Idaho Springs

The most populous settlement in Clear Creek County, Colorado, it was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, and sits 7543 feet above sea level, about 30 miles from Denver.

Most people will tend to arrive from the I-70 Interstate. Denver International Airport is located at about 35 miles away in Denver Denver International Airport, (DEN). Commonly referred to as DIA. It is located about 20 miles to the east of downtown Denver. Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all maintain hubs at the airport in Concourses A, B, and C respectively. Most other major domestic carriers also have service here

Always check the weather. It is in the Rocky Mountains which can have fluctuating temperatures. So its always a good idea to see what the weather is predicted and what it actually is.
The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, pay strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense. During the winter months, a snow brush, ice scraper, and plenty of windshield washer fluid is essential, and many natives opt to carry a shovel, some sand, and a bag of ice melt/road salt in the trunk just in case.

To get around all you really need is your two feet; park your car in the downtown area and you can pretty much walk to everything you need to see in the area. To get to other places around town you just drive. Parking can be difficult during the tourist season.

• Heritage Mueseum and Visitor Center

  address: 2060 Miner St

• Argo Gold Mine and Mill

  phone: +1 303-825-6513
  address: 2350 Riverside Dr.
  Here you take a tour of one the famous mines in the area, also gives live demonstrations as well and you can pan for gold here. Added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1978

• Phoenix Gold Mine

  phone: +1 303-567-0422
  address: P.O. Box 3236
  Tour of a local gold mine filled with lots of history. After the tour you can pan for gold or walk along two of the trails that are nearby. Tours usually take about 45 min to a hour.

• Idaho Springs WaterfallThere is also a waterwheel from the 1800s that is right next to the waterfall.

• Underhill Mueseum

  address: 1416 Miner St

• Pioneer Cemetery

• Historic Train#60

• Arapaho National Forest

• Mount Evans Scenic Byway & WildernessThe road up to the top is the highest paved road in North America.

• “Oh My Gawd” RoadTake a drive up “Oh My Gawd Road”, the hair-raising shortcut to nearby Central City, This scenic dirt road gets its name from its spectacular views as well as its narrow and curving lanes.

• Flipper McGill's Pinball Parlor

  phone: +1 303 885-0984
  address: 1535 Miner St
  Play on old and new pinball machines.

• Zipping Colorado

  phone: +1-888-494-7386
  address: 2697 Stanley Road, Dumont
  There are around eight zips in all. The zipline course starts along the Clear Creek in Idaho Springs.

Rafting and kayaking

• Liquid Descent

  address: 2195 E Idaho Springs Rd

• Clear Creek Rafting Company

  address: 350 Whitewater Rd

• Raft Masters

  address: 2804 Colorado Blvd

Hiking

You must remember you are hiking in the Rocky Mountains where weather can change very quickly. Always have plenty of food and water and check local weather conditions. Ranger Contact: U.S. Forest Service Idaho Springs +1 303-567-3000.

• St. Mary's Glacier

• Squaw Mountain TrailA 4½-mile roundtrip trail with a elevation gain of 1200 feet, popular with snowshoeing.

• Warren Gulch TrailA 16-mile roundtrip tril for biking and hiking.

• Scott Landcaster Memorial Trail10-mile roundtrip trail.

• Devils Canyon AreaA 6-mile trail.

• Barbour Forks TrailAn 8-mile loop.

• Miner Decadence

  phone: +1 303 567-1704
  address: 1536 Miner St

• The Soap Shop

  phone: +1 303 567-0428
  address: 1542 Miner St

• Safeway Food and Drug

  phone: +1 303 567-4471
  address: 2425 Miner St

• Skippers Ice Cream Parlor

  phone: +1 303 567-4544
  address: 1501 Miner St
  Family-run ice cream parlor.

• Georgetown Valley Candy Company

  address: 1501 Miner St

Doesn't have a lot of fast food but it does have a McDonalds, Quiznos and a Carls Jr.
Prices for food may seem to be a little higher than what you would pay elsewhere but this is a big tourist spot so expect to pay a little more. Most of the places to eat are on Miner Street or in the surrounding area.

• Wildfire Restaurant & Bar

  phone: +1 303 567-2775
  address: 2910 Colorado Blvd
  Serves great breakfast, American and Mexican food.

• Marion's of the Rockies

  phone: +1 303 567-2925
  address: 2805 Colorado Blvd
  Known for its great breakfast and brunch.

• Mangia!

  phone: +1 303 567-4371
  address: 1446 Miner St
  Italian food.

• Smokin Yard's BBQ

  phone: +1 303 567-9273
  address: 2736 Colorado Blvd
  One of the best places to stop along I-70. Known for its great BBQ and offers complimentary boiled peanuts.

• Beau Jo's Pizza

  phone: +1 303 567-4376
  address: 1517 Miner St
  They have been offering mountain pies, which is Colorado style pizza, since 1973. Has a local food challenge called the "14er" which is a 14-pound pizza; you win $100 if you and another person finish it. Offers free Wi-Fi as well.

• Two Brothers Delicatessen

  phone: +1 303 567-2439
  address: 1424 Miner St

• Buffalo Restaurant and Bar

  phone: +1 720-502-3121
  address: 1617 Miner St
  Serves a lot of great American food and has an old time feel to the place. They have added a casual brewpub called Westbound and Down right next door. The restaurant has had a more upscale remodel and still serves buffalo.

• Morning Gold Bakery

  phone: +1 303 905-7386
  address: 1637 Miner St

• Westwinds Tavern

  phone: +1 303 567-0982
  address: 1633 Miner St

• Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub

  address: 1401 Miner St
  A nice place to drink at and also serve beer that they make there as well

• Westbound and Down Brewing Company

  phone: +1 720-502-3121
  address: 1617 Miner Street
  Local pub which is the sister company to The Buffalo restaurant and sits next to that restaurant. They have started with 4 craft beers and have 6 guest beers. The "Westbound and Down" brews are possibly some of the best in Colorado. They have a top-notch pub menu with everything fresh, not your typical frozen fried foods.

Coffee

• Java Mountain Roasters

  phone: +1 303 567-0304
  address: 1510 Miner

• Starbucks

  phone: +1 303 567-2578
  address: 2900 Colorado Blvd

• Indian Springs Resort

  phone: +1 303-989-6666
  address: 302 Soda Creek Rd.

• Heritage Inn

  phone: +1 303 567-4473
  address: 2622 Colorado Blvd

• Miners Pick Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 303 567-4870
  address: 1639 Colorado Blvd
  Features a gourmet home-cooked breakfast.

• H & H Motor Lodge

  phone: +1 303 567-2893
  address: 2445 Colorado Ave

• Idaho Springs Motel

  phone: +1 303 567-2242
  address: 2631 Colorado Ave

• Columbine Inn

  phone: +1 303 567-0948
  address: 2545 Colorado Blvd