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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

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Cripple Creek — start and end in Colorado Springs.

DAY01

Garden of the Gods → Cripple Creek

144 km · 2h 49m driving · Overnight in Cripple Creek Heritage Center
  1. 09:00
    Garden of the Gods· start
  2. 45 km · 1h 1m
  3. 11:42
    ⭐ Pikes Peak Summit
  4. 38 km · 58m
  5. 14:24
    Manitou Avenue Food District
  6. 60 km · 50m
  7. 16:12
    Cripple Creek Heritage Center· overnight
DAY02

Victor → Old Colorado City

97 km · 2h 16m driving
  1. 09:00
    Victor Lowell Thomas Museum· start
  2. 11 km · 14m
  3. 11:42
    ⭐ Phantom Canyon Road
  4. 24 km · 46m
  5. 14:24
    Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
  6. 62 km · 1h 16m
  7. 16:12
    Old Colorado City
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Day 1Stay in Cripple Creek · Night 1
Heads Up
  • Pikes Peak Highway requires timed entry reservations during peak season; book in advance online.
  • Phantom Canyon Road is a gravel back road; check local weather conditions as it can be narrow and winding.
  • High altitude awareness: stay hydrated and be prepared for significantly cooler temperatures at the summits.
  • Verify the status of the Gold Belt Byway roads (Shelf Road or Phantom Canyon) for any seasonal maintenance closures.