Colorado Web Cams
Central City, Colorado
Central City (elevation 8,498 feet / 2,590 meters) is a historic mountain town located about 35 miles west of Denver. Famous as a gold mining camp
and once dubbed the "Richest Square Mile on Earth," it is now celebrated for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and modern casino gaming.
Founded in 1859 by gold miners, during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Central City quickly boomed.
The town is in Gilpin and Clear Creek counties and
is the most populous municipality of Gilpin County. The population was
779 at the 2020 U.S. Census.
Central City is adjacent to Black Hawk. The two towns have been in competition
with each other for gambling revenue since casinos opened in both towns in 1991. Today, the entire area is designated as a National Historic Landmark District.
While adjacent Black Hawk is known for larger, high-rise casinos, Central City offers a more intimate, classic mountain gaming experience. Victorian-era stone buildings line the streets, and ordinances strictly protect their historic exteriors.
Besides gaming, other entertainment
in Central City is the Central City Opera: One of the crown jewels of the town, hosting world-class performances in a stunning historic opera house.
Hidee Gold Mine: Located just outside of town, it offers underground mine tours where visitors can pan for gold.
The town is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, and Central City serves as a great basecamp for outdoor activities
including Hiking and Biking: Trails weave through nearby Maryland Mountain and Floyd Hill.
State Parks: Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just about 7 miles north, offering over 35 miles of trails, fishing, and backcountry camping.
Ghost Town Disc Golf: Play a unique 20-hole disc golf course that wanders through the ruins of the nearby Nevadaville ghost town.
Central City has a subarctic/alpine-influenced climate. It features short, cool, and comfortable summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and long, freezing, snowy, and windy winters.
The town receives an average annual snowfall of 146 inches / 372 centimeters,
with the snowy period generally spanning from late September to the end of May,
with April the snowiest month. Summers are wonderful here, with the warm season lasting from June to early September. Daytime highs usually peak in the
to low
70s to around 80 F in July (the warmest month), making it the best time for outdoor activities. Nights remain crisp, dropping into the
40s and 50s F. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. In early September, fall offers brilliant golden foliage and comfortable, mild weather.
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- All cams from CDOT -
I-70 by Central City Pkwy exit, Colorado
Hwy 119 southeast of Central City and Black Hawk
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