The Ultimate Guide to
Gold Camp Road
Gold Camp Road is Colorado Springs' best-kept secret — a historic dirt road carved into the mountainside above the city that Theodore Roosevelt once called "the ride that bankrupts the English language." Originally built as the Cripple Creek Short Line railroad grade in the 1890s, it's now one of the most accessible and rewarding off-road drives in the entire region, starting just minutes from downtown.
A Road with History
Gold Camp Road follows the original grade of the Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railway — a narrow gauge line that hauled gold ore down from the Cripple Creek mines starting in 1901. When the railroad ceased operations in 1920, the tracks were removed and the grade was converted into a road. Three of the original railroad tunnels still exist along the route, adding an eerie, atmospheric character unlike any other drive in Colorado.
Theodore Roosevelt rode the original railway in 1901 and famously declared the views "bankrupted the English language." Over 120 years later, the road still delivers on that promise.
The Route
Colorado Springs (Old Stage Road) → St. Peter's Dome → Victor — ~35 miles, 2–3 hours
Start: Old Stage Road Trailhead (6,200 ft)
Gold Camp Road begins off Old Stage Road on the west side of Colorado Springs, near the Broadmoor area. Within a mile, the pavement ends and the historic dirt grade begins climbing into the mountains.
First Tunnel (Mile 3)
The road passes through the first of three original railroad tunnels — dark, narrow, and atmospheric. Headlights on. The Shelby F-250 fits comfortably but go slow and enjoy the moment. This is living history.
Bear Creek Canyon Views (Miles 4–10)
The road hugs the canyon wall high above Bear Creek, with sweeping views down into the gorge and across to the granite faces of the Pike National Forest. This section is the most dramatic — wide open drops on one side, rock walls on the other.
Second & Third Tunnels (Miles 7 & 9)
Two more railroad tunnels in quick succession. The second is the longest at nearly 400 feet. A flashlight is handy if you want to stop and walk through. On busy days you may need to wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
St. Peter's Dome Overlook (Mile 12, 9,665 ft)
One of the best views in the entire Front Range. Pull off here and look back east over Colorado Springs, with Pikes Peak rising to the north. This is the natural midpoint and rest stop for the drive.
Upper Section to Victor (Miles 14–35)
The road continues through open mountain terrain, past High Park Road and eventually connecting to the historic mining town of Victor. The upper section is smoother and faster — enjoy the wide open plateau before descending into Victor for lunch.
Difficulty Level
Gold Camp Road is a Forest Service road maintained for general public use. The lower section can be rutted and rocky after rain, but the Shelby F-250's clearance and 4WD make it completely manageable. No technical off-road skills are required — if you can drive a truck on a gravel road, you can do Gold Camp.
Best Time to Go
May – June
Opens after snowmelt. The lower canyon is green and lush. Some muddy sections add to the adventure in the F-250.
July – August
Dry, fast, and well-graded. Colorado Springs summers mean morning drives are ideal. Busy on weekends — go early.
September – October
The absolute best. Aspen gold in the upper section, cool crisp air, and near-empty roads. The tunnels feel especially atmospheric in autumn light.
Tips & What to Know
The tunnels are one-way
All three tunnels are single-lane. Pull up to the entrance, check for oncoming headlights, and proceed when clear. Take your time.
Avoid after heavy rain
The clay-dirt surface becomes slippery when wet. After significant rainfall, give it a day to dry out before heading up.
No cell service
You lose signal on the lower section. Download your maps offline before leaving Colorado Springs.
Bring a flashlight
The tunnels are pitch black in the middle. A flashlight is handy if you want to stop and walk through — highly recommended.
Traffic is two-way except tunnels
The rest of the road is two-way but narrow. Pull over to let oncoming vehicles pass on tight sections — everyone does it.
Canyon overlooks are unmissable
The views from the canyon edge looking back over Colorado Springs are extraordinary. Budget time for multiple stops.
Practical Info
Start Point
Old Stage Road, west Colorado Springs (near Broadmoor)
Route Length
~35 miles to Victor, one-way
Drive Time
2–3 hours with stops
Road Type
Dirt / graded Forest Service road
Entry Fee
None — free public road
Road Open
Late April / May through November (weather dependent)
Ready to Drive Gold Camp Road?
Theodore Roosevelt called it the best ride in the country. The Shelby F-250 is your ticket — book today and discover why Gold Camp Road is Colorado Springs' most legendary drive.