The Ultimate Canyon Drive
Guide for Supercars
Colorado's canyon roads are a supercar driver's paradise — tight bends carved into granite walls, open straights through high desert, and almost zero traffic. The routes around Colorado Springs offer some of the most technically rewarding and visually stunning drives in the American West. This guide covers the two best canyon loops you can do in a day from Colorado Springs.
Route 1: Shelf Road
Cañon City → Shelf Road → Cripple Creek — 60 miles, ~2 hours
Start: Cañon City (5,332 ft)
Head north from Cañon City on CR-9. Within minutes the road narrows to a single lane carved into the canyon wall — this is Shelf Road, one of the most dramatic drives in Colorado.
The Shelf (Miles 3–18)
The road literally sits on a 'shelf' cut into the cliff face, 1,500 feet above the valley floor. It's paved but narrow — pure concentration required. The views down into the canyon are vertigo-inducing.
High Park Road Junction
The canyon opens up into high desert grassland. The road widens here — time to use some of that horsepower across the rolling terrain before Cripple Creek.
Cripple Creek (9,494 ft)
A historic gold-mining town perched at altitude. Stop for coffee or lunch, walk the main street, and take in views of the Rockies before heading back.
Return via Phantom Canyon Road
Instead of returning the same way, loop back on Phantom Canyon Road (CR-67) — a winding descent through a narrow gorge, past old mine ruins and wildlife. A completely different character to the outbound leg.
Route 2: Phantom Canyon Road
Cañon City → Phantom Canyon → Victor — 45 miles, ~1.5 hours
Start: Florence, CO
Head north on CO-67 from Florence. The road begins as a wide two-lane that quickly transforms into a narrow paved canyon road cutting through Phantom Canyon.
Phantom Canyon (Miles 5–28)
The canyon walls close in, the road twists through tunnels and over old railroad bridges. This route follows the original Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad grade — the curves are tight and constant.
Eagle Rock Pullout
A spectacular natural formation mid-canyon. Park and walk to the edge — the canyon drops dramatically below, and the silence is absolute. Perfect photo stop with the car.
Victor (9,711 ft)
A forgotten gold rush town, rawer and less touristy than Cripple Creek. The old mine buildings and Victorian architecture make for dramatic backdrops for car photography.
Return to Colorado Springs
Take CO-67 south through Cripple Creek and down Ute Pass via US-24 — a fast, open road back to Colorado Springs. A fitting high-speed finale to the day.
Best Time to Go
April – May
Roads clear early at lower canyon elevations. Spring wildflowers bloom in the canyon. Some sections may have debris from winter — check road conditions.
June – August
Prime season. Long days mean more driving time. Early morning runs avoid the heat in the canyon. Watch for afternoon monsoon rain — canyon roads can flash flood.
September – October
Best of the year. Cool temps, stunning fall colors in the canyon, minimal traffic. The supercar handles better in cool air and so do you.
Which Car to Take
Canyon driving rewards low, wide, rear-wheel-drive cars with responsive steering. Ground clearance is not an issue on these paved routes.
Rear-wheel drive, mid-engine balance, and a naturally responsive steering rack make this the ideal canyon car. Every corner is a conversation.
The Ferrari's precision steering and mid-engine layout shine on technical canyon roads. The exhaust note bouncing off canyon walls is something else entirely.
Arguably the most rewarding car on a technical road. Naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel steering, and communicative chassis — a masterclass in driver engagement.
Canyon Driving Tips
Read the road ahead
Canyon roads have blind corners. Look for the vanishing point of the road and brake before the bend, not in it.
Download offline maps
Cell service is absent through most of Phantom Canyon and Shelf Road. Save the route before you leave.
Full tank from Cañon City
There's no fuel between Cañon City and Cripple Creek on the canyon routes. Don't risk it.
Watch for wildlife
Deer and elk cross canyon roads without warning, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep speeds sensible in forested sections.
Wet canyon roads demand respect
The canyon can be damp even on sunny days. If it's been raining, expect wet rock dust on the road surface.
Build in photo stops
The canyon scenery is extraordinary. Pull off at wide spots, get the car in the shot, and take your time — this isn't a race.
Practical Info
Shelf Road Length
~30 miles one-way (Canon City to Cripple Creek)
Phantom Canyon Length
~36 miles one-way (Florence to Victor)
Road Condition
Fully paved, narrow in canyon sections
Toll / Entry Fee
None — public roads, free to drive
Full Loop Time
4–6 hours with stops (both routes combined)
Nearest Fuel
Cañon City (start) and Cripple Creek (end)
Ready to Conquer the Canyons?
Pick your weapon, pick your canyon, and let Colorado do the rest. Book your supercar today.