Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Phantom Canyon
(
www.goldbeltbyway.com
)
Even if you weren't planning on heading to Cripple Creek, this in-
credible 35-mile drive might make you change your mind - anyone with a sense of adven-
ture and history will enjoy this trip. It follows a sinuous old railroad grade (the Florence &
Cripple Creek; 1894-1912) through gorgeous red sandstone cliffs and blasted-out tunnels
to historic Victor.
To get here from Cañon City, follow Hwy 50 six miles east, then turn north onto
County Rd 67. The dirt road climbs 4500ft in elevation; expect to spend 1½ to two hours
going one way. You can drive this in a car, as long as the weather permits. Taking Shelf
Road back down to Cañon City makes for a great day trip.
SCENIC DRIVE
Shelf Road
(
www.goldbeltbyway.com
)
An old stagecoach road that once connected Cañon City with Cripple
Creek, much of this drive - with its red earth, low-growing piñon pines and juniper, and
sheer limestone cliffs - feels like you've entered the set for an old Western. The final 8
miles of this 26-mile road are unpaved and definitely not for those with vertigo.
Coming from Cañon City, the first site you'll pass is the Garden Park Fossil Area
(
Click here
)
, the site of major dinosaur discoveries.
Further along is the Shelf Road Recreation Area, home to one of the top
sport climbing
destinations in the state. The 1000 or so bolted climbs are generally short (60ft to 140ft),
but are accessible year- round - although the sun can be scorching in summer. You can
camp at Sand Gulch Campground.
Past the climbing area is the 'shelf', where the drive narrows and really starts to get in-
teresting. Originally a toll road ($1.75 stagecoach, 30¢ horse and rider), the next few
miles were carved out of the canyon wall. Take it slow in this section as fallen rocks on
the road and oncoming cars can pose a major hazard - you wouldn't want to suddenly
swerve. Give yourself two hours to reach Cripple Creek.
SCENIC DRIVE
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
( 888-724-5748;
www.royalgorgeroute.com
; 330 Royal Gorge Blvd; adult/child from $39/28; 9am, 12:30pm,
3:30pm & 6:30pm summer, reduced hr rest of yr)
In 1999, following a 32-year hiatus, passenger ser-
vice on the Royal Gorge Route, a 12-mile segment of the old Denver & Rio Grande train
line, was restored. Visitors can make the two-hour ride in carriages or open-air observa-
RAILROAD TRIP
