Start from 24 curated places around Idaho Springs, CO, then choose the recommendations that fit your guests.
Restaurants & cafés
Beau Jo's Colorado Style Pizza
The original location of Colorado's signature mountain pizza, operating since 1973. The thick, chewy crust is made with local honey — tradition calls for drizzling more honey on the leftover crust as dessert. Come hungry: the pies are sold by weight and are generously sized.
Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub
One of Idaho Springs' longest-running institutions, pouring house-brewed ales and lagers alongside proper pub food in a warm, wood-paneled room on Miner Street. The bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers and the Reuben are standouts, and the cream soda draws fans on its own. A solid stop whether you want a meal or just a pint.
Trails & outdoors
St. Mary's Glacier
A 1.5-mile hike up Fall River Road leads to a year-round snowfield — technically a glacial remnant — with a pristine alpine lake at the base. The trail is short enough for most fitness levels but rocky enough to feel earned, and the views of the snowfield against the surrounding ridgeline are striking for how little effort they cost. Snowshoeing works here well into summer.
Mount Blue Sky Summit Trail
Colorado's highest paved road climbs to just below the 14,265-foot summit of Mount Blue Sky, where a 0.6-mile trail finishes the job. The route is short but the altitude is real — plan for headaches, slow pace and layered clothing regardless of conditions below. Views extend across most of the Front Range and into the Great Plains on a clear day.
Things to do
Colorado Adventure Center
The most comprehensive adventure outfitter in the area, running whitewater rafting on Clear Creek (Class II through V depending on season and section), an eight-line zipline course with the longest tower-to-tower line in the state, and a Sky Trek high-ropes obstacle course. Staff are experienced and the safety protocols are solid — a good choice for groups with mixed skill levels.
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
The highest paved road in North America climbs 28 miles round-trip from Idaho Springs to within feet of the 14,265-foot summit of Mount Blue Sky. You can drive to the top without leaving your car, passing through tundra, snow fields and mountain goat territory. The summit parking area sits above the clouds on most mornings.
Landmarks & sights
Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel
One of the most intact historic gold mills in the country, with guided tours through the tunnel that connected multiple mines across the valley. The equipment is original, the scale is impressive, and a gold-panning session is included. It's the best single place in town to understand what Idaho Springs actually was during the mining boom.
Phoenix Gold Mine
A still-active gold mine offering 45-minute underground tours led by working miners who explain geology, technique and history in equal measure. Creek-side gold panning follows the tour, and the Mother Lode Combo adds a train ride to a second mine. The most intimate mining experience near Idaho Springs, on a quiet road past Indian Hot Springs.