Idaho Springs

46°F
Current Population
1,795
Elevation Level
7528 ft

About Idaho Springs


Idaho Springs is situated just upstream from Golden and Evergreen about 30 miles west of Denver. It’s a mountain town with a mining tradition that dates to when gold was first discovered in Colorado in 1859. 

Rafters, climbers, and horseback riders love the rocky terrain that surrounds Idaho Springs. It’s a popular spot for off-roading on trails like Barbour Fork 4x4 Road, hiking near St. Mary’s Glacier, or cruising on the highest road in North America, the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway. The Indian Hot Springs Resort is a popular spot to relax in hot mineral waters and caves.

 In Idaho Springs, mining still plays a big part in the city’s economy and way of life. Many mine tours are available, such as the Argo Gold Mine and Mill, which allows one to see what a working mill once looked like. The Phoenix Gold Mine is still operational, but still gives visitors the chance to learn about mining and pan for gold in the river. 

In Idaho Springs you’ll find a variety of real estate options, from restored Victorian home to cozy mountain cabins. Idaho Springs is considered something of a bedroom community for the Loveland Ski area not far away, making rentals harder to come by in the winter. 

Explore Idaho Springs

Entertainment & Culture

Idaho Springs has much to offer to both tourists and residents. You'll often feel as if you went back in time when shopping in downtown Idaho Springs. Many buildings remain original, although slightly modernized, and have names like Tommyknockers, a nod to the town's mining past. Directly across from downtown the Charlie Taylor Waterwheel is visible and even operates today!

Spend a day exploring the mining history of Idaho Springs at Argo Gold Mine and Mill and The Phoenix Gold Mine.   Argo Gold Mine and Mill processed over 100 million dollars of gold and stands as a memorial to miners of the day while The Phoenix Gold Mine is a working mine operated by the oldest continuous gold mining family in Colorado. Argo Gold Mine and Mill is one of the top attractions in Idaho Springs. 

Many visitors come to Idaho Springs for outdoor entertainment as well. Hiking, Skiing and Hot Springs are all within or very close to Idaho Springs.

 

mountains

Popular Restaurants

Idaho Springs has a reputation for excellent dining. Not only are the food and drinks good but the atmosphere is unrivaled. The original Beau Jo's, a Colorado staple, is located here, as are many other mouth-watering establishments. There are far too many to list. Idaho Springs is also home to breweries like Westbound & Down Brewing Company and Tommyknockers, among others, Clear Creek Cidery and cozy cafes. Review the dining list below, you can't go wrong when dining in Idaho Springs!

table

Parks

Rafters, climbers, and horseback riders love the rocky terrain that surrounds Idaho Springs. It’s a popular spot for off-roading on trails like Barbour Fork 4x4 Road, hiking near St. Mary’s Glacier, or cruising on the highest road in North America, the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway. The Indian Hot Springs Resort is a popular spot to relax in hot mineral waters and caves.

Idaho Springs even has historic hiking trails!  Some trails will have hikers pass remnants of ghost towns and gold and silver mines. And don't forget about Mount Evans, a Colorado 14'er!
 

park

About the Community

Carlson Elementary School

Summary
  • District Clear Creek School District No. Re-1
  • Phone (303) 567-4431
  • Address 1300 MINER ST
  • County Clear Creek County
  • Grade PK - 06
  • Instructional Level Elementary School
Programs and Services Available
  • Pre-Kindergarten Yes
  • Kindergarten Yes
  • Magnet School No
  • Charter School No
  • The International Baccalureate No
  • Advanced Placement No
  • Before and After School Program No
  • Gifted and Talended Program Yes
  • Elementary School Indicator Yes
  • Middle School Indicator No
  • High School Indicator No
Enrollment and Attendance
  • Enrollment Change Pct -20% to -50%
  • Total Reported Enrollment 127
  • Student Teacher Ratio 14

Clear Creek High School

Summary
  • District Clear Creek School District No. Re-1
  • Phone (303) 679-4600
  • Address 185 BEAVER BROOK CANYON RD
  • County Clear Creek County
  • Grade 07 - 12
  • Instructional Level Middle School
Programs and Services Available
  • Pre-Kindergarten No
  • Kindergarten No
  • Magnet School No
  • Charter School No
  • The International Baccalureate No
  • Advanced Placement Yes
  • Before and After School Program Yes
  • Gifted and Talended Program Yes
  • Elementary School Indicator No
  • Middle School Indicator No
  • High School Indicator No
Enrollment and Attendance
  • Enrollment Change Pct -5% to -10%
  • Total Reported Enrollment 325
  • Student Teacher Ratio 16

Clear Creek Middle School

Summary
  • District Clear Creek School District No. Re-1
  • Phone (303) 567-4461
  • Address 185 BEAVER BROOK CANYON RD
  • County Clear Creek County
  • Grade 07 - 08
  • Instructional Level Middle School
Programs and Services Available
  • Pre-Kindergarten No
  • Kindergarten No
  • Magnet School No
  • Charter School No
  • The International Baccalureate No
  • Advanced Placement No
  • Before and After School Program No
  • Gifted and Talended Program Yes
  • Elementary School Indicator No
  • Middle School Indicator No
  • High School Indicator No
Enrollment and Attendance
  • Enrollment Change Pct More than +50%
  • Total Reported Enrollment 400
  • Student Teacher Ratio 16

Georgetown Community School

Summary
  • District Clear Creek School District No. Re-1
  • Phone (303) 569-3277
  • Address 504 14TH ST
  • County Clear Creek County
  • Grade PK - 06
  • Instructional Level Elementary School
Programs and Services Available
  • Pre-Kindergarten Yes
  • Kindergarten Yes
  • Magnet School No
  • Charter School Yes
  • The International Baccalureate No
  • Advanced Placement No
  • Before and After School Program No
  • Gifted and Talended Program No
  • Elementary School Indicator Yes
  • Middle School Indicator No
  • High School Indicator No
Enrollment and Attendance
  • Enrollment Change Pct -5% to -10%
  • Total Reported Enrollment 105
  • Student Teacher Ratio 17

King-murphy Elementary School

Summary
  • District Clear Creek School District No. Re-1
  • Phone (303) 670-0005
  • Address 425 CIRCLE K RANCH RD
  • County Clear Creek County
  • Grade PK - 06
  • Instructional Level Elementary School
Programs and Services Available
  • Pre-Kindergarten Yes
  • Kindergarten Yes
  • Magnet School No
  • Charter School No
  • The International Baccalureate Yes
  • Advanced Placement No
  • Before and After School Program No
  • Gifted and Talended Program Yes
  • Elementary School Indicator Yes
  • Middle School Indicator No
  • High School Indicator No
Enrollment and Attendance
  • Enrollment Change Pct -10% to -15%
  • Total Reported Enrollment 120
  • Student Teacher Ratio 16

Population, Weather and Economics

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Population

Population Details
  • Population 1,795
  • Population 5 Yr Projection 1,954
Households
  • Total Households 865
  • Households 5 Yr Projection 942
  • Average Size of Household 2.00
  • Households With Children 172

Climate & Weather

Summary
  • Annual Precip In 29.84
  • Avg Jan Low Temp 6.20
  • Avg Jul Low Temp 38.50
  • Avg Jan High Temp 24.00
  • Avg Jul High Temp 63.60
Indexes
  • Ozone Index 142
  • Air Pollution Index 120
  • Earthquake Index 54
  • Hail Index 36
  • Tornado Index 4
  • Wind Index 1

Economics

  • Housing Median Built Yr 1969
  • Maintenance and Insurance Cost 76
  • Health Care Cost 94
  • Transportation Cost 81