Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad |
| Website | https://cripplecreekrailroad.com/ |
| Train ride | Steam pulled narrow gauge train over old right of way, through scenic mountains |
| Location | 520 E Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 Google Maps |
| Length of trip | 2.5 miles |
| Cost of single ticket | $19.00 |
Information/History
The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad (CC&V) is a two foot gauge tourist railroad that operates in the historic mining district of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The railroad offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich history and stunning mountain scenery through a scenic train ride that covers a distance of 2.5 miles from Cripple Creek to Victor.
General Information
The CC&V began operations in 1967, using historic narrow gauge equipment and steam locomotives that were once used to transport ore and passengers in the area. Today, the CC&V is one of the last remaining narrow gauge railroads in the United States and is a popular attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
History
The CC&V operates on a portion of the former Midland Terminal Railroad’s right of way, which was an important link to the rest of the region, and country, and was vital to the areas growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Midland Terminal Railroad was initially built to transport gold and silver ore from the Cripple Creek mining district to processing mills in Colorado Springs. It covered a distance of approximately 38 miles between Divide and Colorado Springs and featured steep grades, sharp curves, and stunning mountain views.
The railroad faced numerous challenges, including competition from other railroads and declining demand for ore transport as mining operations declined. In 1918, the railroad was sold to the Colorado and Southern Railway and operated under that name until it was eventually shut down in 1949.
Train Ride
The CC&V train ride takes visitors on a scenic tour of the Cripple Creek mining district, passing by historic landmarks and beautiful mountain vistas. Along the way, visitors can learn about the area’s rich mining history and the role that the Midland Terminal Railroad played in shaping the region’s economic growth.
The train ride lasts approximately 45 minutes, and visitors can choose from several train rides throughout the day. Even thought this train isn’t one of the “original” trains that operated in the area back in the 19th century, it gives you the “feel” of what riding a small train through the mountains might have been like back in the day. Tickets can be purchased at the depot museum or online.
Locomotives and Passenger Cars
The CC&V operates with narrow gauge steam locomotives that were shipped in from various overseas locations. The passenger cars are open air home built cars for best scenic effect. They have been painted in very colorful paint schemes.
Local Attractions
In addition to the train ride, visitors can explore the nearby gold mines and learn about the mining process and the area’s geological significance. The train ride describes the history of the area, and passes several gold mines of historic significance. Visitors can also tour the depot museum, which features historic artifacts and exhibits on the area’s mining and railroad history. The town of Cripple Creek is an interesting town in and of itself, along with nearby Victor. Both towns are old time small towns from the gold mining era, and have many historic buildings. Worth the trip just to see the towns alone.
This railroad and district can be one of several stops that any railfan would enjoy while touring Colorado. Some of the closer opportunities include the Leadville Colorado & Southern, The Royal Gorge Railway, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 1 | 0-4-4-0T | Orenstein & Koppel 1902 | Operational, From Germany |
| 2 | 0-4-0T | Henschel 1936 | Operational, From Germany |
| 3 | 0-4-0T | H. K. Porter 1927 | Operational, From Zacatecas |
| 4 | 0-4-4-0T | W. G. Bagnall 1947 | Stored, From South Africa |
Getting There
The nearest Amtrak station to the CC&V is located in Colorado Springs, approximately 50 miles away. Amtrak‘s California Zephyr train stop at the station, and visitors can rent a car, or take a taxi to the CC&V.
The nearest commercial airport to the CC&V is the Colorado Springs Airport, approximately 45 miles away. Visitors can rent a car at the airport and take US-24 West to the Cripple Creek area. Alternatively, visitors can take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the CC&V.
Driving Information
Visitors can also drive to the CC&V by taking US-24 West from Colorado Springs to the Cripple Creek area. The CC&V is located at 520 E Carr St, Cripple Creek, CO 80813. Parking is available near the depot.
