by Ruth Zalewski

Copyright San Juan Publishing, Inc.

Getting to and from Cripple Creek in the 1890s was a matter of determination. Most miners rode horseback, packed mules or walked. Stage routes were developed as mining activity grew. Railroads transported goods, ore and passengers up the winding canyons that led to the gold fields. The first railroad to open was the Florence & Cripple Creek on July 1, 1894. The next day the train derailed. Two other railroads soon served the district — the Short Line and Midland Terminal from Colorado Springs. Afer mining declined, the last train to run to Cripple Creek was in 1949.

Now the trains are back! The locals know it’s summertime when they first hear the wail of the authentic steam train whistle from the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. The railroad, established in the 1960s, boasts three 100-plus-year-old engines and four more modern passenger cars. 

The train winds through the historic mining region and affords breath-taking scenery along the route. An added bonus is narration by the engineer telling the passengers about the different sights along the way. The trip lasts about 45 minutes. There is also a gift shop housed in an historic building that was originally built in 1894 as the Anaconda train station.

A ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is not to be missed while you visit the historic Cripple Creek Mining District! The train station, Fifth and Bennett Avenue, is open mid-May to mid-October. Information: 719-689-2640 or visit www.cripplecreekrailroad.com.