A place is defined by things that express its essential nature and its distinct details. In the case of Clear Creek County — including the towns of Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown and Silver Plume — this means underdeveloped, rural mountain communities forged from old mining towns that are ever evolving. Today, history is alive and well, and so are opportunities for you to be fully in the present, enjoying shopping, dining, playing and staying … while preserving the lands you love, since a percentage of proceeds from all sales tax revenue goes to the trails.

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New adventures in old towns close to Denver

Clear Creek County invites you to find your adventure, however those activities may take shape. You can be as active or relaxed as you want to be. Come with a friend or bring your family. You define what you want to do, need to do, must do while visiting; there is truly a way for everyone to choose their “out and about!”

Idaho Springs is where the Gold Rush began. Today, visitors can get their rush from the town’s art galleries, boutiques, hot springs and local craft beer! Visit the Argo Mill & Tunnel — once the longest mining tunnel (45.2 miles long) in the world — connecting Central City and Blackhawk to Idaho Springs. The railroad ran from the ARGO to the Denver Mint to process the ore (300 tons per day!) Tours are available every day at the top of the hour to immerse yourself in turn of the century heritage. You can also enjoy naturally heated botanic swimming pools, caves, outdoor tubs, spa treatments and accommodations at Indian Hot Springs.

Spend some time in Empire, a sunny star-shaped valley where the first true silver fissure lode was discovered in 1860. Today, there are shopping and dining options along historic Park Avenue, the opportunity to enjoy a playground, picnic shelter, tables, horseshoe pits and open space of Minton Park, and the PAW Education Research Trail, a one-of-a-kind ADA accessible hiking trail with enhancements for the physically and visually impaired, bringing adventure for all!

Georgetown is home to many wonderful shops, art galleries, restaurants and breweries … and the iconic Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park, which will take you back in time through the heart of Clear Creek as the locomotive winds its way along the headwaters of Clear Creek, looping over itself, and passing through remnants of gold and silver mining camps. Here, visitors over the age of five may choose to extend their adventure and pan for gold or tour the Lebanon or Everett Silver Mines that are only accessible by the railroad. Step inside the life of a miner, discover the ‘silver ballroom,’ and explore mining tunnels located directly under the I-70 corridor.

Silver Plume is rich in history — and silver! It is also Clear Creek County’s longstanding location for celebrations, concerts, hose races (by the original volunteer firemen), theater performances and Independence Day festivities. Fun fact: Silver Plume established Colorado’s first ski club!

Evergreen, Dumont, Downieville and Lawson round out a few of the county’s locations; visit them all in a short amount of time from your basecamp! It is easy, with a total area of 396 square miles to explore!

Shops offer ways for you to bring Clear Creek County home with you, with gifts, keepsakes, souvenirs, sweaters and other apparel.

Restaurants, breweries and cafes offer food, spirits and scenic views. Take your pick of options in fine dining, casual, fast-casual, and more.

Set up your basecamp …

After you’ve had your fill (literally and figuratively) of experiences, settle in for the night at your choice of myriad accommodations, including boutique hotels, cozy B&Bs, cabins, campgrounds and microtel options. The Club Hotel, Idaho Springs’ newest historic hotel offers an immersive overnight stay in the heart of the Historic District or great basecamp to explore all Clear Creek County has to offer!

Be a sport!

Think you’d like a birds-eye view of Clear Creek County? Soar above timberline on more than 3,000 feet of zipline with the roaring rapids of Clear Creek beneath you! Choose from thrilling cliff-side and tower zipline tours in the area.

Clear Creek is the second most rafted river in the state, offering a variety of great whitewater zones. Guided whitewater tours offer incredible adventure coupled with spectacular views … and you may even spot some wildlife!

Fishing is another favorite pastime in Clear Creek County. Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout can be pursued in the high alpine lakes, streams and local reservoirs.

Fantastic vistas await those hiking and exploring the great outdoors past historic mining sites, abandoned homesteads and ghost towns. Back-country lakes, crystal-clear streams and alpine meadows offer scenic vistas ready and waiting for mountain and road bikers.

Saddle up spring, summer and fall for horseback riding, following trails previously traveled by miners, trappers and Native Americans.

A creative collective …

Clear Creek County is a community thriving with creative individuals, from painters to photographers; potters; glass and stone artists; jewelry designers; metalworkers; woodworkers; sculptors and furniture makers.

Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume all boast artists, art galleries, and creative spaces.

Feed your hunger, quench your thirst

The Lady Donut Shop in Empire is open early in the morning to get you ready for the day(s) ahead in Clear Creek County. You will want to try their meat and cheese pastry, alongside a decadent cake donut and coffee.

Many people have heard about New York-pizza, and Chicago-style pizza, but how many have heard of Colorado–style pizza, the Colorado Mountain Pie? This is a fresh pie, sold by the pound, at Beau Jo’s Pizza in Idaho Springs. The 1-pound, 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound pizza pies are destined to become a Colorado Legend. It’s the perfect meal for a family! Be sure to ask about the honey, too!

Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub in Idaho Springs is celebrating 30 years with great food from an award-winning kitchen and award-winning craft beer. The mountain-style menu includes small plates, soups, salads, grilled flat breads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, sides, drinks and desserts, as well as snacks for your four-legged dog friends. P.S. Burros are also welcome!

Cabin Creek Brewing in Georgetown, voted “Best New Brewery in Colorado 2020” by Colorado Brewery List, is prime for your après-anything refueling! Choose from starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza and desserts. A kids menu, happy hour and daily specials are offered, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Bonus: lake-front, mountainscape ambiance included.

It’s all good at Clear Creek Cidery Tavern & Taps in Idaho Springs, from the food to the service, spirits and ambiance. Their claim to fame is the largest collection of cider in the Colorado mountains, with beer, cocktails and mug drinks available. Don’t miss the mouth-watering chips and salsa flight!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar for:

• May 17 — Canine on the Creek 5K — Bring Fido!
• May 23 — Guanella Pass & Historic Byway opens for the season
• May 24-25 — Clear Creek Pack Burro Race Weekend
• June 28 — Slacker Half Marathon Relay & 4-Mile Races
• July 4 — County-wide Independence Day Celebration
• August 8 — Rapidgrass Bluegrass Music Festival
• August 9 — Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon

 A county with a bounty of options

Clear Creek County offers so much to do … with so little effort needed to get there! Don’t pass by; stop and enjoy everything about it. After all, there truly is something for everyone.

VisitClearCreek.com/redefine and see how you can redefine your next mountain adventure!