gold mine tour idaho springs

PHOENIX gold mine

Show you the gold, idaho springs, colorado.

Underground Gold Mine Tours & Gold Panning

Experience a

Real Gold Mine!

Family Owned and Operated with Tours since 1988

All Ages and Abilities Welcome!

Phoenix Gold Mine

For Everyone! Contact us if you need special accommodations. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy their experience!

Feed the Chipmunks & Ground Squirrels! Buy food for these critters & will eat right out of your hand!

Open 7 Days a Week to Show You the Gold!

Tours start on the hour, 10:00am to 5:00pm, walk-ins welcome.

Don't Know what to Expect?

Well lit, wide & flat passages take pictures then be social & share..

Pet Friendly! Bring your furry family member with you! Please call us ahead of time to discuss details!

Special Occasion? Come celebrate with us! Group discounts are available for parties of 15 and over!

As Seen On the Following!

As seen in the YouTube Video, "Metal Detector Battle 2"

As seen in Season 12, Episode 4, "Colorado Gold Mine"

As seen in the episode, "Poor Man's Mine"

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Phoenix Gold Mine Tour – Idaho Springs

Phoenix Gold Mine is a working gold mine with tours led by experienced and knowledgeable miners. The tour takes about an hour and takes you 750 feet into the mountain. It’s located nearby the town of Idaho Springs.

The Phoenix Mine tour was featured in National Geographic Magazine and on the Discovery Channel. It’s operated by the oldest continuous gold mining family in Colorado; Al and Dave Mosch. It was dug out in the 1930s.

Year-round Mine Tour and Gold Panning

Included in the cost of your tour is gold panning. Try your luck and take home a little bit of actual gold. Panning is done in the stream next to the mine. This stream carries gold down from the mountains and past the mine where guides will teach you how to properly pan for it.

The temperature inside the mine stays around 45°F all year. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and pack a lunch as none is provided at the mine. Scenic picnic areas are available close by.

A gift shop sells several mining books and numerous mineral specimens. For those looking to do a little hiking, there are two trails on the property, leading to the Little Albert Mine and the Kelly Mine, as well as one that takes you above the Phoenix Mine.

Address: 800 Trail Creek Rd, Idaho Springs , CO 80452

Phone: 303-567-0422

Season: Year-round

Hours: Daily 10 am-6 pm, weather permitting

Website: phoenixmine.com

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ARGO Mill Tour

• Explore inside a former gold mine and tunnel
• Watch a gold mining demonstration and try gold panning
• Hear stories about the Colorado Gold Rush era
• Choose from multiple departure times throughout the day
• See itinerary
• Professional guide
• Entry/Admission - Argo Mill and Tunnel
• Argo Mill, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Argo Mill and Tunnel

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Argo Mill Argo Mill, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA See address & details
• 1 Argo Mill and Tunnel Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Situated in Historic Idaho Springs in the heart of Colorado Gold Country sits the Mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel, one of the most striking and prominent Heritage Landmarks in the American West. The Argo is a central character in the story of the Colorado gold-rush, and remains one of the largest, most well-preserved historic gold mills in the world. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• AAzar1234 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Argo NEVER disappoints!!! Our winter ski trip always begins with a stop at the Argo Mine. We've done the tour before but now when we drive through we always stop to pan for gold and gems. This visit we met Erin and she was phenomenal!!! Erin knew everything about the mine/panning and then some. She worked hand in hand with the kids showing them exactly how to get all of the gold and gems from the pan and boxes. Not only is it educational it is FUN! I highly recommend everyone to visit the Argo Mine either for a mine tour or just to learn how to pan for gold (and keep what you find!) Read more Written February 23, 2024
• marielgv 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gold mine history Very informative and interesting. The gift shop is nice and the employees are very courteous. Best to do it during the warmest months. We did on 1/13 and it was really cold, snow storm we had to walk instead of being transported on the van up the hill. Read more Written January 15, 2024
• cgallaway 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun day with grandsons Our grandsons, age 10 and 8, really enjoyed the tour. They were very attentive and interested in looking at all the museum items. Panning for gold at the end of the tour was fun too. Read more Written January 5, 2024
• Wanderer24258367503 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Found Gold lol My wife and I thought it would be a lark to do a gold mine tour as an adventure. We had no preconceived notions on how it would be. Thus, we went in with an open mind. To start this is not a working mine, but don’t let that stop you. Our guide Andrew was extremely knowledgeable of the history of the mine, along with the influences of the time leading to the mine being built, its opening and finally closing. So if you’re interested in mining and its history this is the place for you. We walked away with a good understanding and the hard lives of those that worked there. Our guide Andrew a licensed surveyor during the week was able to answer questions with ease and his lecture sprinkled with some humor kept all entertaining. The gold panning was a bit of a setup, but you learned how to swirl your pan and the kids in the group as the adults had fun learning. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• Paradise736515 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very important events in history that we should remember today . GREAT guide! So smart. Very interesting. Our guide was excellent. Great Bar B Q afterwards at Smoking yards. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• familyfour1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour! Interesting and fun experience 😊 Highly recommend! Thanks to Shar for the informative tour……………………………………………………….. Read more Written September 23, 2023
• Violette54 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Allergies and Dust Tours are offered here, but the times did not fit into our schedule and with my allergies, and the dust conditions, we decided that it would not work. So I took some pictures instead. An interesting trivia item about the name of Idaho Springs town is that it was named before Idaho was. When the territory was created in 1861, the U.S. Congress decided to name this area Colorado Territory, but by the time this decision was made, the town of Idaho Springs, Colorado had already been named after a proposal made by a politician named George M. Willing. Read more Written July 5, 2023
• rustykim 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Very interesting!!! Nice amount of time. Brandon was an excellent guide. We’ll worth th money and time Read more Written May 15, 2023
• RicOshey 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Argo Mill Mining Experience A must do…got quite an education and insight. The personnel very friendly and knowledgeable. You get a real feel for what life choices and sacrifice mean. Read more Written April 20, 2023
• Culture644542 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good family fun My kids loved panning for gold, my husband loved the stories told and information shared throughout the tour, and I loved the tour through the mill. Thanks for a great time. Read more Written April 2, 2023
• Dreamer44797442621 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the trip! What an amazing trip back in time to view the inside of the facility. The shop staff was amazing made the snow clearing delay well worth the time. Read more Written March 26, 2023
• wendyaJ4621ZZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing place This place is one you need to put on your to do list. Our tour guide, Eric, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The mill is an amazing experience seeing all the old equipment that has been left behind. The staff is very friendly and the gift shop is fun to shop in! Read more Written March 24, 2023
• Maps728098 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun family experience This was such a fun tour! It was amazing to see and hear the history of the mine. My 6 and 8 year old twins loved it! And panning for gold at the end was a huge hit! Read more Written March 23, 2023
• cbanderle 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and educational! We enjoyed our time at the Argo Gold Mine. There is a tour and at the end you can pan for gold! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly (I think his name was Eric). We will definitely be back some time! Read more Written March 23, 2023
• pup8729 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend! The staff is extremely warm, welcoming and we had fun touring the mines and later on getting a hands on lesson on gold finding Read more Written March 20, 2023

More to explore in Idaho Springs

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ARGO Mill Tour provided by Argo Mill and Tunnel

UponArriving

Argo Mill And Tunnel Tour Review: A Fascinating Look at the History of Gold Mining in Colorado

One of the biggest attractions in Idaho Springs, Colorado, is the Argo Mill tour.

As you step inside this historic landmark you’ll be transported back in time to the early 1900s, immersing yourself in the well-preserved corridors that once buzzed with activity.

It’s an incredible experience to witness firsthand the machinery and infrastructure that played a crucial role in the mining industry of the era.

As you explore the corridors, you’ll learn fascinating details about the history of the mill and the various mining processes that were used to extract precious minerals from the surrounding earth.

It’s a unique opportunity to gain insight into the ingenuity and hard work that shaped the development of the region during that time period and below, I’ll tell you everything you need to know before your visit.

Table of Contents

What is the Argo Mill?

The Argo Mill is a historic gold mill located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, that played a major role in the Colorado Gold Rush for several decades. Today, visitors can take a tour of the mill, learn about its history, and even partake in some gold panning (and yes, you can keep what you find)!

It was built in 1891 and was one of the largest and most technologically advanced mills in the world at the time, processing ore from several mines in the area and becoming a major economic driver for the region.

Equally impressive was the Argo Tunnel, a remarkable engineering marvel that served a dual purpose. Not only did it effectively address the crucial mine drainage needs, but it also provided a more efficient means of transporting the valuable ore.

The Colorado and Southern Narrow Gauge Railroad ran directly in front of the Argo Mill and provided easy transport to the smelters and the United States Mint , which was located in Denver due to its proximity to these riches.

The Argo Mill was closed in 1943 following a fatal underground accident, which you will learn plenty about. However, it was restored in the 1970s and is now a popular tourist destination and a National Historic Landmark.

How to book a tour to The Argo Mill

If you want to visit the Argo Mill, I’d highly recommend that you book online . Some of the tours do sell out in advance and we had a 100% full tour when we visited, so you don’t want to wait around too long.

Here are the tour prices you can expect:

• Adults:  $25
• Children (ages 5–16):  $20
• Children age 1-4:  $4
• Infants:  Free

It is possible to just book a panning session but I’d highly recommend that you go for the full tour.

How to get to the Argo Mill

The Argo Mill is located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, right along I-70 about 40 minutes west of Denver.

If you pull up the address via Google Maps directions might try to take you to the rear of the mill but you can easily find the parking lot if you turn onto Riverside Drive and simply head towards the main parking lot.

You’ll see a building for Argo Mill tours and you can head inside to check-in at the cashier.

Our experience at The Argo Mill

The experience kicks off with an informative video introduction that delves into the significance of the Argo Mill and the Argo Tunnel.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of the pivotal role these structures played in the mining industry and their extensive network of tributaries. The video provides a captivating overview of the historical context, showcasing the immense scale of operations and the vital contributions made by the mill and tunnel in processing and transporting precious minerals

After the movie, it will be time to head outside and take the shuttle bus up to the top of the mill.

It’s a steep drop off from the side of the dirt road and there are no rails so if you are afraid of heights it’s best to just not look that way. Luckily, it’s a short journey.

As you make your way across the top of the mill, you’ll have some great views of Idaho Springs and the lower portions of the structure. You really get a sense of how big the facility was.

Once we made it to the top, the first destination to explore was the Argo Tunnel. But before heading inside you need to grab a hardhat.

Then it’s time to venture inside the tunnel and explore its intriguing corridors, but don’t worry, you won’t be trekking for miles in a sketchy cave!

Your journey will take you approximately 60 yards into the Argo Tunnel, a remarkable feat of engineering that stretches a staggering 4.16 miles (6.69 km) in total.

As you delve into the well-lit tunnel, you’ll discover the story of the catastrophic flood that wreaked havoc within its depths. It’s both fascinating and horrifying to think about the power of mother nature that burst through this tunnel, now contained behind the mighty bulkhead structure.

You’ll then get a chance to explore the claims office where miners would come to register their mining claims and deal with legal matters pertaining to their operations.

The claims office served as a hub of activity, where miners would present their documentation, discuss property boundaries, and resolve disputes. It was here where contracts were negotiated, fees were paid, and the legal framework of mining operations was upheld.

Be sure to pop in for a couple of minutes to check out some of the historical photographs and articles.

Then it’s time to head inside the big red Argo Mill, which is the highlight of the tour in my opinion.

Taking in the scents of aged wood, metal, and earth, you’ll be transported back in time to the bustling world of gold milling. The mill is a remarkable sight to behold, with its intricate machinery and towering structures — you just imagine all the bustling activity that took place.

Inside, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all of the different levels of the mill. From the crushing and grinding rooms to the cyanide processing areas, lots of the original equipment is still intact.

Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating details about the various steps involved in the milling process, including how the ore was crushed, pulverized, and treated with chemicals to extract the precious gold.

Standing in the chambers once used for the stamp mill you can imagine the sounds of these contraptions rhythmically pounding on the rocks, generating a thunderous noise as pieces of ore were pulverized into tiny rocks.

It’s also quite powerful to learn about the challenges and obstacles that workers faced while working in the mills.

The conditions were often harsh, with loud machinery causing hearing loss over time, and the constant exposure to dust and hazardous chemicals leading to respiratory diseases. The toll on their health was significant, and many workers faced shortened life expectancies due to the demanding nature of their jobs.

Understanding the sacrifices and risks they endured adds a somber perspective to the history of the mills and reminds us of the human cost behind the quest for gold during the Colorado gold rush.

Once you’ve had the opportunity to explore several levels, you will eventually descend to the museum level. Here, a wide array of artifacts awaits, transporting you back to the mining era.

From old paystubs to captivating historic photographs, you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage of those days.

Additionally, you can even experience the sensation of handling some of the tools once wielded by the miners themselves.

When you exit the museum, you’ll be back on the main ground level where even more old mining artifacts are on display, including a stamp mill that once crushed rocks to extract gold and other precious minerals.

Gold panning

Each tour ticket price includes gold panning lessons, giving you the opportunity to test your luck with an ore sample containing genuine “placer gold.”

Placer gold, formed through the erosion and deposition of gold by natural forces like water or wind, is commonly found in stream beds and riverbanks and that’s what you’ll be looking for.

The experienced guides will teach you the proper techniques of swirling the pan, allowing the heavier gold particles to settle at the bottom.

Tip: Record the steps because there are a lot and you’ll be able to reference them later, even if it’s another time!

As you gently shake the pan, the lighter sediment washes away, revealing the glimmering specks of gold. It’s an exciting and hands-on experience that connects you to the exhilaration and anticipation that prospectors felt during the Colorado gold rush.

Whether you strike it rich or not, the thrill of uncovering genuine gold flakes is an unforgettable moment that brings the history of the gold rush to life.

On average, you’ll find about three little flakes of gold although some will find more than that (I had four).

I’m not going to lie, I suspect these pans are pre-loaded with gold flakes. But regardless, it was still really cool to find some little shining pieces of gold that I could take home.

Tip: To make it easier for your eyes to spot the shimmering gold, avoid choosing a spot in the shade.

It’s not just gold you’ll find; you may also find a variety of gemstones like Peridot, Topaz, Garnet, Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, or Agates.

Once you finish up with the panning, you can head to the gift shop and find some souvenirs.

Overall, if you have an interest in the history of mining or the Colorado gold rush, this tour is a really interesting way to spend about an hour and a half. I learned a great deal throughout the tour and had fun with my first ever attempt at gold panning! If interested, I’d highly recommend that you book online !

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Gold Panning at the Argo

Our Tours Are as Good as Gold

Gold panning lessons are included in each tour ticket price. Each visitor gets the chance to try their luck with an ore sample containing real placer gold — and yes, you keep what you find! Learn the techniques that prospectors use. Many folks are surprised to learn that a variety of gemstones can also be found while gold panning in Colorado. We also offer a gemstone panning option; ask your tour guide if you would rather give that a try. You may find Peridot, Topaz, Garnet, Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, Agates or the state gemstone, Aquamarine. Keep everything you recover and our on-duty staff will help identify everything you’ve found!

Just Want to Pan?

Gold panning is available for guests who do not purchase a tour, and you can purchase extra miners bags if you want to test your new panning skills again.

Panning prices are:

• Guaranteed Placer Gold $16
• Guaranteed Gemstones $12

*Reservations are required for all tours during COVID-19 restrictions. Learn more about our COVID-19 policies

Want more detailed instructions on gold panning in Colorado?

Stop by and take our historic mill tour to gold pan for FREE. Reservations are required for large groups.*

Historic Mill Tour

• 7 of the Most Overlooked Towns in Idaho

Idaho might be one of the easier states to recognize on a map because of its long panhandle that stretches to the Canadian border. The state has a diverse cultural landscape influenced by Native American heritage and the gold rush era. It also boasts outdoor charm, from mountains cutting through the countryside to sweeping deserts, giving chances for skiing, walking, and rafting across clean lakes and rivers.

With so much to see and do, the state is perfect for anyone curious about exploring the great American outdoors. The best way to take in these sights is through Idaho's small towns, which offer quick access to wonderful attractions. If you are looking for a quieter, less busy place to visit, read on to learn about seven of the state's most overlooked towns.

This town's name originates from Moscow in Pennsylvania , after a settler felt it reminded him of his previous home back east. Moscow's heritage dates back to the late 1800s and was vital in the area's growth, especially in farming and learning. Visitors can see important historic spots like the McConnell Mansion, a well-kept home turned museum.

Visitors should walk to the University of Idaho campus to see the "Admin Building." Its distinctive neoclassical design and clock tower make it a must-see landmark. Even if you are not a student, the site is a joy to see. Moscow is also a significant festival town with an eclectic combination of events, like the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, the Renaissance Fair, and many more.

Lava Hot Springs

Lava Hot Springs is a town along the Portneuf River with a fascinating history. It started with local Indigenous tribes who visited the area to enjoy and heal in its hot springs. Later, travelers like miners and settlers came to soak in the relaxing waters. Today, the town is more than just its hot springs; it has become wonderful for testing the outdoors. Tourists can enjoy water activities in the Portneuf River, where tubing is a popular pastime. Want to swim? The town has a giant swimming center, the Olympic Swimming Complex, heated by the hot springs. The pool has several slides and diving boards for everyone to enjoy. When you visit in the winter, skiing is another great activity. The Pebble Creek Ski Area is a well-liked stop for fans of winter sports because of its exciting ski slopes and terrain parks.

Found on the west side of the imposing Teton Mountains, Driggs boasts amazing sights and acts as a gateway to Grand Targhee Resort. It is a quieter and peaceful choice compared to the lively Jackson Hole in Wyoming , which lies across the state border. With the mountains so close, there are lots to try outdoors, like skiing or snowboarding at Grand Targhee or trekking into the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The forest boasts 2.6 million acres of forests, rivers, caves, and mountains, perfect for an outdoor excursion.

If you want to have a slow day in town, Driggs is home to the Teton Valley Historical Museum, which showcases the important heritage of the people and area. The museum helps people learn about Teton Valley's culture and history, showing guests what life was like in the region's past. As the day ends, stop by the renowned Grand Teton Distillery, where one can get tours and tastings of top-notch potato vodka when they visit.

When people ask if you prefer lakes or mountains, it can be a hard choice. Well, in Sandpoint, you won't have to pick. Sitting on Lake Pend Oreille and with two nearby mountain ranges, Sandpoint has no shortage of sights. The best way to take in the sights is at the town's boardwalk. It runs alongside the lake's edges, offering some of the prettiest views.

Despite its small size, Sandpoint is bursting with arts and culture. This town has plenty of art galleries, theaters, and events for music, including the famous Festival at Sandpoint. Here, you can enjoy live music from both local and international musicians. Other events include the Winter Carnival, the Scenic Half Marathon, and the Lost in the '50s Car Show. Downtown is full of old-time beauty, with cool brick and stone buildings, small unique shops, art places, places to eat, and the local favorite, the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market.

Lewiston is a lovely town in north-central Idaho, where the Snake and Clearwater Rivers come together. The Dworshak Dam lies near Lewiston, standing tall above the North Fork Clearwater River. Visitors can go on tours to see how the dam works, learn about its story, and take in the gorgeous views of the sprawling forests nearby. Also within a decent drive of town is Hells Canyon, the continent's deepest river gorge. Garnering Lewiston the nickname “gateway to Hells Canyon,” one can go on rapid water rafting, jet boat, or just take in the amazing sights of the canyon from different spots.

Every spring, the town puts on the Dogwood Festival. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the city's stunning scenery and deep cultural roots. Tourists can have fun during the festival by attending a parade or listening to some of its live music.

Some places just have that Old American West charm, and Wallace is one of those places. First settled in the 19th century, the town is known for its roots in silver mining. The Sierra Silver Mine Tour lets you discover mining history through a guided journey with hands-on mining activities. Or, one can opt to stroll through the Wallace Historic District, as history is palpable throughout, from its museums to notable landmarks. With dozens of contributing buildings showcasing Classical Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture styles, there is a strong Old West vibe that tourists adore.

For a more profound learning experience, tourists can enter the Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum. It is in an old rail station and brings to life the town's extensive train history. Also nearby is the Wallace District Mining Museum. This museum showcases the town's mining legacy, which was vital in developing the region and the country as it stretched and grew West.

Idaho City's past mirrors a lot of other mountainous towns in the West, as its history is deeply linked to the Gold Rush that drew in thousands. The town was founded in 1862, and its population quickly exploded, making it one of the most significant towns in the Northwest. Nowadays, the population is lower, but there is still a lot to do. The town's core holds a collection of buildings that are still in good shape from the Gold Rush. Visitors can check out places like the Boise Basin Museum to learn more about the distinct character of Idaho City's history.

Idaho City also acts as a front door to the great outdoors of the Boise National Forest. People visit the forest for some of the state's best hiking, camping, and fishing. For more outdoor opportunities, one can find Shafer Butte, a majestic and imposing mountain in the Boise Range. With a peak of over 7,500 feet, it offers beautiful, expansive views of the area.

In Conclusion

Idaho is famous for its gorgeous nature and variety of landscapes, giving people lots of outdoor and cultural things to see and do. From the old-timey feel of Wallace to the calming waters of Lava Hot Springs, every town has its special charm. Whether you are looking to hit the ski slopes for some excitement or enjoy a quiet day at a museum, Idaho's secret spots are calling, ready for you to explore and find adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

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