Can anyone keep a secret anymore?
Well, it sounds like Coloradans can.
Far removed from Aspen’s pizzazz and razzmatazz lies a more authentic mountain town travelers tend to overlook.
Whose fault that is remains another question entirely, as a new report claims last winter was a spud…I mean, dud.
You’ll see why I flubbed that shortly…
With what felt like never-ending construction and a surprisingly warm winter putting its wonderland vibes to bed early, tourism officials are hoping a new, fun attraction is the key to luring tourists away from fellow rustic villages for a late spring or summer escape.
From Winter Dud To Summer Stud
Idaho Springs isn’t a ski destination per se, but this alpine hideaway relies heavily on snowfall to steal neighboring resort towns’ tourists.
Unfortunately, it was a down year with a sunnier-than-expected forecast driving vacationers elsewhere.
But there’s still hope on the horizon.
An exciting new addition is set to be a driver for a tourism boom. The truth is, even though Idaho Springs views itself as a winter getaway, it’s a lot safer to drive around Colorado’s winding mountain roads when the ice and snow have melted.
Nobody wants to lug around tire chains on their vacay, do they?
Summer may not seem like the ideal time to visit a so-called “winter wonderland”, but in this case, it certainly is.
Planning a summer escape? Before your trip, be sure to check the real-time Traveler Safety Index for your destination to find out what travelers are experiencing on the ground.
I mean, it’s already strange enough to be named ‘Idaho’ in Colorado, so it ironically fits the bill.
Prepare To Be Wowed! Discover Idaho Springs’ Summertime Draw
The timeless townscape is desirable enough for a laid-back stopping point while traversing some of Colorado’s most majestic scenery on the outskirts of Denver.
To make a trip here even more enticing, it’s actually under 45 minutes from Downtown Denver, but we won’t remind you that the airport feels worlds away from the city.
Let’s forget that part…
What you’ll want to remember is Idaho Springs is set to introduce their best attraction since the Gold Rush days.
If you’ve ever quoted Dumb and Dumber by saying “I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this”, you won’t be saying that again — at least not with a serious tone.
Idaho Spring’s Mighty Argo Cable Car is slated for a grand opening by May, and here’s why it’s so highly anticipated for both locals and future visitors:
- It’s not just a quick novelty ride — expect a fun ride for 1.2 miles, up 1,250 vertical feet from the historic Argo Mill
- It includes 22 gondola cars, with some glass-floor cabins, plus a first-of-its-kind design for 5 mountain bike cabs, so you can hit the trails ready to go
- It’s just the first step — bars and restaurants are currently under development atop Miners Point, alongside an amphitheater, play area, and access to 28 miles of hiking/biking trails
If successful, which all signs point to everything going according to plan, the new cable car breathes new life into the economy and should pique Denver residents’ and tourists’ interests for a day trip excursion at the very least.
You can be notified when the gondola is officially open by signing up here for its ‘VIP’ list.
Day Trip Or Main Stay?
Even without a gondola ride, Idaho Springs is no snoozefest despite struggling with tourism.
Putting the “spring” in Idaho Springs, let’s reveal how this city got its (geographically confusing name).
Being so close to Denver, it serves well as a quick turnaround, given spring and summer’s beautiful weather and open roads.
But it’s well-equipped to be the destination of your Colorado adventures, too.
With ample cozy inns, such as Argo Inn & Suites, and hot springs living up to the town’s name, you don’t have to wake up early and drive back late to Denver to ensure a good night’s rest.
Before Idaho Springs was Idaho Springs, it was known as “Jackson’s Diggings” after George A. Jackson’s major 1859 gold discovery.
Said to be drawn by steam rising from nearby hot springs, the settlement cycled through names like Sacramento City, Idahoe, and Idaho City before settling on Idaho Springs.
Nowadays, it’s actually Indian Hot Springs serving as the town’s claim to fame beyond the aforementioned Argo Mill.
These “healing waters”, hovering around 105 degrees, are housed at a historic resort where visitors can soak in mineral-rich pools, caves, and tubs without ever leaving town — plus, it offers adults-only caves.
Sorry, kids.
