Phoenix Gold Mine – Idaho Springs, CO

Phoenix Gold Mine is a working gold mine with tours led by experienced and knowledgeable miners. The tour takes about an hour and takes you 750 feet into the mountain. It’s located nearby the town of Idaho Springs.

The Phoenix Mine tour was featured in National Geographic Magazine and on the Discovery Channel. It’s operated by the oldest continuous gold mining family in Colorado; Al and Dave Mosch. It was dug out in the 1930s.

Year-round Mine Tour and Gold Panning

Included in the cost of your tour is gold panning. Try your luck and take home a little bit of actual gold. Panning is done in the stream next to the mine. This stream carries gold down from the mountains and past the mine where guides will teach you how to properly pan for it.

The temperature inside the mine stays around 45°F all year. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and pack a lunch as none is provided at the mine. Scenic picnic areas are available close by.

A gift shop sells several mining books and numerous mineral specimens. For those looking to do a little hiking, there are two trails on the property, leading to the Little Albert Mine and the Kelly Mine, as well as one that takes you above the Phoenix Mine.