Did you know that one of the best places to be when you need a break is Clear Creek County? Just 20 miles west of Denver, this home of hot springs and mineral pools offers a host of spas, salons, and personal care locations, plus opportunities to hit the trail or hit the pillow! 

Sure, it is worth a day trip, but even more worthy of a weekend getaway! 

 
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Relax … the Rocky Mountain way!  
 
Unwind and enjoy Clear Creek County’s simplicity while realigning, reinvigorating, and recharging your mind and body. 

• Experience the healing waters of Indian Hot Springs, as others have since 1863, from Native Americans to miners — and you! 
• Have a chiropractic realignment or deep tissue massage. 
• Visit an esthetician for a facial and/or stylist for a haircut or blowout. 
• Understand how much “the mat matters,” when you participate in a yoga class. 
• Enjoy alpine beauty as you hike a trail.
• Travel back in time — on a historic, family-friendly train ride. 

A tropical Colorado? 
 
Hot springs are a part of Clear Creek County heritage, predating the discovery of gold. Arapaho and Ute Indian tribes used the hot mineral water to heal, treating the sick and wounded. Today, naturally heated botanic swimming pools, caves, outdoor tubs, spa treatments, and accommodations await at Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs. The juxtaposition of flowering plants and live palm and banana trees inside an atrium and lush alpine scenery outside will not be lost on you! 

You can also experience yoga at the hot springs; yet another way to find your bliss! The posture-based physical fitness regimen offers stress relief, and relaxation.

Making an adjustment is figurative and literal in Clear Creek County!  

Interested in chiropractic? This form of alternative medicine involves manual manipulation of the spine. Dr. Robert Sparrow practices at the Idaho Springs Chiropractic Center. 

The professional, certified, educated therapists at Idaho Springs Massage want to help you become your best self (especially after overdoing your break from the ordinary!). Treatments are available in 30-minute intervals, up to 120 minutes. 

 Look good/feel good

A new — or renewed! — hairstyle can help you look and feel your best! U Salon and Spa in Idaho Springs makes it personal, with services that include cut, color and waxing, using only the finest products available.  

A nationally board-certified Herbalist and Acupuncture Physician owns and crafts formulas, tinctures and balms by hand at Mountain Remedy Apothecary & Clinic. Here, East meets West for a more personalized, holistic approach to wellness, with healing services rooted in plant-based practices.

Take a hike!

You can find your adventure by difficulty, length, or trip type. Hire a guide for a curated outdoor experience, led by fun, friendly professionals who can share their knowledge of the Colorado Rockies, Arapaho National Forest (home to St. Mary’s Glacier) and Roosevelt National Forest, local history, and safety. (Remember snowshoeing adventures for the winter season. It is low-impact, aerobic, very affordable … and you can find the trail just right for you.)

Up, up, and away! 

A must-see is Guanella Pass, a 20+-mile-long 11,669-foot mountain pass. The byway, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains in southwestern Clear Creek County, delivers views of Mount Bierstadt (a popular state 14er), Mount Blue Sky and Argentine Pass. As you traverse the fully paved road, consider several activities nearby: 

• View South For Clear Creek, Leavenworth Creek, and the Guanella Valley from a trail at Silver Dale. 

• Picnic at Clear Lake, then walk around the water or do some fishing. 

• Hike, bike and enjoy the scenery and lakes at Naylor Lake and Silver Dollar Trails.  

All aboard! 

See what remains of gold and silver mines as the family-friendly and historic Loop Railroad in Georgetown winds its way up to the Canyon. The railroad has started running. You can even learn how to pan for gold! This nod to “time travel” allows for a glimpse — and photographs — of  big horn sheep, mountain goats, golden eagles, or even a beaver!

Recharge with fabulous food 

However you have chosen to take a break, you will need to “refuel,” so be sure to check out a local restaurant for a relaxing meal with friendly locals … or bring a book for company. 

Did you know you can get some “pet therapy,” along with great food from an award-winning kitchen and great beer at Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub? Four-legged dog friends are among the snacking patrons at this restaurant with a mountain-style menu that includes small plates, soups, salad, grilled flat breads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, sides, drinks, and desserts. 

Foodies will want to know about MTN Prime: the place to meet for all-Colorado meat! Enjoy food from the scratch kitchen paired with rare, premium spirits and wines. You can find dogs on the patio here, too. Bring a date, bring the family, and host a celebration! 

Idaho Springs’ Two Brothers Deli has great grab and go options. Relaxing, refueling selections are also available if you are inclined to “sit a spell,” and have breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. 

Silver Plume Provisions can help supply you with a lot of delicious snacks from the market, as well as deli sandwiches. 

Joy’s Kitchen, open Thursday to Sunday, offers preservative food from their scratch kitchen, serving breakfast and lunch.  

Have a drink at the mountainside Bread Bar in Silver Plume, open Friday to Sunday.  

To sleep, perchance to dream 

Accommodations are ample in Clear Creek County, ranging from campsites to cabins on the creek, B&Bs, small motels, inns, traditional hotels, and RV parks with camping options. The simple act of laying your head down is something that seems ordinary but is, in fact, extraordinary after a day in Idaho Springs, St. Mary’s Glacier, Guanella Pass, or Silver Plume.

Consider Club Hotel for a comfortable, walkable base in the heart of downtown Idaho Springs as a “home away from home” that will allow for unwinding, exploring, and experiencing the town at a slower pace.

“Idaho Springs has always been a place where people come to reset — whether that’s soaking in the hot springs, slowing down for a night in the mountains, or connection with local wellness practitioners,” said Idaho Springs Director of Business and Community Promotions Sadie Schultz. “What’s special here is how accessible it all is. Within minutes, you can move from outdoor adventure to a really grounded, restorative experience.”

It is clear to see what makes Clear Creek County such a wonderful place to play — and stay! Log on to VisitClearCreek.com/redefine to learn more about putting together your itinerary for a weekend getaway.