13 Fun Things to Do in Idaho Springs Colorado

If you’re looking to spend some time enjoying Colorado’s natural beauty, but you’re overwhelmed by Estes Park and all its tourists, Idaho Springs may be the right choice for you. Only an hour away from Denver, and two-ish hours away from Rocky Mountain National Park, you can check off a good chunk of your Colorado bucket list from this spot.

If you’re a digital nomad, it’s absolutely perfect. If not, it’s wonderful anyway! It’s lively, quaint, and surrounded by natural beauty without the overwhelm. So let’s get to what to do in Idaho Springs!

Things to do in Idaho Springs Co

Downtown Idaho Springs at dusk

1. Stroll around downtown

If you like cute downtowns, you’re in luck. Idaho Springs has consignment shops, coffee shops, a bakery, a brewery, and more. And most, if not all, are located right on Miner Street and are easy to walk to. Idaho Springs is not very big. Top picks:

Clear Creek Cidery 1446 Miner St

Tommyknocker Brewery 1401 Miner St

Beau Jo’s Pizza 1517 Miner St

The Frothy Cup 1510 Miner St

Mural at The Frothy Cup. Eye opening.

2. Relax in hot springs

Indian Hot Springs
302 Soda Creek Rd
You can choose a pool pass or a cool cave option! Either choice is divine, and you’re going to need it after a long day of hiking and exploring. This is the closest hot springs to Denver.

3. Get some discounted outdoor wear

You know how people say to go to thrift stores in wealthy neighborhoods to have a better chance at finding designer goods? This is kind of the same principle–if you go to the consignment shops in outdoorsy areas, you will get your fill of affordable fleece, ski pants, heavy coats, and accessories. There are a few amazing consignment shops on Miner Street where you can find your next cute hiking outfit!

4. Check out the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel

An Idaho Springs staple. You can’t miss it–it’s right off I-70 and is a short walk. They even decorate it for holidays!

I believe there was some Karen on Facebook that didn’t like the pumpkin. Boo!

5. Tour a gold mine

Weird scenes inside the gold mines…

Okay, enough of that. At Argo Mill and Tunnel, you can learn all about the Colorado gold rush and even pan for gold yourself!

6. Drive to the top of a mountain

There are two CO fourtneeners (a mountain that’s 14,000 ft. elevation) you can drive right up–one is Mount Blue Sky (f.k.a. Mt. Evans), and the other is Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. Mount Blue Sky is just outside of Idaho Springs. You will need a reservation. Get it here. NOTE: Mount Blue Sky is closed for 2025 due to construction. It will reopen in 2026.

Luckily, there are other mountain passes nearby you can drive up, just not as high:

Guanella Pass. Starting in nearby Georgetown, this scenic drive is the road to Mt. Bierstadt. Plenty of amazing views along the way.

Loveland Pass. This pass is famous for being the highest mountain pass in the world that’s open year-round! But I wouldn’t want to drive it in winter… See fantastic views of the Continental divide!

7. Go skiing

A great option in Idaho Springs is Echo Mountain. It’s beginner-friendly and has a tubing hill. I’m more of a tuber than a skiier, personally.

Bonus: If you bring along that special someone, you can even get married at Echo Mountain and have your wedding photos taken right on the ski lift! The adventures of Adventure Couple…

8. Go Off-Roading

Rent a Jeep and drive old mining roads, see ghost towns, and take in spectacular mountain views that not many people get to see! Here is a tour option where you have a guide, but drive your own Jeep!

9. Go White Water Rafting

I had so much fun doing this I had to do it twice! Here is a beginner-friendly option right on Clear Creek.

Hiking in Idaho Springs

St. Mary’s Lake

St. Mary’s Glacier

10. Hike to a glacier

Take a short, 20-minute drive up the mountain to St. Mary’s Glacier. Then hike to it! You’re in for a treat. This is a steep uphill hike on very rocky terrain, but it’s super short and well worth it! St. Mary’s Lake is one of the most gorgeous lakes I’ve seen.

11. Hike a Fourteener

If you’d rather hike up Mount Blue Sky than drive it, feel free. It’s known as one of the “easier” fourteeners, so it’s a good option for experienced hikers who want to tackle their first fourteener. Again, you do need reservations, and the standard route from Summit Lake is closed for the 2025 season.

View of alpine lakes from the James Peak trail

12. Hike a Thirteener

Why hike a thirteener instead a fourteener? A fourteener is only one more eener…

Thirteeners are a bit less crowded and more chill than fourteeners, particularly the popular, “easier” fourtneers such as Blue Sky and Bierstadt (don’t get me wrong, there’s no such thing as an easy fourteener!). James Peak is a spectacular thirteener that’s located on the same trail as St. Mary’s Glacier. You’ll experience beautiful views, and for the most part, mountain solitude.

Echo Lake

13. Hike to Echo Lake

CO-103 & Mt Evans Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

A beautiful hike! Enjoy the relaxing views.

Day trips from Idaho Springs

Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. RMNP is a must-do if you’re anywhere near it. Whether you want to hike or just drive around and take in the views, it’s well worth it. And while you’re there, Estes Park is worth checking out too, especially if you’ve never been.

Denver. If you’re craving city life, Denver is only about an hour away.

Colorado Springs. For even more natural beauty, check out Colorado Springs! At a little over an hour and a half away, it’s home to the beautiful Garden of the Gods, another great hiking area.

Elgie at Garden of the Gods

Golden. So many great hikes in Golden, and it’s only a half hour away!

Glenwood Springs. Want to trade one cute mountain town for another? Glenwood Springs is your spot! At just over 2 hours away, you’ll find hot springs (the world’s largest!), natural beauty, and some of the most delicious donuts you’ll ever have!

Worth the trip…

Weekend Trips from Idaho Springs

Downtown Telluride

The Western Slope/Telluride: Western Colorado has some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see. Telluride is a picturesque mountain town and is very dog-friendly. Dogs can even go on the ski lift!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Another natural wonder in Colorado. Check this underrated national park off your list!

Where to Stay in Idaho Springs

I was lucky enough to find a place in scenic St. Mary through Furnished Finder, my go-to as a digital nomad. Here are some hotels in Idaho Springs:

Budget option: H&H Motor Lodge

Nice views: Argo Inn and Suites

When’s the best time to visit Idaho Springs?

It depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months will be the most temperate and the most enjoyable for outdoor activities. Summer is also the busiest season. Fall (when I went) is the slow season. As an introvert, I live for a good slow season. Winter is a popular time for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. Spring can bring pretty wildflowers.

The takeaway: Is visiting Idaho Springs CO worth it?

Yes! I found it to be the perfect blend of lively downtown and mountain solitude. It’s not as crowded as Estes Park and is an absolutely beautiful, charming place that’s convenient to many Colorado attractions! I loved living here and would stay here again.