I recently returned from a weekend trip to Idaho Springs and it just may be my new favorite getaway from Denver. This small town is close to SO MANY epic hikes, has plenty of fun things to do, and home to a quaint downtown full of delicious restaurants and shops. I’m SO excited to share this guide on how to spend one weekend in Idaho Springs. It’s truly the best 3-day Idaho Springs itinerary in my (not-so-biased) opinion.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Idaho Springs?
Idaho Springs is located just a 56 mile drive from the Denver International Airport. It makes for a super easy weekend trip full of adventures!
For this 3-day Idaho Springs itinerary, I do recommend renting a jeep or another high clearance car. It will be needed/helpful to reach several of the trailheads (plus, it’ll save you a lot of stress about getting stuck or a flat).
Tip! Use DiscoverCars Search Engine to find the best deals on rentals in Idaho Springs.
When is the best time to visit Idaho Springs
For this itinerary, the best time to visit Idaho Springs is between June-September. This way, you’ll be able to hike and enjoy all the outdoor activities.
Expect summer (and early fall) temperatures to be between 50 and 80. You may even see snow in early June and late September (especially in the mountains) so be sure to be prepared with plenty of layers (I love WoolX for merino wool base layers!)
For an extremely magical time in Idaho Springs, plan your trip during the last week of September to witness all the Aspens turning to the vibrant shades of yellow.
Where should I stay in Idaho Springs?
Although your choices of hotels and stays in Idaho Springs is slightly limited, you do have several great options. My first recommendation is to grab a room at The Uplift Inn (where we stayed). This recently renovated motel has everything you could need and is just .9 miles from downtown. Check out my full review of the stay here! (Spoiler: I loved it and will definitely be back!)
If you can’t find any available rooms at The Uplift Inn, you can check out hotels in the neighboring town of Georgetown.
3-Day Idaho Springs, Colorado Itinerary for Adventure Lovers
Day 1 in Idaho Springs
Morning:
Rise and shine for an early morning hike to Mestaa’Ehehe Mountain Fire Lookout. This 4.1-mile hike gains 862 ft as you ascend on a gravel service road. If you have a jeep or high clearance car, you are able to drive 2 miles up the road up to the gate.
The trail itself isn’t the most exciting, the views at the top make up for it. Although, you can not go into the Fire Tower (it gets rented out) you can hike to the left of it for epic views.
Side note: You can reserve the fire tower for an epic night off-the-grid. We didn’t do so on this weekend trip, but would be a fun adventure!
Afternoon:
There’s an exciting aerial adventure course right in Idaho Springs! Spend your afternoon working through the obstacles at Colorado Sky Trek. The ropes course has over 60 obstacles and you can choose the level of difficulty depending on the route you take.
Book your ropes course time here!
If a ropes course isn’t your thing, you can check out Chief Mountain Trail for a afternoon hike. It’s located near the Fire Tower Hike from this morning and offers more unique views and overlooks!
Evening:
After your adventurous day in Idaho Springs, end it with some delicious pizza at BeauJo’s. It’s located right on Miner’s Street (Idaho Spring’s Main Street) and known for its known for being the home of “Colorado-styled Pizza”.
Tip! You can park for free in downtown Idaho Springs before 10 am and after 6 pm!
Day 2 in Idaho Springs
Morning:
Surprise! Day 2 starts with another hike 🙂
The hike to St. Mary’s Glacier was actually the first on my list when researching things to do in Idaho Springs. It was beautiful, however it’s the most popular hike in the area so be prepared to share the trail!
You do have to park in private lots, so there is a fee. We parked in the first lot we saw which was $20 (easy to pay via phone and credit card), but then we saw additional lots (past the trailhead) for $10. The lots were pretty big, but they do still fill up on weekends and holidays.
The hike to the lake is a easy .8 mile trip (1.6-mile round trip) that follows a well-maintained uphill trail. After arriving at the lake, there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the views. You can also hike up to the glacier for a better view of the lake and the glacier!
Afternoon:
After your morning hike, head back towards Idaho Springs to tour a historic gold mine. Argo Gold Mine was an active mill up until 1945 and during its time it processed over 3 trillion dollars of gold…yes trillion!
Today, the mine is open for guided tours so you can get a glimpse into the past. Tours take place daily and cost $25 per person. Each tour includes your own chance to mine for gold!
Book your Argo Gold Mine Tour HERE!
Evening:
After two days of adventuring, it’s time to relax ad the Indian Springs Hot Springs. These historic springs are a must stop during any weekend trip to Idaho Springs!!
You can choose from the main pool, the geothermal caves, the outdoor jacuzzis, private indoor tubs, the club mud experience, or a combination of a few! You can buy tickets right at the front desk upon arriving (no reservations required).
We choose the geothermal caves with a club mud experience (a full body mud mask!) We weren’t sure what to expect, but we ended up loving our time.
Side note: The geothermal caves are 18+ and swimsuit optional during the week. Swimsuits are always required in the main pool and Club Mud.
Day 3 in Idaho Springs
Morning:
End your weekend trip to Idaho Springs with the ultimate adventure… hiking a 14er! Grays Peak is an wonderful mountain to conquer for anyone hiking their first 14er (it was my first), BUT it is SO IMPORTANT that you are prepared and ready for a 14er.
Although short(er) than most Colorado 14er’s, it’s still a challenge. After you make it down the 2.8-mile ROUGH dirt road (would definitely recommend a jeep for this, but we did see some cars make it), you’ll reach the parking lot.
It is a busy trail, so it’s important to arrive before sunrise if possible (this is also important to avoid the common afternoon thunderstorms on the mountain).
After finding a parking spot the journey begins! The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but be prepared for a climb the entire way up. You’ll gain over 3,000 ft. Take your time. Bring MORE THAN ENOUGH water. And enjoy the trek. Expect the hike to take anywhere between 5-7 hours.
Full disclosure: I STRUGGLED with this hike and had a mild case of altitude sickness (headache and nausea) on the way up. Altitude sickness can be very dangerous, so be sure you are prepared and listen to your body. There is NO shame in turning around.
Tip! If you are up to it (I was not), you can hike to Torrey’s peak on the same trail. It adds another mile and 500+ ft of elevation gain to the trail, but it’s a great way to bag two 14er’s in one day!
Afternoon:
Take it easy after your big hike and do some window shopping along Miner Street. This is the downtown area of Idaho Springs and has some cute shops to check out! You will have to pay for parking between the hours of 10-6, but it was easy to do and just $5 for 2 hours.
Evening:
Then celebrate hiking a 14er and a wonderful weekend trip to Idaho Springs with a delicious dinner at MTN Prime Steakhouse (right on Miner Street).
You may also like::: The BEST Colorado Day Hikes
Other Things to do in Idaho Springs
- Drive to the top of Mount Evans (A driveable 14er!!!)
- Idaho Springs Zipline
- Go whitewater rafting (You can choose between beginning, intermediate, or advanced routes)
- Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park!
Tip! Combine this trip with a weekend in Denver OR Colorado Springs
Where (else) to Eat in Idaho Springs
- Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub: Enjoy craft beer and pub fare at Tommyknocker Brewery, one of the oldest brewpubs in Colorado. Try their beer flights and hearty burgers while sitting on the patio. We unfortunately didn’t have time for this stop, but I’ve heard GREAT THINGS about it.
- Smokin’ Yards BBQ: This BBQ joint serves up mouthwatering smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Their homemade sides like mac ‘n’ cheese and cornbread are equally delightful. (This is located RIGHT NEXT to Uplift Inn-where you should stayed!)
- Main Street Restaurant: A cozy and friendly spot offering American comfort food. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring classics like omelets, burgers, and sandwiches.
- The Frothy Cup: A great place on Miner Street for coffee, pastries, and light breakfast options. Their cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a morning pick-me-up. (Pictured above).
Click here to check out more of the best dining options in Idaho Springs!
Weekend Trip to Idaho Springs Map
Save this map to help you plan the ULTIMATE one weekend in Idaho Springs, CO!
Other Tips to Know BEFORE visiting Idaho Springs
- Altitude Awareness: Idaho Springs is located at a high elevation of approximately 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) above sea level. If you’re not acclimated to high altitudes, you might experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, avoid alcohol, and consider acclimatizing in a lower-elevation area before heading to Idaho Springs.
- Weather Variability: The weather in the Colorado mountains can change rapidly, even in summer. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night, and bring layers of clothing. In winter, heavy snowfall is common, so check road conditions (many close) and be ready for winter driving.
- Leave No Trace: Whether you’re hiking, camping, or enjoying outdoor activities, follow the principles of Leave No Trace to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. Idaho Springs is beautiful and I want everyone to get to enjoy it for years to come!
One Weekend in Idaho Springs isn’t enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Idaho Springs that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Idaho Springs itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Idaho Springs.
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Idaho Springs” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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