Mount Blue Sky

Category:Has default banner Idaho Springs is a city of 1800 people in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It is known also as the Gem of the Rockies.

Sign as you enter the Town off the Interstate

Understand

The most populous settlement in Clear Creek County, Colorado, it was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, and sits 7543 feet above sea level, about 30 miles from Denver.

Get in

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Idaho Springs area

By air

By road

Interstate 70 (cosigned with US-6 and US-40) passes through Idaho Springs. Colorado-103 begins at I-70 Exit 240.

Climate

Always check the weather. It is in the Rocky Mountains which can have fluctuating temperatures. So it's always a good idea to see what the weather is predicted to be and what it actually is.

The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, pay strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense. During the winter months, a snow brush, ice scraper, and plenty of windshield washer fluid is essential, and many natives opt to carry a shovel, some sand, and a bag of ice melt/road salt in the trunk just in case.

Must-haves for winter in Idaho Springs

Between November and March, pack the following:

  • Thick jacket
  • Sweaters
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Trousers, jeans, pants
  • Gloves, mittens

Must have for summer

  • Water, water, water, it gets hot and is at a higher altitude so you will need more water than you would at other places
  • Sunscreen, you are higher up so hence you are closer to the sun bring sunscreen.

Get around

To get around all you really need is your two feet; park your car in the downtown area and you can pretty much walk to everything you need to see in the area. To get to other places around town you just drive. Parking can be difficult during the tourist season (May 15 through October 15).

See

The Argo Gold Mine and Mill
Waterfall at Idaho Springs near the creek
  • Category:See listing with no coordinatesIdaho Springs WaterfallCategory:Has map markers (walk underneath the I-70 there is a paved trail behind City Hall and follow the trail the Waterfall will be on your left, or just follow clear creek and you will see the waterfall). There is also a waterwheel from the 1800s that is right next to the waterfall. 

Do

Rafting and kayaking

Hiking

You must remember you are hiking in the Rocky Mountains where weather can change very quickly. Always have plenty of food and water and check local weather conditions. Ranger Contact: U.S. Forest Service Idaho Springs +1 303-567-3000.

  • Category:Do listing with no coordinatesSt. Mary's GlacierCategory:Has map markers (Take I-70 West from Denver, past the town and three exits of Idaho Springs. Take the next exit marked).  
  • Category:Do listing with no coordinatesSquaw Mountain TrailCategory:Has map markers (From the intersection of CO-74 (Evergreen Parkway) and CO-103 (Squaw Pass Road), go west for approximately 12 miles west Just after you pass the turnoff to Echo Mountain Ski Area, there is a dirt road on the left side of the main road. Park here). A 4½-mile roundtrip trail with an elevation gain of 1200 feet, popular with snowshoeing. 
  • Category:Do listing with no coordinatesWarren Gulch TrailCategory:Has map markers (I-70 Idaho Springs Exit #241, go through East Idaho Springs and find parking, start your bike ride heading west to fork in road, take the left at the fork onto Miner Street, take this to Soda Creek Road, left onto Soda Creek Rd., 1.5 miles on Soda Creek Rd.(you will pass Indian Springs Resort), to the Idaho Springs Recycling Center on the right, opposite the recycling center is Steves Canyon Rd., turn left onto this road and bike ½ mile down, Warren Gulch is stenciled on a rock at your left, this is the entrance). A 16-mile roundtrip tril for biking and hiking. 
  • Category:Do listing with no coordinatesScott Landcaster Memorial TrailCategory:Has map markers (I-70 Idaho Springs Exit #241, head east on Colorado Blvd., turn south (left) on the one way street just past the Safeway store, make right at stop sign, left at “T” intersection, you are on the bike path.). 10-mile roundtrip trail. 
  • Category:Do listing with no coordinatesDevils Canyon AreaCategory:Has map markers (I-70 Idaho Springs – Hwy. 103 Exit (# 240), go south on Hwy. 103, approximately 10 miles up there will be a wide shoulder in the road on the left side, park here, bike through the forest service gate, this entrance will drop you into Devils Canyon.). A 6-mile trail. 
  • Category:Do listing with no coordinatesBarbour Forks TrailCategory:Has map markers (I-70 Idaho Springs Exit #241, go through East Idaho Springs to fork in road, take the left at the fork onto Miner Street, take this to Soda Creek Road, left onto Soda Creek Rd., past Indian Springs Resort, go approximately 4 miles up to the end of Soda Creek Rd., there is a parking area at the Forest Service gate, trail starts here.). An 8-mile loop. 
  • 39.5883-105.6442 Mount Blue SkyCategory:Has map markers (Mount Evans). the highest peak in the Mount Evans Wilderness at 14,266 ft (4,348 m). A paved road ends about 130 ft (40 m) below the summit. Mount Blue Sky on Wikipedia Mount Blue Sky (Q1950460) on Wikidata (updated Oct 2025)

Buy

Eat

Doesn't have a lot of fast food but it does have a McDonalds, Quiznos and a Carls Jr.

Prices for food may seem to be a little higher than what you would pay elsewhere but this is a big tourist spot so expect to pay a little more. Most of the places to eat are on Miner Street or in the surrounding area.

A look at the downtown area

Drink

Coffee

Sleep

Connect

Go next

The Tunnel on the I-70 East heading towards Denver
Routes through Idaho Springs
Grand Junction ← Georgetown ←  W  E  → Golden → Denver
Grand Junction ← Georgetown ←  W  E  → Jct N → Golden → Denver
Steamboat Springs ← Winter Park ←  W  E  → Golden → Denver
Ends at Exit 240 ←  N  S  → Echo Lake → to Mount Blue Sky
Category:Has routebox


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