Hiking Project Logo

A two-mile loop past abandoned mining buildings in the historic town of Independence, Colorado.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Point to Point

10,218' 3,115 m

High

9,893' 3,015 m

Low

336' 102 m

Up

336' 102 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

Visitors to all trails must remember they are crossing private land and must stay on the trails for their safety.

Description

The Vindicator Valley Trail is a two-mile loop past abandoned mining buildings in the historic town of Independence, Colorado. The trail highlights the Cripple Creek and Victor gold rush constructions of the 1890s - the Independence Mine founded by Winfield Scott Stratton, the iron Theresa Mine, the giant Vindicator Mine and the Gold Coin Hoist, and views of the current mining operations at the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine.

The trail begins at a small parking lot on the eastern side of the loop, just off of Highway 81. The trail begins to climb after a half mile in a steady and mildly steep grade. From there, things settle into a quick descent, followed by another long but gentle climb. As you turn to complete the loop, you'll enjoy a lengthy descent back to the trailhead. There are many signs are along the trail which tell the history of the mines and area.

After 1.4 miles, the loop steeply descends back towards the parking lot. This area is popular with with other hiker and tourists, but bikes and horses are allowed. Yield appropriately.

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian with improvements by Stephen Pack

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 6 votes

#24637

Overall
  3.3 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
17%
Trail Rankings

#1,984

in Colorado

#24,637

Overall
13 Views Last Month
789 Since Mar 6, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

View over valley.
Jun 29, 2020 near Cripple…, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.