Phoenix Gold Mine
Step back in time at Phoenix Gold Mine! Explore historic underground tunnels, pan for gold, and discover Colorado's rich mining heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Consistent cool temps inside
Phoenix Gold Mine
Best Time
Consistent cool temps inside
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Phoenix Gold Mine! Explore historic underground tunnels, pan for gold, and discover Colorado's rich mining heritage.
"Absolutely amazing experience, so much to learn and the staff was extremely friendly!"
🧥 Wear Layers
Mines are cold! Bring a jacket or hoodie, even on warm days.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend along for the adventure; the mine is dog-friendly!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 721 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Gold Mine Tours
Phoenix Gold Mine
Explore historic mines, learn about gold extraction, and see fascinating geological formations.
Gold Panning Experience
Phoenix Gold Mine
Try your luck panning for gold in the stream and take home your findings.
Unique Gift Shop
Old bus at Phoenix Gold Mine
Discover quirky souvenirs and local crafts inside a charming old bus.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Depths
Book Ahead for Gold
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Wear Layers
Mines are cold! Bring a jacket or hoodie, even on warm days.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend along for the adventure; the mine is dog-friendly!
❓ Ask Questions!
Guides love to share knowledge; asking questions enhances the experience.
✨ Blacklight Wonders
See glowing calcium carbonate deposits under blacklight on tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Wear Layers
Mines are cold! Bring a jacket or hoodie, even on warm days.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend along for the adventure; the mine is dog-friendly!
❓ Ask Questions!
Guides love to share knowledge; asking questions enhances the experience.
✨ Blacklight Wonders
See glowing calcium carbonate deposits under blacklight on tours.
💰 Panning Paydirt
Streams can be rich with gold specks after rain; try your luck!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Phoenix Gold Mine for its engaging and educational tours, friendly and knowledgeable guides, and unique attractions like gold panning and the gift shop bus. The dog-friendly policy is a major plus for many. Some minor points of improvement mentioned include needing more staff for gold panning instructions and ensuring all visitors are aware of the need to duck in certain areas.
"Tour guides Izzy and Julian were excellent, and I’m sure the other guides are just as good. I did the full tour of the entire grounds, and I recommend both mines. They are equally as interesting if you like both geology and mining equipment/history. The scenery is breathtaking. Nestled in a valley along a small creek, you’ll find the mine along with its unique gift shop located inside an old bus. The mines are cold, wear at least a hoodie/jacket. If you’re tall expect to be ducking down quite a bit, but at 6’4 I was able to make it through without issue."
Levi Camarillo
"Absolutely amazing experience. We did the complete tour (both mine tours plus gold panning) and had a blast the entire time. There was so much to learn and the staff was extremely friendly and loved talking to us. Make sure you ask questions on the tours - the tour guides love answering questions and it will really add to the experience.
Also - BRING YOUR DOG. The Phoenix gold mine is completely dog friendly and our little guy enjoyed the experience.
We hope to come back in a year or two when they have their third mine open for touring (Jimmy’s mine)."
Brad J
"I had an amazing time on my mine tours today. Both guides were very knowledgeable and the lady at the bus was super sweet. It was cool to learn about the discovery of the mines and how they were worked. It rained the last few days and the stream was full of gold specks. I did some gold panning and found a few vials of good paydirt. I highly recommend going! Very fun and educational."
Katie Elisa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phoenix Gold Mine is conveniently located in Idaho Springs, about a 30-minute drive from Denver. Take I-70 West and follow signs for Idaho Springs. The mine is accessible year-round.
Yes, parking is available at the Phoenix Gold Mine. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
While public transportation options are limited, ride-sharing services or organized tours from Denver might be available. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the mine.
The address is 800 Trail Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO. It's nestled in a valley along a small creek.
There is a slight hike up to the train, which is generally manageable for most visitors. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing varies depending on the tour package (e.g., mine tours, gold panning). Check the official Phoenix Gold Mine website or contact them directly for the most current pricing and package details. Kids 3 and under are often free.
Reservations are recommended for the underground gold mine tours to ensure availability, though walk-ins may be accommodated. Booking ahead is a good idea, especially for groups.
Phoenix Gold Mine is open year-round, 7 days a week. It's always best to check their official website for specific daily hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Information on discounts for seniors, military, or group rates is typically available on their website. Keep an eye out for special promotions.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets on-site, but booking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, especially for the popular underground tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided underground gold mine tours, try gold panning, explore the unique gift shop in an old bus, and learn about mining history and geology.
Yes, the tours are very family-friendly and educational. Kids often have a blast, and children 3 and under are typically free.
Tour durations can vary, but typically an underground mine tour lasts around 45-60 minutes. The complete experience including gold panning can take longer.
The underground mine tours involve walking and some ducking. While staff are accommodating, it's best to contact the mine directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket or hoodie, as the mines are consistently cool (around 50°F or 10°C) year-round.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the mines, but always check with your guide first. Some areas might have restrictions.
Capture the unique geology, mining equipment, the historic mine entrances, and the charming gift shop bus. The scenery in the valley is also picturesque.
Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the delicate formations or for safety reasons. It's best to ask your guide.
The glowing calcium carbonate deposits under blacklight are a unique photographic subject. The exterior of the mine and the gift shop bus also make for interesting shots.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the confined spaces of the mine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit