Location: Idaho Springs
Top Things to do in Idaho Springs
Countries
What to do and see in Idaho Springs, Colorado (CO): The Best Things to do
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. Bouck Brothers Distilling
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Bouck Brothers Distillery is Closed Thanks for the Support over the years! Our products are still available in some stores but when they are gone that is it! There is a good supply of Colorado Coffee Whiskey at Grape Expectations Wine & Spirits in Denver. Call ahead to check inventory.
2. Chief Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By jamesrcannon - Golden, United States
At a recent gala fundraising event, Erik Weihenmayer, the keynote speaker (the Blind Everest Climber guy who has done more in his life than all my sighted friends combined); was asked, "What's your favorite mountain you've ever climbed?." Erik immediately responded Chief Mountain. I had to laugh. It's my favorite too - but it's only 10,000 feet! This is a gem of a mountain. It's located just 10 miles up Squaw Pass above Evergreen Colorado, near the Echo Mountain Pass Ski Area. The hike/climb starts fairly steep and then mellows into a beautiful forested trail with all types of evergreen diversity. Roughly an hour to an hour 1/2 later, you'll find yourself on top of a outcropping with a panorama view of Long's Peak, Greys and Torreys, Pikes Peak, and Mount Evans. It's the perfect place to take "Out of Towners" to experience why people love Colorado. The downside is that it's so cool that it's super popular. To miss the crowds, go super early. Any other time, you'll be sharing the trail with tons of people. When one of the world's most famous climbers says it's his favorite - you won't be disappointed. Like Erik, I've climbed over a hundred peaks. Chief Mountain gives you everything a high peak climb gives you, except in very small portions.
3. Echo Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
The Closest Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing to Denver and Colorado's Front Range. Just 50 minutes, or 35 miles, from downtown Denver, Echo offers an authentic Colorado ski and snowboard experience just outside the city.
Reviewed By monicafA7205YJ
Had a great time tubing went with 2 children ages 4 and 11 and it was a blast for both All the staff was very patient and friendly and helpful thank you echo mountain ???? for such a great tubing experience we did the hour and it was just enough
4. Historical Society of Idaho Springs
5. St. Mary's Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Embee925
Don’t miss this short side trip just outside of Idaho Springs. Worth the drive and hike!! Wear your hiking shoes and a rocky trail.
6. Heritage Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
This is a wonderful Visitors Center; offering a wealth of information, and an excellent way to orient oneself to Idaho Springs. The museum area is well conceived; providing an engaging overview of the early inhabitants (the Ute), and the mining operations to follow. The exhibits are interesting and nicely designed. The Visitor's Center staff were friendly and informative. There is a decent amount of written materials from which to choose; as well as postcards, souvenirs, etc. The facility is well maintained, and the restrooms are clean. This is a great place to begin ones visit to the area.
7. Argo Mill and Tunnel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 930 reviews
Hours of Operation are Weather dependent!!! Visit one of the region's most amazing historic mining heritage sites, the Mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel. Our walking tour includes a visit to our history room to view a video introducing the historic impact of the Argo, a journey through our historic 5 story gold ore mill, a look inside the first 200 feet of the 4.5-mile tunnel, an exploration of the historical artifact museum at the base of the Argo Mill, and an optional gold panning lesson. COVID-19 POLICIES: All guides and guests wear masks at all times on tour and while in the Mercantile. (Our county issued a mask order on July 2.) Now booking individual tour groups of up to 9 people. Smaller groups will not be combined unless all parties agree. Tours no longer include a bus ride. Tours start at the ground floor of the mill, go up multiple flights of stairs, into the tunnel, and then back down the stairs. Staff follows tour groups to disinfect all surfaces and hard hats.
Reviewed By meganmJ7877DF
My 8 year old nephew is a rock and geology enthusiast so we made a trip to Idaho Springs to visit the Argo Mill and Tunnel as well as another local gold mine that gives tours. Will made this tour our favorite. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide with a special knack for making the info interesting for kiddos. The experience lasted almost 2 hours and my nephew never lost interest. This is also a great place to visit for anyone interested in American history and the 19th century - kids and adults alike. We highly recommend a tour here with Will!
8. Summit Lake Park
9. Phoenix Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 258 reviews
The Phoenix Gold Mine is an authentic trip into Colorado mining history! Come by and tour a real underground gold mine, see gold ore in the mountain, learn how to find gold and then try your hand at panning for gold. You keep what you find. We are family friendly, for all ages and abilities. Our small business is family owned and operated. On your gold mine tour, be entertained with one of our tour guides as they talk about geology, history, and gold processing equipment. You will see a gold vein. The mine is well lit, with wide, flat passages, with about 500 feet walking distance. It is about 45-degrees degree Fahrenheit, so bring a lightweight jacket. Pan for gold in the creek or underground in our table. Many find gold. Feel like you are on vacation, in an environment where everyone is welcome. We love to answer your questions. Make a reservation, we cannot wait to entertain, educate, and show you what we are so passionate about!
Reviewed By robinaG8255NT
We took our 6 and 8 year old to the Phoenix Mine last weekend and had a blast. The guide (Dave, I think) was very animated and excited about his job and let the kids try some of the equipment and taught us all how to gold pan. The chipmunks around the mine were a big hit, and my kids loved being able to give them sunflower seeds. It was a great activity to do during COVID, and the staff and other customers were all wearing masks. We'll definitely be going up there again!
10. Indian Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 507 reviews
World Famous Indian Hot Springs in Denver's Back Yard! Come up into the foothills of the Rockies and relax in our naturally hot mineral baths. A quick drive West on I-70 only 30 minutes away from Denver. From our most popular Vapor Caves to the Outdoor/Indoor Private Baths or the Tropical Swim Pool, be assured you will find what soaking experience you desire. Full Spa Services are also available daily.
Reviewed By 568anacarolinaa - Chicago, United States
I reserved it for my husband's birthday and it was amazing. We visited Glenwood Springs before and this time I decided to go to Idaho Springs and totally worth it. The Indian Hot Springs accommodations were comfortable and simple, and amenities in the Indian Hot Springs are very cool and when you're staying with them you can do one free activity per day. I reserved one hour for a private jacuzzi during a snowing night and it was incredible. There is a view of the mountains and the vibe is very cozy. It is totally worth the money. Oh, a piece of advice... reserve your private jacuzzi one week in advance. The staff was very kind and helpful, with a special mention to Avery. She's very supportive. In conclusion, if you're looking for a place to relax go there.
