Feels like you are on top of the world. Very cool log book that people have written in from all over the world. Interesting information about the mine.
Outside Victor to the north, signs will take you to the overlook. You pass through the mine's checkpoint, but it's not a problem. Drive onward, carefully, to the top and you'll see all the way to the Continental Divide in the distance, and down into the huge Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine operations. No admission. Worth the time.
This is a couple of miles outside of Victor. As you drive down Main Street after coming from Cripple Creek, turn left onto 3rd Street, go one block and turn right onto Teller County Road 81. Follow the main paved road. There is some antique mining equipment along the highway in several places, and much of it is accessible. After a squiggle in the road you will see a sign on the left for the American Eagle Overlook. It's a gravel road, but well maintained, although you do have to check in at a gate and watch out for the huge dump trucks hauling rock...they have the right of way. It's a steep road up to the overlook, but nice and wide.At the top is an old head frame and associated buildings and equipment. And then there is the overlook -- a stunning view down into the active open pit. On the way driving up (or coming down) you'll see an old piece of equipment that looks as if you could walk right out onto it. Do -- it's another (and in fact better) overlook.
If you are up in the Cripple creek area, this is a must. Not only are the old mining structures in the area unique, but to watch the open pit mining from above is awesome. A great view of the big trucks, lots of gold mining history. We take out of state guests up here all the time.
This is a free attraction brought to you by the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine. There is a check point with a security guard and then up you go. He cautions you to watch for the mining truck that carry in upwards of 225 tons of rock and they don't stop for you! The overlook offers the history of American Eagle mine, which was very interesting. It also offers a great view of the continental divide and then into the mining pit of the current gold mine. They are literally digging out mountains for the gold. If you're in Cripple Creek or Victor it is worth stopping here.
what a view, big trucks, lots of gold, great history.And don't forget to stop in Victor at the Fortune Club for lunch.
Great road - it is active mining property - so you do have to give your name and the mine takes your license plate number before allowing you on the property. It's a quick, but interesting, drive and an old mine, blacksmith shack, workings, headboard are at the top.
Highway 67 nearing Cripple Creek was closed briefly because of a sinkhole. So on our return to Woodland Park we went through Victor. Shortly after we left Victor we saw the sign to the American Eagles Overlook and Historic Mine and decided to go up the road and take a look. Wow! To think we almost missed the highlight of our day. The views from the top are incredible. Looking down into the massive Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mining operation was quite an experience. Massive (no, I mean REALLY massive) trucks follow each other day and night hauling processed ore out of the mine to dump the tailings over the side of an ever-rising mountain of gravel. A real sight to see. There was a guard instructing us that these trucks don't stop and that we should carefully cross their path in order to continue to the top. It was amusing to me that because of the humongous size of those vehicles (they looked bigger than a train as they approach the crossing), we were very careful in crossing to the other side even though there is considerable space between those vehicles and they don't move very fast either! They belong in a science fiction movie or something. The views of the mountain range and the surrounding areas are also beautiful. I think it is awesome that the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine goes to all the trouble to keep this beautiful site open for the pleasure and education of the public. Thanks, guys!!! And if you happen to visit the Cripple Creek or Victor area and don't go out of your way to see this Overlook, you're making a big mistake. It's worth the trouble, folks!
Just another vantage point to admire open pit mining. Good view of the mountains in the distance, however.
The view of the mine from the overlook is one of sheer awe. We enjoyed watching those huge dump trucks hauling their incredible loads. Take the time to explore the informational plaques and old buildings at the top. It is very informative. We had to stop on the way down to allow the dump trucks to pass with their loads. The kids enjoyed see just how huge those trucks are up close!