Location: Idaho Springs
Top Things to do in Idaho Springs
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The 10 Best Tours in Idaho Springs, Colorado (CO)
The City of Idaho Springs is a Statutory City in the western United States, the most populous municipality in Clear Creek County, Colorado. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 1,717. Idaho Springs is located in Clear Creek Canyon, in the mountains upstream from Golden, some thirty miles (50 km) west of Denver. Local legend is that the name of the city derived from annual visits to the radium hot springs made by a Native American chief and his tribe who journeyed there each year from Idaho to bathe in the magic healing waters.
Restaurants in Idaho Springs
1. Gold Rush Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
You begin your day flying from ridge to ridge over a forest of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pines. After descending down the mountain you will finish with an exciting 450 foot line running directly into the AVA backyard to begin your second half of the day’s adventure. next up is your Clear Creek Beginner white water rafting trip perfect for all abilities from families on their first whitewater adventure to experienced adrenaline junkies. This one-third-day trip is a great introduction to whitewater.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Local guide, Use of helmet, wet suit, splash jacket
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By navyai2021
Best spontaneous experience I could have asked for on a random Saturday. I love being one with the nature! Our guides were super helpful as well. They were amazing.
2. Private Scenic Mount Evans Tour from Denver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
In the Winter this tour will go as far as Echo Lake. In the summer the top of Mount Evans is open. This tour is for people with an adventurous spirit. Be ready for some of the most incredible views only a short drive from Denver. Drive up a scenic road to the top of Mount Evans, one of Colorado’s highest 14'ers. Enjoy incredible views, wildlife in a comfortable ride and great company.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Snacks, Bottled water, COVID-19 Prepared: masks, routine sanitizing, and more
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch
Reviewed By N9864LKfrankc
The Foothills Explorer Tour with Braelei was awesome!! She was a walking wealth of knowledge. Her educational background combined with her life experiences made the tour highly interesting. She knew the history regarding every site we visited. We also recognized how passionate she was when encountering the wildlife. The drive in between visiting landmarks was full of fun. I appreciated the way she captured everyone's attention. Her delivery was also on point. We learned so much during the short 4 hour tour. I could have definitely spent the entire day touring with Braelei. I'm looking forward to visiting Denver and booking another tour/s with her. After spending half a day with her, I realized that we had a similar interests as far as outdoor activities but yet also so different. It should be a requirement to tour with Braelei when visiting Denver. I appreciated every single thing about her especially her personality. My favorite tour guide of all time. She has set that bar on another level. THANK YOU Braelei!!!
3. Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
AVA's Idaho Springs zip line tour offers 6 exciting zips through the beautiful Clear Creek Valley, plus 5 additional features such as our Jungle Bridge, 50-foot cliffside free fall, Surf Zip, 600-foot dual race line, & Bridge of Doom. The course is weaved into our forested, 9-acre private property with stunning mountain views. Starting high in the canyon, there’s just enough time to warm up before you drop into the first class IV rapid. You will encounter 30 major rapids on this 8-mile trip dropping an incredible 1,300 vertical feet.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Use of helmet, wet suit, splash jacket
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By RamblinDanners
Had an amazing day for my son’s birthday (8 yo). Hunter and Martina were excellent guides who happily kept everyone happy and feeling safe. We were adventuring for nearly 2 hours, so the per person cost does seem like a good value once all is said and done. Would for sure consider a raft trip later this Spring.
4. Mount Evans Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Idaho Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
A Via Ferrata, which means “iron way” in Italian, is a method of mountaineering & rock climbing that’s been used in Europe for centuries. Via Ferrata courses use a combination of ladders, rungs, rails, cables and bridges to aid in moving across and up a cliff face. The Iron Way in Idaho Springs is an assisted rock climbing guided tour where guests clip into cables that run along the side of a cliff. They then move along a designated path of iron rungs and bridges to move across, and along the way they will be required to clip in and out of the cable to progress through the course. This is made possible through an advanced internal locking system in the carabiners. Each guest will have 2 carabiners connected to bungee-style lanyards on their harness. The internal locking system makes it impossible to clip out of both at the same time, insuring that climbers are connected to the cable of the course at all times.
Inclusions: Local guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By princessebird
We did the Cliffside ziplining. Overall, we had a lot of fun. Tessa and Randy were outstanding and did a great job of helping us newbies (40 somethings and 8yo), and, boy, did we need help! We wore masks for the whole trip. 5 other people joined us, and we took an open air vehicle to the top of the hill for our six ziplines. About a decade ago I did a simple zip line that had auto braking, and I assumed everybody did that, so it was my fault for not doing enough homework to realize that some places (like AVA) have the zippers use a gloved hand to brake. We finally got the hang of it by the end, but it was a bit stressful. 8yo ended up with a massive blister on her gloved hand because the leather glove didn't fit her hand quite right. She didn't tell us about it until it was over because 1) she's tough and 2) she never did it before and she thought it was supposed to hurt like that. Nevertheless, despite the blister, she loved it and is begging to go again!
5. Full-Day Summer Sightseeing Tour to Mount Evans from Denver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Travel through rugged Clear Creek Canyon on your way up the highest paved road in North America into the Mount Evans Wilderness Area (admission included) where you will reach an altitude of over 12,800 feet at beautiful Summit Lake and 14,265 feet (4,348 meters) if conditions allow us to the summit. See breathtaking views of the Majestic Rocky Mountains, view bighorn sheep and mountain goats in their natural environment. Stop for lunch and shopping in Idaho Springs, a real old-western town, before returning back to Denver.
Inclusions: Local Driver/Guide, Water refills, please bring a refillable water bottle for your own use
Exclusions: Gratuities (recommended 15-20%, Lunch
Reviewed By Adoranora1
Alex, our tour guide, was spectacular. He knew almost everything there was to know about the sights. I learned a great deal and appreciate so much more the beauty of the mountains. The views were fabulous as was the weather. Thank you, Alex, for making our Rocky Mountain tour wonderful!
6. Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Middle Clear Creek is one of the greatest beginner rafting runs in the nation. With numerous rapids and historical significance, it is hard to deny the value. Although Clear Creek holds more rapids than most any other run in the US, the rapids of our Middle section are straight-forward and perfect for families with children or anyone else looking for something a bit easier. Rafters will also catch glimpses of Colorado's rich gold mining history and maybe even a miner or two as they splash down this unique stretch of whitewater.
Inclusions: Free use of wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, paddles, and personal flotation devices.
Exclusions: Gratuities, Footwear required (no crocs or flip flops)
Reviewed By joannatJ881IA
Awesome time! Staff was extremely experienced, and they put many measures in place to ensure safety as well as sanitary conditions necessary due to Covid. Sam was our guide and did a great job. Our family had a great experience and would recommend to anyone to give it a try!
7. Clear Creek Blast! Class IV 2-3 hours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The Liquid Descent experience is one of a kind. We have beautiful facilities, fantastic gear and amazing guides! We care deeply about your river experience and do everything possible to make sure your river trip with us is the highlight of your summer!
Inclusions: wetsuits, splash jackets, PFDs and helmets
Exclusions:
Reviewed By heatherh736
We floated the upper Colorado in the morning and it was the best time!! We have a 6 and 7 year old and they have talked about it ever since we left. Fun for all ages, our guide, Diego, was very knowledgeable and provided such a cool experience that we’ll never forget! The river was the perfect combination of relaxing and slightly adventurous. My little boy cliff jumped off a little kids sized cliff and my husband jumped off the top! A 20 foot jump! They both had a blast! And major bragging rights;) we’ve done this float twice, once with MAD and this time with Liquid Desent. We strongly suggest Liquid Desent! You will not regret it!
8. Clear Creek Advanced half day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
the Clear Creek advanced rafting trip is extremely exciting and is intended for those who are strong swimmers and in good physical condition. The rapids are long and in close proximity to each other. This makes for an exhilarating and continuous whitewater rafting experience!
Inclusions: Local Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By heatherh736
We floated the upper Colorado in the morning and it was the best time!! We have a 6 and 7 year old and they have talked about it ever since we left. Fun for all ages, our guide, Diego, was very knowledgeable and provided such a cool experience that we’ll never forget! The river was the perfect combination of relaxing and slightly adventurous. My little boy cliff jumped off a little kids sized cliff and my husband jumped off the top! A 20 foot jump! They both had a blast! And major bragging rights;) we’ve done this float twice, once with MAD and this time with Liquid Desent. We strongly suggest Liquid Desent! You will not regret it!
9. Clear Creek Inermediate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Once you’re in the boat and heading down Clear Creek, you will enjoy a fun stretch of water while sightseeing historical locations. You and your crew will navigate Class III to Class V rapids like Nomad and Phoenix before exiting your rafting trip at Deliverance. A short bus ride will take you back to Raft Masters where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs for your friends and family and view the action-packed photos taken of you and your group on the biggest rapid of your trip.
Inclusions: Wetsuit, River Shoes, and Splash Jackets, Personal Flotation Devices, Helmets
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir Photos (Available for Purchase)
Reviewed By zandermc
We were a family of 6 ranging from 5 to 55. We all had a fun time and our stretch of river was not too scary for the 4 that had never rafted before and not to boring for the 2 experienced rafters. Our guide was BK, he was both funny and informative. Would definitely do the same trip again!
10. The Only YOU-DRIVE Jeep Experience in Colorado
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Native Jeeps offers expert-guided, custom Jeep tour adventures on the picturesque mountain roads outside Denver, in Clear Creek County, Colorado. We are the only permitted Jeep tour company with active operations in Clear Creek County! Also, we are the ONLY Jeep tour company that allows YOU to drive the vehicle! As such, we offer a truly unique experience and set of expedition tours on breathtaking trails no one else will show you. All this, with less than a 40 minute drive from central Denver, 45 minutes from Breckenridge and under an hour from Vail! So, if you’re in the area looking for the perfect day-trip getaway, outdoor adventure or even just a unique Instagram photo op surrounded by the fourteeners of the Rocky Mountains, Native Jeeps is the perfect fit for your plans.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Rugged Radios
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Maria S
I had an absolute blast riding around with Branden and Alma in the Jeeps. I was a little nervous at first, but they made me feel so comfortable coaching me step by step. Branden is so knowledgeable and so patient and Alma had me laughing the entire time. The ride was amazing, the company was even better, and the views at the top were breathtaking! Perfect day trip that got my adrenaline pumping. Can't wait to go again.
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