Scenic Small Town Tour: 3-Day Historic Colorado Off-Season Itinerary

3 Days of the top adventures in the Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge Region

3-Day Scenic Small Town Tour

Spend three days avoiding the crowds and immersing yourself in some of the coolest locally known activities in Cripple Creek, Florence, and Cañon City, Colorado. You’ll venture off the beaten path, enjoy delicious local food, and discover fascinating history. And all of this within about an hour’s drive of the cabins!

*Insider Tip: Use a trails app like CoTrex for trails you plan to hike, and download the map/route so when/if you lose cell phone reception you can still follow your course.

Self--Guided Activities and Self-Booked Tickets

Scenic Small Town Tour Itinerary

  • Antique Stores in Florence, CO – varied hours, some are closed Monday – Tuesday
  • Aspen Leaf Bakery – closed Sunday – Monday
  • Desert Reef Hot Springs – closed Tuesday
  • Ito Steakhouse and Sushi – closed Sunday
  • Sally’s Bakery – closed Sunday – Wednesday
  • Phantom Canyon Road – seasonal closures, avoid if any snow/ice present

Day 1

  • Hike Point Alta Vista Trail -Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This 1-mile-out-and-back trail has very little elevation gain, making it an easy hike for most visitors.. At the turnaround point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train trestle.
  • Antique Shopping in Florence – Known as the antique capital of Colorado, Florence boasts well over a dozen antique stores chockfull of treasures, furniture, and vintage treasures.
  • Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe – This classic small-town bakery offers excellent service, delectable baked goods, and freshly prepared sandwiches on fresh bread that will surely satisfy your appetite. Closed Sunday and Monday.
  • Desert Reef Hot Springs – Nothing feels better after an exhausting day than a relaxing soak in warm and steamy artesian pools. Located in the secluded foothills near Florence, CO, Desert Reef is comprised of multiple soaking pools with winter temperatures ranging from 100–104°F. Reservations required, and clothing optional. Closed on Tuesdays.
  • Dinner at Ito Steak House & Sushi – Locals know this is the place to go for delicious sushi and entrées. Located in historic downtown Florence, CO, Ito also serves tasty cocktails, beer, sake, and wines. Closed on Sundays.

DAY 2

  • Scenic drive to Historic Cripple Creek, CO – About a one hour drive through a picturesque landscape along Country Road 11 will bring you to the historic Cripple Creek, once home to more than 500 mines during one of the region’s most prosperous gold-mining eras
  • Outlaws & Lawmen Museum – Cripple Creek was a rough mining camp, so the historic Teller County Jail saw a lot of lawless characters pass through and dwell within the cells! The museum is very authentic right down to the original cells. Learn about the criminals who ended up there and the sheriffs who attempted to maintain order in a wild west town.
  • Cripple Creek Heritage Center – Thirsty for more gold country history? Head over to the Heritage Center where you’ll learn more about the gold mining history, geology, and human history of the area.
  • Vindicator Valley Trail – At one time hundreds of gold mines dotted the hills around Teller County, and you’ll walk past several former mining operations. The entire trail is a 2 mile loop – perfect for a walk or easy bike ride. From Cripple Creek, drive about 15 minutes on Colorado Highway 67 towards Victor, CO. You’ll pass the largest active mining operation in the United States as you head into Victor. Vindicator Valley Trailhead is located just north of Victor off Colorado Highway 81. 
  • Phantom Canyon Road back to your cabin (weather / road conditions permitting) – So long as there hasn’t been any wintry weather in the recent past, Phantom Canyon Road is a beautiful, narrow, and exciting route to head back south towards your cabin.
    Important Note: Phantom Canyon Road is unpaved and may be impassable or unsafe in winter weather. Check current road conditions before departure, and use the alternate route via County Road 11 whenever snow, ice, or poor conditions are present. We also don’t recommend driving Phantom Canyon Road after dark. Plan on a 1.5 hour drive from Cripple Creek to Cañon City.
  • Dinner at your cabin or at a local Cañon City restaurant.
Vindicator Valley Mine

DAY 3

  • Pastries and Coffee Downtown Cañon City – Visit Cafe Belay,  The Bean Pedaler or Sally’s Bakery to start your morning off. Afterward, explore the shops in downtown Cañon City. Cafe Belay is open everyday except Wednesday. The Bean Pedaler is open 7 days a week. Sally’s Bakery is open Thursday through Sunday. 
  • Historic Train Ride at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Arrive at the historic train depot in Cañon City at noon for your 12:30 train departure. Choose from a few featured classes of service for your two-hour ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge. Incredible service, delicious meals and snacks, and a variety of beverages are available for purchase. Reserve in advance.
  • Happy Endings Caboose – After your train ride, walk to the on-site Caboose for tasty crepes, coffee, or your favorite cocktail or Colorado craft beer. Closed on Monday.
  • Dinner at a local Cañon City restaurant, or return to your cabin to make dinner and watch the sunset from your private patio.
view of Royal Gorge Train engine from tracks

Frequently Asked Questions

Which towns are featured in this itinerary?

The Scenic Small Town Tour features the historic towns of Cañon City, Cripple Creek, and Florence, Colorado. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of our local restaurants and dining near Cañon City to take in the local flavors and visit with our small town shopkeepers.

Why is the off-season ideal for this tour?

The off-season is a wonderful time to explore this part of Colorado at a more relaxed pace. You’ll often encounter fewer crowds, have more opportunities to browse local shops, and enjoy the history and character of our small towns without the hustle and bustle of peak summer.

Winter weather can affect road conditions and attraction hours, so check ahead before heading out. With a little flexibility, you can enjoy a memorable small-town getaway.

What days of the week are best for this tour?

Thursday through Saturday generally works best for this itinerary, but check each restaurant and attraction’s current hours before your visit.

How far is Florence from Royal Gorge Cabins?

Florence, Colorado, is located about 16 miles from Royal Gorge Cabins. Drive time is approximately 25 minutes. There are a couple routes you can take – we recommend the route south on 9th Street (Highway 115), which offers a scenic drive through Cañon City.

Is Salida worth the drive?

While not a part of this suggested itinerary, Salida could certainly be added as an optional extension.

The drive to Salida is gorgeous in itself. Highway 50 West is the route you’ll follow which parallels the Arkansas River canyon the entire way. Once in Salida, you’ll find a lovely and historic downtown district if you’re craving more small town history in addition to those listed in this itinerary.

Are these towns accessible in winter?

Yes, Cañon City, Florence, and Cripple Creek are generally accessible during the winter months. However, snow and ice can affect driving conditions, and some scenic roads may close temporarily.

This region is known for its relatively mild, sunny winter weather, but conditions can change quickly. Check the forecast and attraction hours before each day’s outing.

It’s always a good idea to check Colorado Road Conditions before heading out to ensure you won’t run into adverse road conditions.

Small town charm complements your cabin stay

Cabin rentals near Cañon City are an ideal basecamp whether you choose the summer season or the more casual off-season. If you choose the off-season and run into weather, then simply pivot to some of the attractions in the Out of the Weather  itinerary. The alternate option has the same relaxed pacing with a slightly different format that’s better suited to inclement weather. View all off-season itineraries for additional ideas, or check out our things to do in and around Cañon City page. Enjoy your visit to our small towns in Colorado!

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