In
the early 1890s the mining towns in the shadow of Pikes Peak enjoyed
the greatest gold boom the state has ever known. This 131-mile circuit
tours historic Cripple Creek, Florence, McCourt, Adelaide, Wilbur,
Victor, and other former gold camps. The
roads are narrow and rugged in places -- one stretch of Upper Shelf
Road clings to a canyon wall 200 feet above the stream bed -- but
the payoff comes in the outstanding scenery: majestic Pikes Peak,
the unspoiled Beaver Creek Wilderness Area, spectacular Royal Gorge,
and miles of high-country beauty. Two significant fossil digs --
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the Garden Park Dinosaur
Fossil Area -- lie along the route.
Steel
Bridge in Phatom Canyon - an important landmark for past and present.
(See image at right.)
Length: 131 miles
Driving time: 5 hours
Special considerations: Phantom Canyon and Upper Shelf roads
have rough, gravel surfaces; avoid wet weather; 4WD recommended
on Upper Shelf; no vehicles over 25 feet long on Phantom Canyon
Road
Special features: Royal Gorge Bridge, Mueller State Park,
Florissant Fossil
Beds National Monument
Contact: BLM-Royal Gorge Resource Area, 3170 East Main St.,
Canon City CO 81212 / (719) 275-0631
In
the early 1890s the mining towns in the shadow of Pikes Peak enjoyed
the greatest gold boom the state has ever known. This 131-mile circuit
tours historic Cripple Creek, Florence, McCourt, Adelaide, Wilbur,
Victor, and other former gold camps. 
The
roads are narrow and rugged in places -- one stretch of Upper Shelf
Road clings to a canyon wall 200 feet above the stream bed -- but
the payoff comes in the outstanding scenery: majestic Pikes Peak,
the unspoiled Beaver Creek Wilderness Area, spectacular Royal Gorge,
and miles of high-country beauty. Two significant fossil digs --
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the Garden Park Dinosaur
Fossil Area -- lie along the route.
Steel
Bridge in Phatom Canyon - an important landmark for past and present.
(See image at right.)
