While Idaho Springs doesn’t see the kind of attention that the large resort towns of the Rockies do during the ski season and winter months, there’s a ton still to be appreciated in this small town in Clear Creek County. Whether you’re just passing through or getting the family out of the city for a long weekend, there’s no shortage of fun activities to suit whatever timeline you’re working with. Check out these four wintertime favorites of ours:
Photo courtesy of indianhotsprings.com
1.Indian Hot Springs
There are few experiences like enjoying the heat of a natural hot spring during the winter in the mountains. The Indian Hot Springs Resort has a variety of hydrothermal amenities including outdoor soaking pools, mud caves, and a large indoor swimming pool. The Indian Hot Springs are perfect for the group just passing through after a big ski weekend, as well as the family making the quaint town of Idaho Springs their main destination. If you miss the opportunity to visit in the winter, don’t be discouraged, with the cool temps the mountains get year-round visiting the Indian Hot Springs is a great addition to your summer adventure too!
Photo courtesy of argomilltour.com
2.Argo Mine and Tunnel Tour
While winters in Idaho Springs can offer a lot of variability in weather conditions, a historic tunnel tour and panning lesson at the Argo Mill will have you well-sheltered from the elements. This monumental mill towers more than 110 feet over Clear Creek, and is a prominent Heritage Landmark in the American West. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn a little about the height of Colorado’s gold rush, and even try your own hand at panning! This family-friendly activity is only 1.5-2hrs and is perfect to pair with a Colorado-style pizza for lunch at Beau Jo’s on Miner Street.
Photo courtesy of echomtn.com
3.Tubing and Skiing at Echo
Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are some of our favorite winter activities throughout the state, and Idaho Springs is lucky enough to have Echo Mountain Ski Area just a short drive uphill! You can beat the traffic and lift lines by visiting smaller, independent mountains. Echo also offers night skiing which is a fun way to spend the evening before grabbing beers at our Miner Street microbrewers, Tommyknockers and Westbound and Down.
Photo courtesy of uncovercolorado.com
4.Georgetown Lake
Just outside of Idaho Springs, the cute, historic town of Georgetown has a lake that freezes over annually and can be a great site to spend a snow day near Idaho Springs. Locals ice fish and drive 4×4 vehicles around the area, and the hiking trail that circumscribes the lake makes for a great place to snowshoe, watch for bighorn sheep, and spot bald eagles. Cabin Creek Brewing is a convenient place to warm up and grab a bite after a lake jaunt in the winter in Georgetown.
Whether you’re just looking to fill a few hours with friends on your way back to Denver or explore all of what the Idaho Springs area has to offer, you won’t be disappointed with the adventure you find in the winter here. And if you enjoy your time in Clear Creek County in the winter, we can’t wait for you to join us in the summer!
