Step back in time and explore authentic western mining and railroad heritage just 40 miles west of Denver. Clear Creek County was created as a direct result of the discovery of gold in 1859 and today is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.
We spent only a day but there is plenty to do and see for few days.😊
From Denver take Interstate 70 West
The below map of Clear Creek County is from the following very useful website https://clearcreekcounty.org
Clear Creek includes the historic communities of :
- IDAHO SPRINGS Elevation. 7,526 ft (2,294 m). You can visit the Argo Gold Mine & Mill https://argomilltour.com where you can see what a working mill looked like. Enjoy a stroll down Miner Street trough the National historic district and try a local beer at Tommyknockers https://tommyknocker.com. In front of the city hall you can visit the beautifully restored Narrow Gauge Train No 60. Follow the path over to Bridal Veil Falls to see the historic Charlie Tayler Waterwheel built in 1890
Miner Street 
Narrow Gauge Train No 60 
Charlie Tayler Waterwheel
- GEORGETOWN (elevation of 8,540 feet/2,603 metres ) established in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, is now a National Historic Landmark district. In the Main Street (6th Street) you can see more than 200 Victorian-era houses lovingly maintained over the years. Walking in the main street feels like stepping back in time. We fell in love with Georgetown’s charm and postcard like atmosphere 😍
- The Georgetown Loop Railroad https://www.georgetownlooprr.com is a major attraction and consists in a round-trip narrow-gauge steam train ride from Georgetown to nearby Silver Plume and back, with an optional stop to visit the Lebanon Silver Mine. The railroad, completed in 1884, was considered an engineering marvel for its time & was one of Colorado’s first visitor attractions. Please note it is better to book in advance as very popular.
Town Hall 
Hotel de Paris 
Post office 
6th Street (Main Street) 
6th Street (Main Street) 
6th Street (Main Street) 
Loop railroad 
Loop railroad
- SILVER PLUME Elevation. 9,101 ft (2,774 m). Walking down the Main Street in Silver Plume is like taking a step back in time. The small houses were home to Colorado’s earliest silver miners in the 1870s. Visit the George Rowe Museum which was the old schoolhouse https://www.uncovercolorado.com/museums/george-rowe-museum
- MOUNT EVANS from Idaho Springs head up to Highway 103 and drive along Mount Evans Scenic Byway to the 14,264-foot (4,347m) summit of Mount Evans (the highest paved road in the northern Hemisphere). We did not go to the pick as road was closed. Generally road is open to cars all the way to the summit only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check out website for more information : https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/day-trips-around-colorado/mount-evans/
You should be able to do the above in a day but there is plenty more to do in Clear Creek to keep you entertained for few days. Check out the following website for more ideas https://clearcreekcounty.org/
Bear in mind the high altitude of Clear Creek County which might have an effect on your body. The lack of oxygen density might cause symptoms of nausea, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue. Take it easy, drink plenty of water, eat lightly and avoid alcohol for the first 48/72 hours. Check out the following NHS website for more information https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/altitude-sickness
Enjoy Clear Creek County 😊
Check also the following post : Denver in … a weekend