The first decade of the boom was largely concentrated along the South Platte River at the base of the Rocky Mountains, in the canyon of Clear Creek in the mountains west of Golden City, at Breckenridge and in South Park at Como, Fairplay, and Alma. Initial boom Ī map from the late 1850s showing prominent routes to the gold regions The site of the discovery is in the present-day Denver suburb of Englewood, just north of the junction of U.S. In the first week of July 1858, Green Russell and Sam Bates found a small placer deposit near the mouth of Little Dry Creek that yielded about 20 troy ounces (622 grams) of gold, the first significant gold discovery in the Rocky Mountain region. They began prospecting in the river beds, exploring Cherry Creek and nearby Ralston Creek but without success. The site of their initial explorations is in present-day Confluence Park in Denver. Upon reaching Bent's Fort, they turned to the northwest, reaching the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte on May 23. Others joined the party along the way until their number reached 107. They rendezvoused with Cherokee tribe members along the Arkansas River in present-day Oklahoma and continued westward along the Santa Fe Trail. Green Russell organized a party to prospect along the South Platte River, setting off with his two brothers and six companions in February 1858. Russell was married to a Cherokee woman, and through his connections to the tribe, he heard about an 1849 discovery of gold along the South Platte River. William Greeneberry "Green" Russell was a Georgian who worked in the California gold fields in the 1850s. (1874–1879) Photographer: William Henry Jackson Geological and Geographic Survey of the Territories. In the summer of 1857, a party of Spanish-speaking gold seekers from New Mexico worked a placer deposit along the South Platte River about 5 miles (8 kilometers) above Cherry Creek, now part of metropolitan Denver. Rumors of gold in the Rocky Mountains persisted and several small parties explored the region. Īs the hysteria of the California Gold Rush faded, many discouraged gold seekers returned home. The Rocky Mountain gold failed to impress or delay men with visions of unlimited wealth in California, and the discoveries were not reported for several years. In 18, several parties of gold seekers bound for the California Gold Rush panned small amounts of gold from various streams in the South Platte River valley at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. But when he tried to lead an expedition back to the location of where he found the gold, they came up short because he could not quite remember the location. Upon examination, they turned out to be "pure gold". During those weeks he found many gold specimens which he later took back to New Mexico for examination. In 1835, French trapper Eustace Carriere lost his party and ended up wandering through the mountains for many weeks. Located just ten minutes from the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and 60 minutes from Pikes Peak, you can spend your days exploring and your nights snuggled in the comfort of our plush king-size beds."At timber line, Pike's Peak trail" ~ circa unknownįor many years, people had suspected the mountains in present-day Colorado contained numerous rich gold deposits. Our family cabins are a luxury option for families looking for a lovely combination of nature, adventure, and comfort. If you decide to visit Cañon City, we invite you to stay at the Royal Gorge Cabins. Home to world-class rafting, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and miles of biking and hiking trails, Cañon City has what nature lovers and thrill seekers are looking for. And you can easily get to Pikes Peak if you rent a car for an outdoorsy day trip.Ĭañon City is the spot for those who’ve come to experience the outdoor adventures that Colorado is famous for. The state’s capital has luxury hotels, ample shopping, and many restaurants and breweries for visitors to explore.
Spend your nights indulging in tasty cuisine or exploring the city’s nightlife.įor visitors to Colorado, Denver is a must-see attraction. Spend your days visiting Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, or challenging yourself with the Manitou Incline.
Which Pikes Peak lodging option you choose should depend on what else you want to do on your trip.Ĭolorado Springs is a city with a wonderful mix of city and nature activities. Pikes Peak is just 20 minutes from Colorado Springs, 90 minutes from Denver, and 60 minutes from Cañon City.