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Take A Tour Of One Of The State’s Oldest Operating Gold Mines In Colorado

The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers hands-on tours and gold panning experiences.

Published Dec 15, 2021

Written by 

Annie Sandmeier

You know that Colorado got most of its start in the mining industry, but did you know that mining is still alive and well in some places? While you can easily tour one of the defunct mines, there are only a handful of working mines that allow for tours, including this one in Colorado that is one of the oldest operating in the world:

Welcome to the Phoenix Gold Mine!

Sign for Phoenix Gold Mine on rocky terrain, featuring a stylized eagle and vibrant colors against a clear blue sky.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

Located in Idaho Springs, the Phoenix Gold Mine is owned by 4th generation Colorado miners looking to share their passion for prospecting, mining, and panning for gold via their exciting, hands-on tours.

Two people wearing helmets walk through a dimly lit mine tunnel with orange lights and mining equipment.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

"Take a tour with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide," invites the Phoenix Gold Mine, whose tours include navigating the underground tunnels and seeing actual gold in the walls, learning about Colorado's fascinating mining history, and learning more about the equipment and extraction process.

A group of people, including children, explore a mine, wearing hard hats and safety gear while observing a demonstration.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

In addition to exploring the Mine itself, visitors will also have the opportunity to pan for gold at a nearby mountain creek!

A person using a green pan to sift through sand and gravel near a stream, searching for gold or minerals.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

Tours of the Phoenix Gold Mine run approximately 45 minutes, with creek panning lessons taking another 15.

A person points to a rock while holding it, with another person in a brown jacket standing nearby.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

Admission to the Underground Tour & Gold Panning is $18 for children (ages 4 to 12), $24 for adults (ages 13 to 54), and $18 for seniors (ages 55+).

A miner stands against a rocky wall in a dimly lit underground mine, wearing a hard hat and mask.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

The Phoenix Gold Mine is open year-round.

A person stands at the entrance of the Phoenix Gold Mine, surrounded by snow and festive decorations.
Phoenix Gold Mine Facebook

As of this publication, the Mine is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have a favorite event, attraction, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? We want to hear about it here! For even more must-visit mines around the Centennial State, you will want to check out these 11 Colorado Caves And Mines Ready For Exploring.

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