idaho springs

Location: 32 miles west of Denver on I-70
Elevation: 7540, Population: 1889

Nowhere in Colorado is the state's mining history more obvious than in Idaho Springs. This was begun as a working man's town, and remains much the same - accessible and affordable.

Several mine tours give visitors insight into local history. Right in town is the Argo Gold Mill, where you can see what a working mill looks like. And not far from town is the Phoenix Mine, which offers a good look at the grim life of a hard-rock miner. A walk around town shows how many original buildings have been preserved, though most now have different uses than what they originally housed.

Adjacent to Idaho Springs, due west of Denver, is Mount Evans. The 14-mile ascent on the highest paved road in America rises to 14,200 feet above sea level. Mountain goats often graze alongside the highway. If you stop, they'll even come to car windows begging for food, but don't feed them!

Speaking of food, there are plenty of good little restaurants in Idaho Springs, including a brew pub. All are affordable, as is area lodging.

After a long day of playing tourist, enjoy the hot mineral waters of the springs for which the town is named. You can stay at the hot springs lodge or just visit the geothermal springs and caves for a fitting end to your hard-working day.

Source: Colorado.com

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