The city of Cripple Creek, Colorado, nestles between the slopes of Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo mountains about 26 miles from Woodland Park (see Woodland Park Weather). Because the weather in the Rocky Mountains can change very quickly, Cripple Creek residents are used to being prepared for both warm and cold weather on any given day. Temperatures in Cripple Creek can vary by as much at 36 degrees between night and day. While daytime temperatures in the summer tend to hover around 50° Fahrenheit, 10° Celsius, the nighttime temperatures can be quite chilly.

Located at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, just below timberline, the land in and around Cripple Creek was originally considered useful only as cattle pasture, but the town later became known as the most famous gold mining camp in Colorado. When gold-rich ore was found in 1891, the last Colorado rush began as thousands of prospectors flocked to the mountains to seek their fortunes.

By 1935, after half a billion dollars in gold had been extracted from the mines in Cripple Creek and its sister city, Victor, the gold rush was over and population levels dropped drastically. With their empty storefronts and equally empty turn-of-the-century homes, Cripple Creek and Victor became tourist attractions as picturesque ghost towns until near the end of the twentieth century casino gambling was authorized and Cripple Creek established itself as a successful, if small, gambling town that has managed to hold onto its historical gold mining origins.

As a reminder of its former past as a gold mining town, a number of mines including the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine have remained operating as tourist attractions. According to historical records, Molly Kathleen came to Cripple Creek in 1891 and after a random discovery of some rocks that looked like they might contain gold, she was originally denied a claim due to her gender. In response, she took the claim papers and signed them thus becoming the first woman to file a claim in her own name. Stories like this are passed on by former gold miners who work as knowledgeable guides in the mines of Cripple Creek, and provide historical perspective into the lives of gold miners.

Average Temperature Ranges in Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek weather average temperature ranges in January are between -3° Fahrenheit, -19° Celsius and 32° Fahrenheit, 0° Celsius. The average July temperatures are between 43° Fahrenheit, 6° Celsius and 78° Fahrenheit, 25° Celsius.

Quick Weather Facts for Cripple Creek

Average annual precipitation for Cripple Creek weather is between 15 and 17 inches. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of just over three inches. The warmest months in Cripple Creek are typically June and July.Dramatic changes are normal for Cripple Creek Weather.  Turn to Cripple Creek Weather.com for up to the minute reporting and weather forecasting.