Riding the Rails

The Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad invites visitors to step back in time and experience the rich history of Colorado’s gold mining days. This heritage railway offers scenic rides through the Cripple Creek and Victor area, highlighting stunning mountain landscapes and historic sites. It’s a unique opportunity to relive the golden era of rail travel while learning about the region’s fascinating past.

The Ride

The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad (CC&VNG RR) offers a unique journey into Colorado's rich mining heritage. Established in 1967 by Dr. John M. Birmingham, this heritage railroad operates on a revitalized section of the original Midland Terminal Railway and the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad. The CC&VNG RR provides seasonal tourist train rides between Cripple Creek and its southern outskirts, allowing passengers to experience the region's historic gold mining areas. 


The railroad operates on a 2-foot narrow-gauge track, a design choice that historically enabled more efficient navigation through the mountainous terrain of the gold mining district. This narrower gauge was advantageous for accessing tight clearances and steep grades, which were common in the mining areas around Cripple Creek and Victor. 


The journey begins at the original Cripple Creek Midland Depot, a historic station that has been preserved and now serves as the starting point for the train rides. Passengers travel in open-air cars, providing unobstructed views of the scenic landscape and historic mining structures. The train route includes a trip over the old Midland Terminal Wye on a reconstructed trestle, passing by several historic mines and ending at the deserted mining camp of Anaconda. The round-trip covers approximately four miles and lasts about 45 minutes. 


Throughout the journey, guides provide educational narration, sharing insights into Cripple Creek's gold mining past and pointing out significant landmarks. The train also makes stops at points of interest, allowing passengers to take photographs and appreciate the historical context of the area. 

The CC&VNG RR operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with trains departing every 70 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. All cars are open, so passengers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. The trains run rain or shine, and no reservations are required, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 


The gift shop and ticket office, located next to the original Cripple Creek Midland Depot, was originally built in 1894 as the Anaconda station. After a fire in 1904 destroyed most of Anaconda, the station was moved to Bull Hill and later relocated to its present location in 1968. The gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, including shirts, books, logo items, and Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise.

The Details

More than Just a Journey

A ride on the Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is more than just a journey—it’s a glimpse into Colorado’s vibrant history and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this railroad experience is sure to leave you with lasting memories of the Cripple Creek and Victor area. For more information, including current rates and schedules, please visit the official website of the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.