- Enjoy great year round activities when you visit Idaho Springs.
- Ski the slopes at Loveland Ski Area.
- Hike in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
- Pedal down Golden Gate Canyon Mountain Bike Trail.
- Explore the old mines or visit a museum.
- Drive high in the sky on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Overview
Idaho Springs is located in Colorado’s scenic Clear Creek County and is surrounded by Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Rock climbing, downhill skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are just some of the outdoor activities featured near this mountain community while town attractions include museums and old mines.
Summer
Biking
Idaho Springs is a mountain biker’s paradise with hundreds of miles of dedicated trails. Die-hard mountain bikers should try the steep climb up to the Continental Divide on the Arapaho Ridge Mountain Biking Trail. Golden Gate Canyon Mountain Bike Trail is another hotspot not to be missed.
Fishing
Head into the surrounding National Forests and State Park for some great trout fishing in the high country streams and lakes.
Hiking
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are the places to begin your walking treks. Looking for a challenge? Try the 6 mile round trip climb on the Black Bear Trail featuring views of Mount Evans and Golden Gate Canyon.
Scenic Drives
Take a 28 mile drive on North America’s highest paved road when you drive toward the summit on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Rock-Climbing
Grab some granite on a solo or guided rock climbing adventure. The great part about this sport is the opportunity for awesome views of peaks reaching 14,000 feet and more.
Whitewater Rafting
Get your heart rate pumping on a thrilling ride down one of many Colorado rivers that feature fast currents and hair-raising rapids.
Winter
Downhill Skiing
Loveland Ski Area is just a 30 minute drive from Idaho Springs and ski resorts in Keystone, Nederland and Winter Park are all within an hour’s drive.
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
Tour the National Forests on a pair of cross-country skis and experience the alpine landscape blanketed in white. If skiing isn’t your thing grab a pair of snowshoes instead and get great views and a great workout all in one.
Year-Round Activities
Sight-seeing/Tours
Idaho Springs has many museums and art galleries full of interesting historical artifacts and modern art. Check out the Argo Gold Mine and Mine Museum and many more. Dozens of tour companies also await to take you on a guided trip of a lifetime including whitewater rafting and rock climbing adventures and guided horseback riding and fishing trips.
Hot Springs
Visit Indian Springs Resort Hot Springs for a luxurious soak in the natural mineral waters.
