Top 10 hikes around Cripple Creek, Colorado
Just beyond the historic streets of Cripple Creek, gold-rush trails wind through aspen groves, granite peaks, and high-country meadows with views stretching to Pikes Peak. Whether you're after an easy stroll or a summit push, these ten hikes. All within a short drive of Chamonix, are the perfect way to spend a day before returning to a hot meal, a spa treatment, and a comfortable bed.
Vindicator Valley Trail
Easy
2.0 mi loop · 341 ft gain · ~1 hr · Victor/Goldfield
Interpretive loop through the historic gold mining district. Best guest-friendly option.
Horsethief Falls Trail
Moderate
2.6 mi out-and-back · Pike National Forest
Short waterfall hike; family-friendly after a steep first half-mile.
Pancake Rocks
Moderate
6.5 mi out-and-back · ~3.5–4 hr
Signature rock formations with panoramic Pikes Peak views.
Sentinel Point Trail
Strenuous
6.5 mi Loop
The ascent requires hands-on Class 3 scrambling on high-consequence granite and involves significant off-trail route finding
Horsethief to the Crags Trail
Hard
15 mi out-and-back · 2,880 ft gain · ~7.5–8.5 hr
Point-to-point option with a car shuttle at the Crags trailhead.
Putney Gulch to Anne-Marie Falls
Moderate
3.9 mi out-and-back · 849 ft gain · ~2–2.5 hr
Forest, meadows, creek crossings, small waterfall. Limited trailhead parking — arrive early.
Raspberry Mountain via Ring the Peak Trail
Moderate
4.9 mi · ~2.5–3 hr
Shaded spruce forest with big summit views of the Crags and Pikes Peak.
The Crags Trail
Moderate
5 mi round trip
the area's most popular hike (5,100+ AllTrails reviews)
Devils Playground from the Crags
HARD
8.4 mi · ~6–6.5 hr
climbs toward Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak via Crags Campground
HARD
13.6 mi · full summit route from the west side
climbs toward Pikes Peak