Trail Overview

Gold Camp originally connected the Cheyenne Mountain area to Cripple Creek, but in 1988, Tunnel #3 collapsed, and a large section of Gold Camp was closed to vehicles, but left open to hikers and bikers. The road that now connects to Cripple Creek picks back up around the Broadmoor in southeast Colorado Springs. Technically, you will be on Old Stage Coach Rd before returning to the real Gold Camp Rd. This is not a challenging road, but it connects Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek and other great 4x4 roads on the way. It was initially a Ute Indian Trail and then a rail line. It features extensive views, especially in the fall when the aspens turn. Most of the 26 miles allow for two-way traffic, but there are many tight curves with low visibility and several washed-out areas, especially during the summer peak season.

Photos of Gold Camp Rd to Cripple Creek

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Difficulty

It could be a 1 except the road is not maintained regularly.

History

Originally it was a Ute Indian Trail that wound around Pikes Peak. It later became a railroad line with the discovery of gold in Cripple Creek. It had nine tunnels when built, but only tunnel #9 still remains. In the early 1900's another rail line to Cripple Creek opened and in 1939 the federal government took over gold camp. Tunnel #9 has been preserved by a local historical society.

Technical Rating

Wicked Bastard

Dec 28, 2025

Open

Trailhead two or three inches of snow in some places. Switchback turns could be slippery. Did not run into any significant issues

Alejandro Bedolla

Dec 13, 2025

Open

Light snow here and there but mostly melting.

Mike L

Nov 29, 2025

Open

A little icy in the shade but nothing serious

Sam Green

Nov 15, 2025

Open

Lesley Wathen

Jul 21, 2025

Open

Hunter Binkiewicz

May 17, 2025

Open

Very nice easy afternoon trail, we enjoyed taking in the sites along the way. We started from The Springs and went to Victor. Lots of traffic in the begging of the trail, many cars and people driving fast down the hill so stay alert. Once you get past the look out the trail became less busy. Highly recommend for a nice afternoon ride!

Tyler M

May 05, 2025

Open

Jeremy Portillo

May 04, 2025

Open

Great ride from Springs to Cripple Creek area, just beat all the rain. Not too bad, lots of people shooting, people still fly down these roads and aren’t thinking about others so be careful around really tight turns where you can’t see out. Great easy run, all around. No snow.

Christopher Elmore

Apr 27, 2025

Open

Trail was awesome. Still snow on the high peaks but road was dry and dusty. Lots of other vehicles on the trail. The trip is definitely one that is going to be repeated. We drove into cripple creek.

Taylor Ingram

Apr 06, 2025

Open

Minimal ice on the route passable by dirt bike / dual sport. Pretty decent ride.

T C

Feb 07, 2025

Open

Very muddy, with some sections of thick, slick ice/snow slush mixed with mud. A few sections of 8-12" deep ruts.

Keenan Combis

Jan 31, 2025

Open

Was only plowed up to county lines so wasn’t able to drive through the BLM section, open but lots of snow still

Caleb Hildebrand

Jan 07, 2025

Open

put down fresh tracks all the way to the tunnel.

Hunter Kahn

Oct 02, 2024

Open

Barney Royalty

Sep 08, 2024

Open

The road was fine. A few aspens are just starting to turn. They'll be spectacular in a few weeks!