Our guides spend their summers in Idaho Springs. They know where the best sandwich in town is, which brewery has the best tap list, where to hike when they're off the river, and what's worth skipping. This is their list — not a tourism board's.
Eat & Drink
Westbound & Down Brewing
A modern microbrewery on Miner Street paired with sister restaurant The Buffalo. Known for creative sours and innovative food — including a vegan burger that even carnivores order. One of the best tap lists on the I-70 corridor.
Two Brothers Deli
Our guide Joe said it best: "God spoke to me through that Reuben." Big deli sandwiches and breakfast wraps at fair prices. There's a yoga studio next door if you need to balance things out.
Mountain Prime
Idaho Springs' only steakhouse — and a proper one. Prime rib, crab cakes, and an extensive whiskey selection. Worth it for a post-rafting splurge.
Smokin' Yard's Barbeque
"Go for the meat, stay for the sides." — Hannah, guide. Riverside seating and legit BBQ. We actually stop here on some of our Full Day trips.
Tommy Knocker Brewery
A local institution for over 20 years. 19 seasonal beers on tap, elevated bar food, and the Continental Divide Burger — Swiss cheese and beer-battered mushrooms on a pretzel bun. Free beer tickets available after rafting trips.
Frothy Cup
"Skip the chain coffee and go here." — Neal, advanced guide. An adorable tea-house café on Miner Street serving coffee and fresh-baked goods. Exactly the kind of local spot worth supporting.
Attractions
Indian Hot Springs
Thermal mineral baths up to 112°F. Enclosed tropical pool, cave baths, private outdoor tubs. Perfect muscle recovery after a day on the river. Runs $18–24 with massages and lodging available.
Phoenix Gold Mine
Family-friendly gold mine tours where you can pan for gold and actually keep what you find. Ghost stories are included. $20 for adults, $12 for kids.
Downtown Idaho Springs
A genuine gold rush town with a free museum, local shops, and great restaurants. Worth a walk down Miner Street. Check out Feral for outdoor gear or Echo's Hippie Shop for something more eclectic.
Get Outside
St. Mary's Glacier
Year-round skiing, swimming, cliff jumping, hiking, and camping. Take Exit 238 off I-70 West and head up Fall River Road. Views of the glacier and lake make it worth the drive.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
A 28-mile road that gains 7,000 feet of elevation — one of the highest paved roads in North America. Wildflowers, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep along the way. $5–10 parking.
Chief Mountain Trail
A moderate-to-difficult hike reaching about 12,000 feet. Access from Exit 240 off I-70, then south on Highway 103. Trailhead is about 5 miles east of Echo Lake.
Echo Lake Trail
Easy 1.3-mile family loop around Echo Lake with Mount Evans views. Great for kids or a mellow morning before your rafting trip.
Clear Creek Path
A paved path through Gold Canyon that follows the river. Swimming holes, picnic spots, and views of the advanced rapids you might have just ran. A nice way to see the canyon on foot.
"This isn't a pit stop. Idaho Springs is a destination."
Make a full day of it — or a full weekend. The town rewards people who stick around.
Start with the River
Book a morning rafting trip and spend the afternoon exploring. Idaho Springs is best experienced at full volume.