Idaho Springs wears its Gold Rush history on its sleeve. The very first significant gold strike in Colorado happened here, and the town that grew up around it still lines Clear Creek with historic storefronts, mine headframes on the hillsides, and one of the most convenient mountain escapes from Denver you’ll find anywhere.
| Type | Historic gold-mining town |
|---|---|
| From Denver | ~30 miles west on I-70 (Exit 240) — the closest mountain town |
| Elevation | ~7,540 ft |
| Known for | Colorado’s first gold strike, Indian Hot Springs, Beau Jo’s pizza, Argo Mill, Mount Blue Sky byway |
| Best for | A quick mountain escape, hot springs, a ski-trip fuel stop |
Things to do
- Indian Hot Springs — historic geothermal springs with soaking pools and caves, an easy relaxing stop right off the highway.
- Historic mining tours — the Argo Gold Mine & Mill and other sites tell the Gold Rush story up close.
- Miner Street dining — the town’s walkable core, home to the original Beau Jo’s and its famous Colorado-style “mountain pies.”
- Clear Creek whitewater — in summer, the creek through town is a hub for beginner-to-intermediate rafting.
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
From Idaho Springs, the Mount Blue Sky byway (formerly Mount Evans) climbs to over 14,000 feet on the highest paved road in North America — a bucket-list summer drive to the shoulder of a 14er, past alpine lakes, mountain goats, and ancient bristlecone pines. It’s seasonal and now uses a timed-reservation system, so plan ahead.
A ski-trip stop
As the first mountain town on I-70, Idaho Springs is the classic gas-and-food stop on the way to the resorts — and a fine place to break the drive home. Loveland, Georgetown, and all of Summit County lie just up the highway; see our Colorado skiing guide.
Where to stay in Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs and the surrounding valley have lodging across the range, from slopeside condos to budget rooms down the road. Direct “check availability” booking links for Idaho Springs are coming as we finalize our booking partner. For how we think about choosing a base for a Colorado trip, see our where to stay guide.
Getting there
Idaho Springs sits right on I-70 at Exit 240, about 30 miles — often just 40 minutes — from Denver. It’s the quickest real mountain-town escape from the city. See our I-70 guide for busy-day timing.
Idaho Springs FAQ
What is Idaho Springs known for?
It’s where Colorado’s 1859 gold rush began, and today it’s known for its natural hot springs, historic gold-mine tours, the original Beau Jo’s pizza, Clear Creek rafting, and the Mount Blue Sky scenic byway — all about 30 minutes from Denver.
Are there hot springs in Idaho Springs?
Yes — Indian Hot Springs offers geothermal soaking pools and caves right off I-70, a popular relaxing stop for travelers heading to or from the mountains.
What is the Mount Blue Sky (Mount Evans) byway?
A seasonal paved road from Idaho Springs that climbs above 14,000 feet — the highest paved road in North America — to the shoulder of a 14er. It typically requires a timed reservation in summer. See our 14ers guide.
How far is Idaho Springs from Denver?
About 30 miles west on I-70 (Exit 240), often around 40 minutes — the closest true mountain town to the city.
Is Idaho Springs a good stop on a ski trip?
Ideal — it’s the first mountain town on I-70, with gas, food (including Beau Jo’s), and hot springs, and it’s minutes from Loveland and about an hour from Summit County.
Book Clear Creek rafting & tours on Viator →
More Colorado destinations: Vail · Beaver Creek · Aspen · Snowmass · Winter Park · Loveland · Georgetown · Idaho Springs · Eldora · all destinations