Colorado Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Tour

From$99
5 hours
Denver, USA

About this activity

Discover Colorado's rich mining history on a guided tour through historic towns, an authentic gold mine, and a gold panning experience, all set against stunning mountain landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore historic mining towns
  • Tour an authentic gold mine
  • Experience gold panning
  • Learn about Colorado's gold rush
  • Enjoy scenic mountain views

Full description

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Colorado's gold rush era on this half-day adventure. Your journey begins with a guided tour through historic mining towns, where you'll uncover tales of fortune seekers and pioneers. Next, venture into an authentic gold mine, exploring its tunnels and learning about the mining techniques of the past. The excitement continues with a hands-on gold panning experience, giving you a taste of the thrill that once captivated thousands. Throughout the tour, enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas that showcase Colorado's natural beauty. This excursion offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and scenic splendor, making it an unforgettable addition to your Denver visit.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of historic mining towns
  • Visit to an authentic gold mine
  • Gold panning experience
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Meet at the flagpole in front of historic Union Station on Wynkoop Street located in lower downtown Denver.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: 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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: 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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Walk down the historic streets of Central City, what 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.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

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. * Either the Phoenix or Capitol Prize Mine will be visited but not both*

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
6

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. *Please note either Idaho Springs or Georgetown will be visited but not both. Town is dertermined by mine schedule availability*

Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

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. * Either the Phoenix or Capitol Prize Mine will be visited but not both*

Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: YES
8

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. *Please note either Idaho Springs or Georgetown will be visited but not both. Town is dertermined by mine schedule availability*

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

End you tour back where it began at historic Union Station located in lower downtown Denver

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Denver Union Station, Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO, USA

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
  • The tour involves walking and may include uneven terrain; appropriate footwear is recommended.
  • Check the weather forecast for the day of your tour to dress accordingly.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and outdoor activities.
  • Bring a camera to capture the picturesque mountain landscapes and historic sites.
  • Consider bringing a light jacket, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation in the unlikely event there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • We will walk into the mine on the tour, not recommended for anyone that is claustrophobic
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and bring a jacket for inside the mine
  • Some places in the mine can be a little muddy please wear shoes that clean up easily
  • Please eat breakfast or lunch prior to your tour pick up time
  • Only 1 mine will be visited in either Idaho Springs or Georgetown not both

Reviews

Google
Ray Ju
Jul 2026
5.0

A big thank you to Anne. She led our tour group. She was friendly and a wealth of information. She made the tour enjoyable.

Google
Sonam Lama
Jul 2026
5.0

We had an amazing family trip to Rocky Mountain 🏔️ yesterday. Our guide Jorge was very professional & the nicest guy, gave his all to everyone to collect best memories from trip. Strongly recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy spectacular views of nature with a professional guide, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for JORGE.

Google
Terah Deason
Jul 2026
5.0

Wow, what an amazing day. Colorado Sightseers does not skimp on intensive, fun, fact-filled tours. I took a tour to the Rocky Mountain National Park and it was phenomenal. I had no idea I would experience so much beauty and wildlife. Our guide Jorge is just the nicest guy, so professional and always giving his all to everyone on the tour. He was so patient and truly kind. I'm suggesting everyone to come to Denver and take this tour. And ask for Jorge!

Traveler reviews

4.8
51 reviews
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It was fun. Not exactly...

It was fun. Not exactly what I was expecting but I did have a good time. The travel guide was great. She was knowledgeable and personable.

Carla_BJun 30, 2026VIATOR

Awesome, personable tour....

Awesome, personable tour. Will was an amazing tour guide with lots of knowledge about the area and the mines.

Sharon_CJun 25, 2026VIATOR

The Adventure You're Looking For

Our group of four was blown away by the kindness and knowledge of our guide. We learned a lot of interesting facts along the entire route of our tour and felt very well taken care of. The gold mine was a highlight, and the entire trip was a better experience for us than we could have had just driving around on our own. We'll remember this as the fun adventure we were looking for in Colorado.

G5977UTloriwJun 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Typical Mine Tour

Fun tourist thing to do. Typical mine tour with panning for gold option. Nice surprise in taking the dirt "back door" road between Idaho Springs and Central City.

Louise_CMay 27, 2026VIATOR

Will is great tour guide....

Will is great tour guide. The copilot and I loved it. We saw so many places and old mines. Very informative.

Thomas_GMay 14, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by an adult Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation in the unlikely event there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund We will walk into the mine on the tour, not recommended for anyone that is claustrophobic Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and bring a jacket for inside the mine Some places in the mine can be a little muddy please wear shoes that clean up easily Please eat breakfast or lunch prior to your tour pick up time