families. The course offers:
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Challenging but playable layouts
- Mix of open and wooded holes
- Significant elevation changes (it’s mountain disc golf)
Playing the Course
Bring your own equipment or purchase/rent at:
- Local sporting goods stores
- Some on-site availability (call ahead to confirm)
Course etiquette:
- Let faster groups play through
- Replace divots
- Watch for hikers on shared paths
- Keep track of discs (vegetation can swallow them)
Cost: Typically free or minimal fee for day use
For Disc Golf Newbies
Disc golf is accessible for beginners:
- Basic rules similar to ball golf
- Throw disc toward “basket” target
- Count throws, lowest score wins
- Family-friendly competition
Starter strategy:
- Bring 2–3 discs per person (driver, mid-range, putter)
- Don’t try to throw too hard initially
- Focus on accuracy over distance
- Have fun—nobody’s a pro on vacation
Other Park Features
Mountain View Adventure Park also offers:
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
- Scenic overlooks
- Sometimes seasonal activities (check current offerings)
Historic Cripple Creek
Mining History
In 1891, gold was discovered on the slopes of Pikes Peak. Within a decade, Cripple Creek became one of the world’s richest gold fields, producing over $500 million in gold (in early 1900s dollars). The population swelled to 50,000.
Today you can:
- Tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine (descend 1,000 feet underground)
- Visit mining museums
- See preserved Victorian architecture
- Learn about the labor struggles and mine fires
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour
What: Underground gold mine tour Duration: ~1 hour Depth: 1,000 feet underground Best for: Ages 6+ (not for claustrophobic visitors) Features: Working equipment demonstrations, gold veins visible
This is the real deal—an actual mine, not a recreation. You descend in a mine cage and walk through tunnels where miners worked over a century ago.
The Donkeys
Yes, burros (donkeys) roam the streets of Cripple Creek. These are descendants of mining burros released when mines closed. They’re semi-wild, protected by law, and part of the town’s character.
Rules:
- Don’t feed them (harmful to their health)
- Don’t chase or corner them
- Observe from respectful distance
- They have right of way
Casino Gaming
Cripple Creek is one of three Colorado mountain towns with legal casino gaming (along with Central City and Black Hawk).
For adults only (21+). If some adults want gaming while others do disc golf with kids, this can work logistically.
Casinos include:
- Bronco Billy’s
- Wildwood Casino
- Double Eagle
- Various smaller establishments
Notes:
- Stakes limited by Colorado law
- Atmosphere ranges from casual to smoky
- Not a Vegas experience—more small-town gaming
Sample Itinerary
Family Day (Disc Golf Focus)
8:30 AM: Depart Eleven Mile 9:15 AM: Arrive Cripple Creek 9:30 AM: Hit disc golf course (2–3 hours) 12:30 PM: Lunch in town (various options) 1:30 PM: Quick walk through historic district, spot donkeys 2:30 PM: Depart for Eleven Mile 3:15 PM: Back at camp
History Day
9:00 AM: Depart Eleven Mile 9:45 AM: Arrive Cripple Creek 10:00 AM: Mollie Kathleen Mine Tour (1 hour) 11:30 AM: Walk historic district 12:30 PM: Lunch 1:30 PM: District Museum or Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum 3:00 PM: Depart 3:45 PM: Return to camp
Split Group Day
- Teens + adults: Disc golf course
- Adults who want: Casino time
- History buffs: Mine tour + museums
- Reunite for lunch, drive back together
Eating in Cripple Creek
Options
| Place | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maggie’s Restaurant | American | Local favorite |
| Cripple Creek Hospitality House | Varied | Good family option |
| Casino restaurants | Various | Hit or miss |
| Various bars/grills | Pub food | Casual |
Not a culinary destination, but decent options for refueling mid-day.
Nearby: Victor
Location: 6 miles south of Cripple Creek What: Even smaller historic mining town Vibe: More authentic, less touristy Worth a visit if: You have extra time and want to see a less polished mining town
Victor looks more like the mining towns did in their decline—rougher edges, fewer casinos, more ghost-town feel. Fascinating for history buffs.
Practical Information
What to Bring (Disc Golf)
- Discs (3+ per person recommended)
- Water
- Snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Layers (mountain weather)
- Bug spray (optional)
What to Bring (General)
- Cash (small shops may prefer it)
- Camera
- ID for casinos (adults)
Weather
Cripple Creek sits at 9,494 feet—higher than Eleven Mile. Expect:
- Cooler temperatures
- Possible afternoon storms
- Strong sun
Services
- Gas available in town
- ATMs in casinos and around town
- Small grocery/convenience stores
Disc Golf: The Family Sport
Why It Works for Mixed Groups
- All ages can play together (adjust expectations)
- Low equipment cost (basic discs ~$10–15 each)
- Easy to learn, hard to master (fun at any level)
- Outdoor activity (nature, exercise, fresh air)
- Competition or casual (score or just play)
Teaching Kids
- Start with putter throws (easier to control)
- Aim for distance later, accuracy first
- Let them throw from where the disc lands (even if multiple throws)
- Celebrate good throws, ignore bad ones
- Snacks at the turn (hole 9)
Family Competition Ideas
- Team play: Adults + kids vs. other family teams
- Best ball: Each person throws, play from best position
- Match play: Hole by hole winners rather than total score
- Just for fun: Don’t keep score at all, enjoy the walk
The Unexpected Highlight: Many families who visit Cripple Creek “just for disc golf” discover that the historic town, the mine tour, and yes, even the wandering donkeys become the memorable parts. Plan for disc golf, stay for the character.