Learn to pan for gold and keep what you find
Minimum 30 Minutes
Lesson, gold pan, keep finds
Creek-side panning is seasonal (May 1 to September 30); this item is not available October 1 to April 30. Arrive 15 minutes early. The mine is typically 45°F, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.
Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund. No refunds for no-shows; full price charged. If the operator cancels due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond their control, you can choose a full refund.
No. This gold panning-only item runs May 1 through September 30. From October 1 through April 30, it is not available (only a combo item is offered during that period).
Start with a 10–15 minute lesson, then pan for as long as you like or until dark.
You do not have to get wet. If you want to step into the creek, expect your feet to get wet and bring waterproof shoes, sandals, or a change of shoes.
800 Trail Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides here, with Izzy, Julian, Ruth, and Pete earning special mentions for making the experience both educational and entertaining. The tours cover fascinating mining history and geology, with options to explore two different mines that showcase various aspects of Colorado's gold mining past. Tour guides field questions enthusiastically and clearly love what they do, which makes the experience that much more memorable. Beyond the mines themselves, expect some delightful extras. Gold panning proves surprisingly rewarding, with several visitors finding actual gold specks and nice quartz specimens. The friendly chipmunks are an unexpected highlight that nearly everyone mentions—you can buy food to hand-feed them, which is especially popular with kids. The setting is genuinely beautiful, nestled in a valley along a creek. Just bring a jacket since the mines stay cold year-round, and taller visitors should be prepared to duck occasionally, though even guests over six feet manage fine. The Mother Lode package gets recommended for those wanting the full experience.
We toured the Phoenix Mine and the new Dark Mine with the Mother Lode ticket, and we HIGHLY recommend this experience. Our guides, Carter and Freddy, were extremely knowledgeable and made the tours fun, as well. The Dark tour has things you can't see anywhere else in the country. So cool!
Phoebe Grace
May 24, 2026
We toured the Phoenix Mine and the new Dark Mine with the Mother Lode ticket, and we HIGHLY recommend this experience. Our guides, Carter and Freddy, were extremely knowledgeable and made the tours fun, as well. The Dark tour has things you can't see anywhere else in the country. So cool!
Phoebe Grace
May 24, 2026