The old mining town of Victor, CO has been on the radar for some time. So I decided it was finally time to get down that way and check things out. With the current state of the World, these “closer to home” trips are becoming a good reason to see some new areas in the home state. We meet up in Canyon City on Friday morning ( I drove down from the cabin), taking the Phantom Canyon road to get into Victor. After lunch in Victor, we headed down the Shelf road back towards Canyon City before turning of a side road for camp. There was a few established campgrounds of the Bank Trail, but a bit further drive brought us to a nice primitive camp in BLM land.
Even though we had 8 rigs for the run, we were still practicing the current standards to help fight COVID. All of us in our own rigs, and set standards for distancing when out.
Knowing that I have to get up at 2am for work on Sunday morning, I bugged out early. Felt really good to get out on the trail and enjoy good company.
From Canyon City, we headed North to Victor via the Phantom Canyon RD. Once was the old grade of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad.
Built in 1893, the Florence and Cripple Creek serviced the new boom mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek (Cripple Creek Mining District). The railroad stopped running in 1915, but left some wonderful history for us modern day explorers to enjoy.
Passing through one of two tunnels left on the old grade.
All that’s left of the old town of Adelaide.
The group:).
Typical scene for a club run.
Crossing over the Adeliade Phantom Canyon bridge.
A wonderful drive along the old grade.
As we got closer to Victor ( and higher in elevation) the weather changed dramatically. Fog, wind, sleet and almost snow.
Around the old mining town of Victor, CO.
We passed through Cripple Creek ( my first visit) to get to camp. We had to stop and check out the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge RR- a small 2ft railroad that’s now on my bucket list of things to do in CO:).
They were preparing for opening day.
Making our way along the Shelf Road to camp.
Some fantastic views along the Shelf Road!
Turned off on the and trail loop and heading towards camp.
A most wonderful camp!
Evening sets in.
After being cloudy and wet all day, the weather cleared enough for a most enjoyable sunset.
A beautiful summer morning/
Indian Paintbrushes were out.
End.