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A little about Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek is full of museums and attractions that herald its history as an old west mining town. Take a ride on our railroad through the beautiful mountain passes or take a stab at finding your own nugget. We also have hiking, biking, shopping and gaming that is unique and special. You will remember your visit to Cripple Creek.

The history of Cripple Creek

At an elevation of 9,494 feet (2,894 m) and just below tree line, for many years, Cripple Creek's high valley was considered no more important than a cattle pasture. Many prospectors avoided the area after the misnamed Mount Pisgah hoax, a mini gold rush caused by salting (adding gold to worthless rock). On 20th October, 1890, however, Robert Miller "Bob" Womack discovered a rich ore and the last great Colorado gold rush began. Thousands of prospectors flocked to the region, and before long W. S. Stratton located the famous Independence lode, one of the largest gold strikes in history. In three years, the population increased from five hundred to ten thousand by 1893. Although half a billion dollars' worth of gold ore was dug from Cripple Creek, Womack himself would die, penniless, on 10th August, 1909

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