Gold fever built these mountains, and the history is still very much alive.
What to do
- Pan for gold — outfitters around Idaho Springs and the mountain towns hand you a pan and teach you how; yes, you keep the flakes you find. Want your own setup? See our gold panning gear guide.
- Tour a real mine — the Argo Mill in Idaho Springs, the Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge, and the Phoenix Gold Mine let you go underground.
- Explore ghost towns & museums — St. Elmo, mining-town museums, and the historic districts of Georgetown, Leadville, and Cripple Creek.
When & where
Panning and mine tours run mostly late spring through fall. The gold belt runs along the I-70 corridor and the central mountains — Idaho Springs, Breckenridge, Leadville, and Cripple Creek near Colorado Springs are the classic stops.
Gold panning & mining FAQ
Can you pan for gold in Colorado?
Yes. Commercial outfitters, especially around Idaho Springs, offer guided gold-panning experiences where they provide the equipment, teach you the technique, and let you keep any gold you find. There is also recreational panning allowed in certain public areas, subject to local rules.
Is the gold real?
Yes, the gold is real, though you will typically find small flakes rather than nuggets. The fun is in the hands-on experience and the history, and it is very popular with families and kids.
Where can you tour a gold mine in Colorado?
Popular hard-rock mine tours include the Argo Mill and the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs and the Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge, where you can go underground and learn how the miners worked.