Royal Gorge to Phantom Loop Scenic Colorado on Motorcycle

Royal Gorge bridge, Canon City, Colorado

The next time you’re riding through Central Colorado, don’t miss touring Royal Gorge on a motorcycle. The route takes you through the Pikes Peak area and includes sections of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. Be ready to ride off-road across red dirt on Phantom Canyon Road with several exciting twists and turns.

The Route to Explore the Pikes Peak Wonders

Starting in Royal Gorge, take US-50 W eight miles north to turn right onto CO-9 N. Follow CO-9 N for almost nine miles, then turn right onto High Park Road/County Road 11. Follow High Park Road 18.5 miles, then keep right to stay on County Road 11 by the Four Mile Community Baptist Church.

In the outskirts of Florissant, make a sharp right onto Teller County Road 1 and follow it for eight miles to reach Cripple Creek, CO. Riding straight through to Cripple Creek is approximately 50 miles and should take less than an hour and a half. Make a pit stop in Cripple Creek to refuel and grab some grub—the other side of the loop is largely unpaved with several turns and blind spots.

When leaving Cripple Creek to head back to Royal Gorge on motorcycle, take CO-67 S to the small town of Victor and turn right onto Phantom Canyon Road. Phantom Canyon Road is approximately 28 miles of twists and turns, with a large switchback near Eightmile Creek and features several smaller hairpin turns throughout the ride. Ride with caution, and check the weather especially during cold winter months.

Exit Phantom Canyon Road and make a right at Fremont County Rd 123, following it 3.7 miles before making a right on US-50 W back toward Cañon City and Royal Gorge. The total trip is about 92 miles long and will take a little over three hours with no stops.

Attractions and Sights Along the Way

Royal Gorge offers motorcycle adventurers an assortment of educational and entertainment opportunities. The Museum of Colorado Prisons has 30 cell exhibits, confiscated weapons, and a gas chamber describing Colorado’s prison history since the 1920s. The Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center displays fossils, history exhibits, and taxidermy.

When you get to Cripple Creek, you can take a break at one of several casinos offering  casino games and table games. Visit Johnny Nolon’s Casino, Bronco Billy’s Casino, Colorado Grande Casino, or Wildwood Casino to win a few dollars for the road.

Cripple Creek has more than casinos, though. Catch a performance at the Butte Theater, or visit the Outlaws & Law Men Jail Museum to see an Old West-style two-story jailhouse.

Stop in Victor before hitting Phantom Canyon Road to visit the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, Victor’s Gold Camp, or the Isis Theater museums.

Where to Stop for a Bite and Fuel

Many of the dining and fuel options available along the route are in the larger cities of Cripple Creek and Cañon City. However, when you turn onto Teller County Road 1, don’t miss a visit to the Evergreen Station for gas, snacks, and gifts.

In Cripple Creek, stop at The Creek for burgers, beer, and chili. If you’re looking for elk burgers and chili, this is the place. Many of the other restaurants in town are inside the casinos, so grab a bite while you visit.

Cañon City offers every kind of cuisine, from burgers to Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican, and an assortment of pies at the local Village Inn.

Contact the Law Tigers to Find a Motorcycle Attorney in Colorado

When exploring the area around Royal Gorge on motorcycle, don’t miss the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. Have caution on the twisties, but if you do get into an accident call motorcycle accident experts at Law Tigers for a free case evaluation at 1-888-863-7216.