Different travel interests come together in Idaho Springs: gold mining history, trails and views, rafting, and hot springs. For planning, it helps to choose your main focus first. Would you like to learn about historical traces, spend time outdoors, or discover the pools at Indian Hot Springs? Local offerings give you several different ways to shape your stay.
Discover gold mining history in several ways
The Charlie Tayler Waterwheel illustrates a specific technical aspect of gold mining: Charlie Tayler used it to power a stamp mill during his work at Ute Creek. At the Argo Mill and Tunnel, a museum on the lower level focuses on mining and ore processing. Its exhibits include artifacts, old payroll records, documents from mill operations, and historical photographs. The Heritage Museum adds exhibitions on local mining history, early life, and the town’s role in the development of Idaho Springs and Colorado.
If you are looking for an activity related to gold mining in addition to museum visits, Phoenix Gold Mine offers tours of an underground gold mine and gold panning. This gives you several ways to explore the subject: historical objects and photographs, exhibitions on the town’s development, and a guided visit with gold panning. Check the mine’s current offering details before planning.
Trails, scenery, and views
The Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail is a paved, multi-use recreational trail that crosses the Scott Lancaster Memorial Bridge in Idaho Springs. The Barbour Fork Area has hiking and OHV routes through aspen and conifer groves, with viewpoints and ruins adding to the trail options. The two areas thus differ in their stated focus: one is a paved multi-use trail, while the other offers a selection of hiking and OHV routes. Before visiting the Barbour Fork Area, check access and conditions; trail conditions can also change.
For a drive, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic and Historic Byway is another option. The route is open from Idaho Springs to the Evergreen Parkway; check current road conditions before setting out. Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is free for all visitors to use. Before traveling there, check the current conditions for using its trails. The Mighty Argo Cable Car offers a different perspective on the landscape: it provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the Colorado Rockies above Virginia Canyon. Operating details can change, so it is advisable to check current information before planning.
Rafting and hot springs
Class II to IV rapids run through Idaho Springs, and local outfitters offer rafting trips. The season and outfitter details may vary, so check which trips are being offered before planning. The classes provide a specific guide to the classification of the rapids, but they do not replace information from the outfitter about a particular trip.
Indian Hot Springs combines a long local history with a variety of bathing facilities. George A. Jackson discovered the hot springs in 1859; public operations began shortly afterward, in 1863. The listed facilities include an indoor hot springs pool beneath a translucent dome, special cave baths, a mud area, private baths, and outdoor whirlpools. As facilities may change, check the current offerings before your visit.
If you are planning a small event, Underhill Garden may be an option as a rentable event venue. Confirm its availability before planning your event.
Discover more destinations: Gerogetown, Silver Plume.
Return to the main travel overview: Clear Creek.
