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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

Idaho Springs: A Gold Mine of Adventure Right Outside Denver

Idaho Springs: A Gold Mine of Adventure Right Outside Denver

5 days

More Itineraries

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:

Donate to Clear Creek Greenway Authority to help keep Clear Creek Canyon sustainable. 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). Read More

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 Evans - Scenic and Historic Byway

One of the best places to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep.

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 central location.

Day 2

Breakfast

Main Street Restaurant

We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. We also bake our own bread. Come try us out! Read More

Activity

The Phoenix Gold Mine

The Phoenix Gold mine is an authentic trip into the Colorado mining history! Come by and tour a real underground gold mine, try your hand at panning.

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.

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, wild mushrooms, carrots, pearl onions and... Read More

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 best time of the day.

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 shop, at 7,500 feet in elevation in the... Read More

Activity

Galvin Guiding

Galvin Guiding is a fly fishing guide service based in Denver, Colorado. The service offers exceptional personalized service and custom tours tailored to each client. All skill levels are... Read More

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 ski hangout since it opened in 1973.

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.

COTREX

Dinner

Two Bears Tap and Grill

Small plates, salads, sandwiches, chili and other cozy bites. Read More

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 baths, outdoor private whirlpool baths.... Read More

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 has plenty of options to soothe rumbling tummies. Read More

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 baths, outdoor private whirlpool baths.... Read More

Lunch

Smokin Yard's BBQ

Our thee signature sauces: Cow Tippin Sweet, Spicy Chipotle and Swine Bitin' Bold. Read More

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 meals you enjoy today. Read More

Activity

Bouck Brothers Whiskey

Bouck Brothers Distillery is Clear Creek County's 1st & only legal distillery since prohibition. We make all of our spirits in Idaho Springs from grain to glass including our award-winning Pink... Read More

Lodging

Bridal Veil Waterfall Views

Try out this 1896 Victorian Airbnb cottage with mountain views.

Day 5

Breakfast

A Whistle Stop Cafe

Grab-n-go-breakfast menu all wrapped up and ready to go!

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 you through a scenic Rocky Mountain pathway.... Read More

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 small plates and elevated comfort food.... Read More

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, machinery and tools, walk into a... Read More

Dinner

The Alpine Restaurant and Bar

We offer a complete lunch and dinner menu and all of our items are homemade from scratch! Catch us after your scenic drive up Guanella pass or after a day of skiing in Summit County and Vail on... Read More

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 America in the State of Colorado.

Lodging

Waterfront Mountain Retreat

This is the most perfect mountain home to stay in while you visit Georgetown. Take in the views and enjoy this newly renovated mountain home.