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Pikes Peak and Gold Belt Scenic Byway Weekend
A classic Colorado loop starting from Colorado Springs, featuring the high-altitude thrills of Pikes Peak, the historic mining charm of Cripple Creek, and the dramatic canyon scenery of the Gold Belt Backcountry Byway.
2days
8stops
241km
Day 1: Garden of the Gods → … → Cripple Creek Heritage Center
2h 49min · 144km4 stops
Garden of the Gods
09:00-10:48
1h 1min · 45km
Pikes Peak Summit
11:42-13:30
58min · 38km
Manitou Avenue Food District
14:24-16:12
50min · 60km
Cripple Creek Heritage Center
16:12-18:00
Day 2: Victor Lowell Thomas Museum → … → Old Colorado City
2h 16min · 97km4 stops
Victor Lowell Thomas Museum
09:00-10:48
14min · 11km
Phantom Canyon Road
11:42-13:30
46min · 24km
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
14:24-16:12
1h 16min · 62km
Old Colorado City
16:12-18:00
Heads Up
- 1. Pikes Peak Highway requires timed entry reservations during peak season; book in advance online.
- 2. Phantom Canyon Road is a gravel back road; check local weather conditions as it can be narrow and winding.
- 3. High altitude awareness: stay hydrated and be prepared for significantly cooler temperatures at the summits.
- 4. Verify the status of the Gold Belt Byway roads (Shelf Road or Phantom Canyon) for any seasonal maintenance closures.