A tropical oasis in the mountains. They have a large mineral pool under a glass dome filled with palm trees, plus geothermal caves carved into the mountain. If you want the full experience, try the geothermal caves, but note they are 18+. The main pool is great for all ages!
Award-winning craft beer and elevated pub food. It has a great "modern mountain" vibe.
A classic Idaho Springs staple. Great for families and legendary for their root beer and "Pickaxe" burgers.
You can’t come to Idaho Springs without trying "Mountain Pie." It’s famous for the thick, honey-dipped crust.
Located right by the creek!
A short but steep 1.5-mile hike that leads to a stunning alpine lake and a "glacier" (actually a permanent snowfield) that stays all year. This is at a higher elevation, so bring water and maybe a light jacket!
That giant red building you see from the highway? You can stop in to take a tour, go underground into a real gold mine, and even pan for their own gold.
This is the highest paved road in North America. You can drive to 14,000+ feet and likely see mountain goats and marmots. Important Note: Reservations are usually required for this drive!
The historic main street is full of cute boutiques, galleries, and candy shops.
A quick, easy photo op right off the highway. There’s a nice walking path that leads right to it behind the visitor center.
A flat, 1.5-mile loop around a gorgeous alpine lake at the base of Mt. Blue Sky. It’s perfect if you want the "mountain feel" without a steep climb.
This is a paved, easy trail that runs right through Idaho Springs along the creek. It’s perfect for a morning coffee walk or for guests who want to stay close to the shops and breweries.
This is a local favorite. It’s a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to a summit with 360-degree views of the Continental Divide. It’s "bang for your buck" hiking—moderate effort for a massive payoff.
A bit more of a workout (6.5 miles round-trip), but famous for its incredible wildflowers in the Summer. It ends at a crystal-clear alpine lake.
Clear Creek is famous for its fast-moving water. If you're looking for a thrill, this is it!
If white water rafting isn't your jam, you can go ziplining!