The best walks and hikes around Cripple Creek

The Sentinel Point via Horsethief to Devils Playground Trail offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, starting with the gentle beauty of Horsethief Park's meadows, beaver ponds, and aspen groves. As you ascend, the scenery transitions to the rugged charm of a boulder field and eventually opens up to alpine terrain, leading to a ridge with expansive views. This route provides a taste of the challenging Pikes Peak region, rewarding you with stunning vistas from Devil's Playground and beyond.

This moderate hike covers 2.8 miles (4.5 km) and involves a substantial 1668 feet (508 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 13 minutes. While this specific segment is rated moderate, be aware that the higher sections can be exposed and require careful navigation, especially if you venture towards the Class 3 rock scrambling on Sentinel Point's summit. Parking and trailhead access are generally available in the Horsethief Park area, but checking seasonal conditions is wise due to potential snow or high winds at elevation.

Historically, the Horsethief Park area served as a refuge for rustlers during the Cripple Creek gold boom, adding a layer of intrigue to your hike. The Devil's Playground Trail itself has seen significant rerouting and reconstruction efforts by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, improving its sustainability and user experience. This trail is an excellent option for those seeking a challenging hike near Sentinel Point, Colorado, with panoramic viewpoints and a rich local history.

The Horsethief to the Crags Trail offers a captivating journey through the mountainous terrain on the western side of Pikes Peak. You'll traverse dense forests of spruce and aspen, cross creek drainages, and emerge into open meadows that are awash with wildflowers like Shrubby Cinquefoil and Elephant Head during late spring and early summer. The route culminates at "The Crags," distinctive rock pinnacle formations, where you're rewarded with expansive 360-degree panoramic views from an elevation of about 10,800 feet. This trail provides a rich visual experience, blending forest tranquility with dramatic mountain vistas.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with the Crags Trail Campground serving as the main trailhead for parking. The trail is rated as moderate, covering 7.3 miles (11.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1800 feet (549 metres), and typically takes around 4 hours and 11 minutes to complete. It's best enjoyed between March and October, particularly when wildflowers are in bloom. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the trail is multi-use, accommodating hikers, bicyclists, and horses. Be mindful of hazard trees due to a spruce bark beetle infestation, especially on windy days.

This trail is a segment of the larger Ring the Peak trail system, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystems. Historically, the area known as Horsethief Park earned its name from outlaws who used it as a hideout during the early mining days. Beyond hiking, parts of the trail, such as The Crags Trail, are also popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Shelf Road / Gold Belt Tour offers a rugged and historically rich hiking experience, tracing old stagecoach routes through dramatic Colorado landscapes. You'll encounter sections of road carved into limestone cliffs, pass by striking eroded red rock formations, and follow the path of Fourmile Creek. This route provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, with glimpses of the gold rush era around every turn.

This is a difficult 26.7-mile (43.0 km) hike with 621 feet (189 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring around 11 hours and 44 minutes to complete. The Shelf Road hiking terrain can be challenging, with narrow sections and significant drops, so come prepared for a long day. While the road is often passable by high-clearance vehicles when dry, four-wheel drive is recommended if it's wet, which is important for Shelf Road hiking access. Always check conditions before heading out.

Beyond the hiking, the Gold Belt Tour is a designated National Scenic Byway, renowned for its historical significance connecting the Arkansas Valley to the Cripple Creek Gold Mining District. You'll find geological wonders like the Garden Park Fossil Area nearby and impressive limestone cliffs that attract rock climbers. The route also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, making it a diverse outdoor adventure.

The Pony Gulch Homestead trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a scenic valley, perfect for a quick escape. You'll wander past pine-covered cliffs and descend towards a dry creek bed, eventually reaching the historical ruins of the homestead itself. It's a gentle 2.0-mile (3.2 km) route with only 39 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed 52-minute walk.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking typically available at the trailhead. While the trail is easy and generally well-graded, be aware that cell phone signal can be spotty in the gulch, so it's a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans. This route is best enjoyed during daylight hours, offering a peaceful experience without the need for permits or fees.

What truly sets this trail apart are its historical Pony Gulch Homestead landmarks, remnants of the Cripple Creek gold rush era. You'll discover the remains of an old windmill and the foundations of the homestead, including a house and barn, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early miners. It's a unique opportunity to combine an easy outdoor stroll with a tangible connection to Colorado's rich past.

The Pancake Rocks Trail offers a demanding but incredibly rewarding hike through Colorado's high country. You'll navigate mixed pine, spruce, fir, and aspen forests, starting with a steep climb that quickly gains elevation. The journey culminates at the unique Pancake Rocks, fascinating geological formations that resemble stacked pancakes, providing a distinct visual landmark and expansive mountain views.

Planning your visit means preparing for a difficult hike, especially given the starting elevation of around 9,700 feet. The trail covers 6.1 miles (9.7 km) with 1561 feet (476 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring 4 hours and 15 minutes. Consider visiting in late summer for wildflowers or in the fall to experience the vibrant golden aspens, and always account for the high-altitude conditions.

This trail is celebrated for its geological marvels, showcasing sandstone and granite formations sculpted by nature into distinct stacked shelves. Beyond the rocks, you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Sawatch Range and the south slopes of Pikes Peak, making it one of the top-rated trails in the region for its combination of natural features and challenging terrain. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like marmots and pikas.