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Can anyone keep a secret anymore?
Well, it sounds like Coloradans can.
Far from the grit and razzmatazz of Aspen lies a more authentic mountain town that travelers often overlook.
Whose fault that is remains an entirely different question, as a new report claims last winter was a mess… I mean, dude.
You’ll soon see why I messed that up…
With what felt like endless construction and a surprisingly warm winter putting the wonderland vibes to bed early, tourism officials are hoping a new, fun attraction will be the key to luring tourists away from other 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 retreat relies heavily on snowfall to steal tourists from neighboring resorts.
Unfortunately it was a bad year with a sunnier than expected forecast driving holidaymakers elsewhere.
But there is still hope on the horizon.
An exciting new addition will fuel a tourism boom. The truth is, even though Idaho Springs considers itself a winter destination, it’s a lot safer to drive Colorado’s winding mountain roads when the ice and snow have melted.
Nobody wants to lug around snow chains during their holidays, right?
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 outing? Before your trip, be sure to check the real-time Traveler Safety Index for your destination to find out what travelers are experiencing locally.
I mean, it’s weird enough to be named “Idaho” in Colorado, so ironically it fits.
Prepare to be amazed! Discover Idaho Springs summer hiking
The timeless cityscape is desirable enough for a relaxing stop while traversing some of Colorado’s most majestic landscapes on the outskirts of Denver.
To make a trip here even more attractive, it is actually under 45 minutes from downtown Denverbut we won’t remind you that the airport is a world away from the city.
Let’s forget that part…
What you can’t forget is that Idaho Springs is about to introduce their best attraction since the Gold Rush days.
If you’ve ever quoted Stupid and stupider by saying, “I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this,” you won’t say that again – at least not in a serious tone.
Idaho Spring Mighty Argo cable car is scheduled for one festive opening in Mayand here’s why it’s so highly anticipated by locals and future visitors alike:
- It’s not just a quick ride, you can expect a fun 2 mile ride, 4,000 feet of elevation gain from historic Argo mill
- It includes 22 gondola cars, some of which glass floor cabinsplus a unique design for 5 mountain bike cabins, so you can hit the road ready to go
- It’s just the first step: bars and restaurants are currently being developed atop Miners Point, in addition to an amphitheater, playground and access to 28 miles of hiking and biking trails
If successful, which suggests all goes according to plan, the new cable car will revitalize the economy and should at least pique the interest of Denver residents and tourists for a day trip.
By registering you can be notified when the gondola is officially open here for its ‘VIP’ list.
Day trip or main residence?
Even without a gondola ride, Idaho Springs is no snoozefest, despite its struggles with tourism.
By placing the “source” in Idaho Springs, let’s reveal how this town got its (geographically confusing name).
Being so close to Denver makes it well suited for a quick turnaround, given the nice spring and summer weather and open roads.
But it’s well equipped to be the destination of your Colorado adventures.
With plenty of cozy inns, such as Argo Inn & Suitesand hot springs that live up to the city’s name, you don’t have to get up early and drive back to Denver late to get a good night’s sleep.
Before Idaho Springs was called Idaho Springs, it was known as “Jackson’s Diggings” after George A. Jackson’s great gold discovery in 1859.
The settlement was said to be attracted by steam rising from nearby hot springs and cycled through names like Sacramento City, Idahoe and Idaho City before settling in Idaho Springs.
Nowadays that is actually the case Indian hot springs serves as the city’s claim to fame beyond the aforementioned Argo Mill.
These ‘healing waters’, which hover around 40 degrees Celsius, are housed in a historic resort where visitors can soak in mineral-rich pools, caves and baths without ever leaving town. Moreover, it offers for adults only caves.
Sorry, kids.
