5 Days
Idaho Springs: A Gold Mine of Adventure Right Outside Denver
The historic mining town of Idaho Springs in the beautiful Clear Creek Canyon offers majestic mountain views and a variety of activities from rafting to gold panning.
Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places
For daily volunteer opportunities, volunteer at Loaves & Fishes, a local food bank. For animal lovers, see how you can help out at the Clear Creek Animal Shelter.
Insider's Tip
Local in the Know
Blair Woodward, our favorite Idaho Springs resident, recommends a number of restaurants and activities below, but also suggests you visit the quirky surrounding towns near Idaho Springs. Not only is it an incredibly beautiful drive, but each town has a unique draw. Black Hawk is a small mining town that offers casinos and gambling right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Georgetown, another mining town, offers a historic railroad, which is a great activity for families.
Day 1
activity
Clear Creek Gold Rush Rafting
This action-packed rafting trip will get your heart-pumping with incredible canyon views.
lunch
Two Brothers Deli
A little deli in a busy town serving great food since the 1900s (yes, we have been open that long — 1999).
activity
Via Ferrata Adventure
Take in the insane Mount Evans views during the via ferrata-assisted climbing and ziplining tour.
dinner
Tommy Knocker Brewery and Pub
For more than 20 years, Tommyknocker Brewery has been passionately crafting award winning ales and lagers.
activity
Mount Blue Sky - Scenic and Historic Byway
One of the best places to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep.
Note: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway will be closed for improvements…
lodging
Stay in an Airbnb in Idaho Springs
Depending on your group size there are a number of great lodging options through Airbnb in Idaho Springs, but this is one of our favorites with a great…
Day 2
breakfast
Main Street Restaurant
We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. We also bake our own bread. Come try us out!
activity
The Phoenix Gold Mine
Family owned & operated, since 1988. Take underground tour. Guides provide education & entertainment for all ages & abilities. See gold…
lunch
Westbound & Down Brewing Company
Westbound & Down Brewing Company is made of a dynamic team working to provide our community with exceptional service and distinct sophisticated beers…
Insider's Tip
Stick Around for a Tasting
Finish lunch with a sampling of several Westbound & Down brews, from the array of IPAs to tripels, sours, saisons, stouts and many more.
activity
Jeep Tours Colorado by Native Jeeps
You drive one of our Jeeps on a guided 4x4 tour near Denver, Vail, or Breckenridge. Private, beginner-friendly, and packed with views, adventure, and…
dinner
MTN Prime
Colorado-raised, USDA Choice steaks are just the beginning at MTN Prime - Idaho Springs' new steakhouse. Try the Colorado Elk Stew, prepared with bacon,…
activity
Starlight & Full Moon Zipline Adventure
This is our all-time favorite Idaho Springs adventure. You cannot miss this sunset and full-moon zipline tour, allowing you to see Colorado at the absolute…
lodging
Streamside Dream
This streamside Airbnb is close to the moonlight zip and offers a great mountain feel that can sleep large parties.
Day 3
breakfast
The Frothy Cup
Here at The Frothy Cup we buy only the highest quality green coffee beans from all over the world, and then we roast them in small batches here at the…
activity
Galvin Guiding
Galvin Guiding is a fly fishing guide service based in Denver, Colorado. The service offers exceptional personalized service and custom tours…
lunch
Beau Jo's Idaho Springs
Beau Jo's pizza is legendary among Colorado outdoor enthusiasts. The original pizza restaurant, located in Idaho Springs, Colorado has been the apres…
activity
Hike St. Mary's Glacier
A beautiful and moderate hike near Idaho Springs. There are plenty of other hiking options if you are looking for something easier or even more difficult…
dinner
Two Bears Tap and Grill
Small plates, salads, sandwiches, chili and other cozy bites.
activity
Scenic Drive Down Clear Creek Canyon
Enjoy another scenic drive around the Clear Creek Canyon after dinner and who knows what adventure you may stumble upon.
lodging
Indian Hot Springs
World-famous for over 100 years. Hot mineral springs. Features include unique, one-of-a-kind mens and womens geo-thermal cave baths, indoor private…
Day 4
breakfast
Black Hawk Bean & Cream
From Mountain Mocha — a locally loved treat — and half-pound breakfast burritos to sumptuous sandwiches, pastries and ice cream, The B&C…
activity
Indian Hot Springs
World-famous for over 100 years. Hot mineral springs. Features include unique, one-of-a-kind mens and womens geo-thermal cave baths, indoor private…
lunch
Smokin Yard's BBQ
Our thee signature sauces: Cow Tippin Sweet, Spicy Chipotle and Swine Bitin' Bold.
activity
More Clear Creek Rafting
Enjoy another day on the iconic river with a 1/3- or 1/2-day rating trip.
dinner
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Hola amigos, at Restaurant Azteca we offer you a taste of Mexico that you will not soon forget, authentic Mexican food where we serve the delicious…
activity
Tommy Knocker Brewery and Pub
For more than 20 years, Tommyknocker Brewery has been passionately crafting award winning ales and lagers.
lodging
Bridal Veil Waterfall Views
Try out this 1896 Victorian Airbnb cottage with mountain views.
Day 5
breakfast
Mountain Mamas' Needful Things
Mountain Mamas' Needful Things in Georgetown offers a full-service cafe, artisanal treats and gifts.
activity
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Climb aboard one of Colorado's famous historic narrow gauge railroads. This engineering marvel takes you high over the Devil's Gate Bridge and winds…
lunch
Cooper's on the Creek
Cooper’s on the Creek is located in the Georgetown, 45 miles west of Denver on the I-70 corridor. Our menu features seasonally inspired cuisine, creative…
activity
Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours
Visitors walk over 1,000 feet (the longest walking tour in the State) into the mountain and see several other tunnels, many of the 17 gold veins discovered,…
dinner
Cabin Creek Brewing
Cabin Creek Brewing is a Craft Brewpub that blends tradition & innovation, offering hand-crafted beer & drinks and scratch-made food 7 days/week…
activity
Hotel de Paris Museum
Hotel de Paris Museum, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is owned and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of…
lodging
Clear Creek Inn
Cozy up for your stay at Clear Creek Inn. This comfy inn is a unique spot for its glass blowing sessions and glass store.
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