Cripple Creek Back Country Jeep Tour from Colorado Springs

Trade the city for remote mountain roads and canyon views in a single afternoon

A four-hour guided Jeep tour from Manitou Springs through historic Cripple Creek and the remote Shelf Road, with views of Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The tour includes a stop at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center to learn the area's mining history and folklore. Bottled water and snacks are provided. The vehicle is air-conditioned and seats up to four passengers. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep tour to Cripple Creek and Shelf Road

• Drive through Manitou Springs
• Drive Ute Pass to Woodland Park
• Visit historic Cripple Creek
• Drive Shelf Road through canyons
• Return to Manitou Springs

The experience

You start in Manitou Springs and drive through the town to get a sense of what's there, then head up Ute Pass toward Woodland Park. The route gives you views of Pikes Peak's north slope before you reach the historic mining town of Cripple Creek itself, where the landscape opens to views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A guide travels with you and shares stories about the area's history and what you're seeing along the way.

The heart of the tour is Shelf Road, one of Colorado's most scenic drives. It's a dirt road that cuts through towering canyons and valleys, and you'll drive the full length and back. This is where you get away from anything commercial. Just the landscape, the canyon walls, and the road itself. You'll stop at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center to see artifacts and learn more about the mining heritage that shaped the town.

The return follows the same route back to Manitou Springs. The whole tour runs four to four and a half hours. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and you get bottled water and snacks during the drive.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks during the drive.
• air-conditioned Jeep vehicle.
• live guide in English sharing history and stories about the area.
• stop at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center with artifacts and information about the mining heritage.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (1 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mountain Jeep LLC

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide handling the remote Shelf Road driving while you focus on the landscape and local history: ideal when you'd rather not navigate unpaved canyon roads yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Shelf Road like to drive on?

Shelf Road is a remote dirt and rock road that winds through towering canyons and valleys. It's one of Colorado's most scenic drives, and the tour covers the full length before returning the same way.

What will I learn about Cripple Creek?

A live guide shares stories, history, and folklore about the area throughout the tour. You'll also stop at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center, which has artifacts and detailed information about the town's mining heritage.

How much time do we spend driving versus stopped?

Most of the four to four and a half hours is spent driving and taking in the views. You'll make a stop at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center to explore the exhibits and learn the area's history.

What views of Pikes Peak will I see?

You'll see Pikes Peak from different locations along the route, including views of the north slope from the Ute Pass and Woodland Park area. The tour is designed to show the mountain from multiple vantage points.