Phantom Canyon Road
Colorado's Most Mysterious Drive
Phantom Canyon Road follows the old Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad grade from the floor of the Arkansas River Valley up through one of Colorado's most dramatic and little-known canyons. Towering granite walls, a rushing creek, two historic tunnels, and virtually no other traffic make this 30-mile road one of the state's great hidden drives — and it's just an hour from Colorado Springs.
The Route
Cañon City → Phantom Canyon → Victor — ~30 miles, 1.5–2 hours
Start: Cañon City (5,332 ft)
Cañon City sits at the mouth of the Royal Gorge. Pick up Phantom Canyon Road (County Road 67) heading north from town. The canyon begins almost immediately.
Eight Mile Creek Canyon (Miles 0–15)
The road follows Eight Mile Creek through a progressively narrowing granite gorge. The walls close in, the creek rushes alongside you, and the sense of solitude is complete. High clearance recommended for rocky sections.
First Tunnel (Mile 10)
A short single-lane tunnel blasted through solid granite. Like Gold Camp Road, you'll need headlights and patience — check for oncoming traffic before entering.
Second Tunnel (Mile 14)
The larger of the two tunnels, this one curves slightly — you can't see the exit from the entrance. The acoustics of a supercar exhaust here are genuinely spectacular.
Victor (Mile 30, 9,690 ft)
Victor is a beautifully preserved gold mining town with more historic character than Cripple Creek next door. Grab lunch at the Gold Bar & Grill and explore the Victorian streetscapes before heading home via Highway 67.
Tips & What to Know
Enter the Phantom
Granite walls, historic tunnels, and a rushing creek — Phantom Canyon Road rewards those who seek it out. Book the Shelby F-250 and go exploring.