I was surprised to see that worldmappin doesn't have a pin for Idaho Springs, CO. It is a beautiful little town right on I-70 going west from Denver. It is about 30 miles west of Denver and is the first town of any substance as you get into the mountains west of Denver. It is impossible to miss and for a lot of people it is a quick lunch stop or a gas-station stop, however the town has a lot more to offer.
When we were staying at Winter Park, CO last month, it was about a 50 min drive south over Berthoud Pass to get there. Idaho Spring is a old Gold Mine town. It's known as the site where the Colorado Gold Rush began in 1859 when prospector George A. Jackson discovered placer gold. That triggered a gold rush. By June that year the 'town' already had 400 residents. I was visiting the city hall and I was told while reading a brochure that the town boomed throughout the 1860s, with estimates of its peak population reaching over 12,000. It quickly became a major supply center for mining activities. Railroad reached Idaho Springs in June 1877. This was a pivotal moment, providing easier access for freight, ore, and passengers, further solidifying Idaho Springs' position as a mining supply center. The town center still have a narrow gauge rail engine with carriages on display.
The building behind the locomotive is the city hall, where I was spending some time in the late afternoon into the evening as my kids were doing some white water rafting in the local river called Clear Creek.
There are some highly rated whitewater rafting outfitters in Idaho Springs, and my kids chose Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting. I am very happy with them.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eeUtFzxSMmvTZiGb7
They typically focus on Clear Creek, which run right next to their outfit. They cater to different adventure levels, from family-friendly beginner trips with Class II-III rapids to more adventurous intermediate trips with Class III-IV rapids. The beginner trip doesn't require any experience and can be a great family fun. I didn't do it personally, because of my recent neck surgery, but kids had a lot of fun! They provide all equipment and guides and have excellent reviews on google.
While kids did that, I walked around the town to learn the history of the place, which is mostly related to gold mining and railroads.
I also looked at some houses. It is generally a hobby of mine. Whenever, I go to a new town, I look for houses as potential rental properties. Long story short, not a good rental market!
These are the two homes I saw, both were on the market. I really like the second one, but it is hard to make any rental income on these based on the current price point they are at. 4 BR, 2200 sq ft bungalow built in 1907 priced at $400K. It's not a terrible price point, but the home needs about $100K worth of work. In an uncertain rental market where I have no experience out-of-state! Sorry, but no thank you!
But hey, it is an absolutely beautiful town, and if I don't have to work I'd love to live there for a few summer months. Soon, kids were done, and they wanted the other reason they visit the town....Beau Jo's Pizza!
Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs is famous for its Colorado-style "Mountain Pie", a unique pizza designed to be hearty and filling, especially after a day of outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountains. It is basically a very thick crust, and they provide warm honey on the side which you dip the crust and eat! After a long day of jumping around it is wonderful! I looked, I don't have a picture of the pizza :) but you can find many picture here.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nGmYrZpSrBqYqQfPA
I do have a picture of the town late in the evening when the crowd dies down. It is quite charming at that time and if you look to the left of the frame you can pick up Beau Jo's store front!
We had a wonderful time here, and visited Beau Jo's three times in a month I think, which is a lot! :)
