Major city · United States
Cripple Creek
Spend a half‑day to a full day for the main sights; add a second day if you want museums, casinos and a Victor visit, or extra time for outdoor drives.
Cripple Creek is a former gold‑rush town turned casino hub in the Rocky Mountains. Its compact centre lets you walk between historic sites, museums and the gaming district, while nearby Victor offers additional mining heritage. A 2‑day stay covers the main attractions; longer if you want to explore the surrounding backcountry or take the scenic Phantom Canyon drive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug (warm, clear weather, high tourist flow)
- avoid Dec–Feb (snow, limited road access)
- Airport
- COS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cripple Creek911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cripple Creek, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCripple Creek is safe for visitors; typical mountain‑town risks are wildlife (burros) and winter road closures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCOS Colorado Springs Airport (≈45 min drive (≈45 mi) via US‑24 and CO‑67 (check)).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable; most visitors drive in.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–$3
- BeerBeer (draft) in a casino bar$5–$7
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Cripple Creek District Museum)$5
A day, not counting the bed: Budget $70–$100 excl. lodging · Mid $120–$180 excl. lodging · High $200+ excl. lodging
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- COS Colorado Springs Airport (≈45 min drive (≈45 mi) via US‑24 and CO‑67 (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cripple Creek: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
5 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable; most visitors drive in. Parking is limited—use public lots or casino garages; illegal parking incurs fines. A car is useful for Victor and Phantom Canyon drives.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Victor, CO
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round‑trip
Drive south on CO‑67, about 7 mi (≈15 min) (check)
Preserved mining town with antique shops and the Victor Hotel.
Phantom Canyon drive
cautionDoor to door: ≈1 h each way
Continue south on CO‑67 to Highway 50, ≈30 mi (≈45 min) (check)
Narrow, partly unpaved road with single‑car sections; suitable for confident drivers.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Victor Hotel & Restaurant
Boutique hotel in nearby Victor, Victorian décor, close to museums
Hotel St. Nicholas
Historic 14‑room inn in Cripple Creek, includes breakfast
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. lodging
- Mid
- $120–$180 excl. lodging
- High
- $200+ excl. lodging
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–$3 |
| Beer (draft) in a casino bar | $5–$7 |
| Museum entry (Cripple Creek District Museum) | $5 |
| Parking fee in casino lot (per hour) | $5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Burros (wild donkeys) roam the streets; keep an eye on them.
- Parking fines and tow‑aways are enforced in the casino area.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Cripple CreekCripple Creek
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens can contact the US Consulate in Denver (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Colorado Springs → Cripple Creek (car): ≈45 min, 45 mi, about $10 fuel (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry (excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (where is the restroom)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cripple Creek. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug (warm, clear weather, high tourist flow) · avoid Dec–Feb (snow, limited road access) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a guided mine tour (Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine) for deeper history.
- Include a casino‑gaming night for evening entertainment.
Sources
Ask about Cripple Creek
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