Follow the steps of the 1859 Gold Rush, travel up rugged Clear Creek Canyon looking for the state mammal, Big Horn Sheep, on the steep canyon walls. Visit the historic town of Central City and admire the architecture in what was once considered the richest square mile on earth and hear the stories of the hard rock miners and their way of life. Then visit a Real Ghost Town from the mining boom, then enjoy the scenic mountain views as you head over to tour a real Gold Mine and learn about the history and modern day mining techniques, you can even try your luck at striking it rich! Finish with a drink or shopping in a historic mining town. See Learn and Explore the Wild West on this fun Colorado Gold Rush Tour.
*Important You will only tour one gold mine on this tour and either Idaho Springs or Georgetown but not both. The mine and town is determined by the availability for that day.
Other Highlights
Big horn sheep on steep canyon walls, the historic town of Central City, notable architecture, and scenic mountain views
Availability
Monday-Friday, Year Round (weather permitting)
Duration
8:15 am to 1:30 pm or 12:15 pm to 5:30 pm
Half day, approximately 5 hours
Departing From
Union Station in Downtown Denver at 8:15am & 12:15pm
Meet at the flagpole out front: 17th and Wynkoop St.
See Location
Wildlife
You’re likely to see wildlife on this tour, but sometimes they’re being wild somewhere else.
Tour Itinerary
Denver Union Station
1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Meet at the flagpole in front of historic Union Station on Wynkoop Street located in lower downtown Denver.
10 minutes, Admission is freeRocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains, CO
Drive up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado and follow the footsteps of the pioneers and miners on their quest for a new life and trying to strike it rich. See wonderful mountain views and rugged canyons.
Pass by without stoppingClear Creek Canyon
Clear Creek County, Georgetown, CO 81211
Travel through this beautiful rugged mountain canyon following Clear Creek and the gold rush trail of 1859. Look for Bighorn Sheep on the steep canyon walls and rock climbers.
Pass by without stoppingCentral City Opera House
200 Eureka Street, Central City, CO 80293
Walk down the historic streets of Central City, which was once considered the richest square mile on earth during the 1859 Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush Days. Visit a real ghost town from the boom times.
40 minutes, Admission is freePhoenix Gold Mine
800 Trail Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Take a tour in a real gold mine. Learn about old and new mining techniques. Experience what it was like to be a hard rock miner back in the 1860’s in Colorado.
1 hour, Admission includedIdaho Springs
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Visit Idaho Springs where the Victorian architecture of the mining days still stands. Grab a drink in the local brewery or shop in one of the local stores or just admire the history that surrounds you in this quaint historic mountain town.
25 minutes, Admission is freeCapital Prize Gold Mine Tour
1016 Biddle Street, Georgetown, CO 80444
Go more than 1,000 feet into this fully operational historic gold and silver mine. See and experience the historic and modern day mining techniques. Your guide will teach you all about this important part of Colorado’s colorful history. Try your hand at striking it rich and keep your findings.
75 minutes, Admission includedGeorgetown
Georgetown, Colorado
Walk down the Historic street of Georgetown once one of the wealthiest mining towns in Colorado. The historic buildings have been well preserved and house many local stores and not to be missed the delicious Georgetown Candy Company.
30 minutes, Admission is freeDenver Union Station
1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
End you tour back where it began at historic Union Station located in lower downtown Denver.
10 minutes, Admission is free
Know Before You Go
Bring a Jacket
The mine is a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so jackets are recommended year-round.
What to Bring
Jacket
Camera
Refillable Water Bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
Gratuity for your Tour Guides for the day and for the mine tour
FAQs
What are the walking surfaces in the mine like?
Mine Tunnel openings are wide, the pathways are mostly flat with ore cart rail.
Is panning for gold included in this tour?
Mine tour admission and gold panning are included in the tour price.
Tours are limited to 12 guests.
Pro tip: Book early. Our tours sell out fast!
Our Guests Say it Best
“We went on Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Tour with Will as our tour guide. It was an excellent experience and Will was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a variety of Colorado beauty and learned new things about the state. We enjoyed all aspects of the tour and appreciate the excellent customer service from Christin.”
-Carol H. (Google Reviews)
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