Train Ride and Centurion Dark Mine Tour

Ride a historic mine train and venture deep into the Centurion level by lantern for a unique underground adventure

From$32/ person

Duration

1–1.5 hrs

Includes

Train ride, Hard hat & lantern

Highlights

Journey through Colorado's Rocky Mountain forest on a refurbished mine train, then explore the historic Centurion level by lantern. Discover mining history, cave-like passages and fluorescent rocks on this 60 to 90 minute adventure.

Enjoy a scenic 0.15 mile hike to the train departure site
Ride an Atlas K 2.5 ton locomotive with guided commentary
Walk 400 feet into the dark Centurion mine wearing a hard hat
Marvel at cave structures and fluorescent rock formations
Browse the vintage 1950s bus gift shop after your tour

What's Included

Guided train ride and mine tour (60–90 mins)
Hard hat and lantern for underground section

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts a minimum of 1 hour and up to 1.5 hours; arrive 30 minutes early for check in and the walk to the train.

Is the tour offered all year?
No, it operates only in warmer months because snow stops the train.

What should I wear underground?
A light jacket or sweatshirt and closed toed shoes are recommended; it is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit and damp inside the mine.

How strenuous is the walk to the train?
You will hike about 800 feet uphill; seating is available along the path if you need a break.

Can I bring a stroller?
Strollers are not recommended due to the incline; front carries are welcome.

Anything else I should know?
This is a new activity, and feedback is appreciated.

Things to know

Participants must navigate an 800 foot uphill dirt path at roughly 8,000 feet elevation. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may be uncomfortable for guests over 6 feet tall or with respiratory issues or recent surgery. Pregnant guests should consult a physician before booking.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. No refunds for no shows. If the operator cancels due to weather or other factors, you may choose a full refund, credit, or rebooking. Refunds may be denied for late cancellations, unsafe or inappropriate behavior, or failure to follow guide instructions.

Meeting location

800 Trail Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Experience provided by Phoenix Gold Mine

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Train Ride and Centurion Dark Mine Tour

Ride a historic mine train and venture deep into the Centurion level by lantern for a unique underground adventure

From$32/ person

Duration

1–1.5 hrs

Includes

Train ride, Hard hat & lantern

Highlights

Enjoy a scenic 0.15 mile hike to the train departure site
Ride an Atlas K 2.5 ton locomotive with guided commentary
Walk 400 feet into the dark Centurion mine wearing a hard hat
Marvel at cave structures and fluorescent rock formations
Browse the vintage 1950s bus gift shop after your tour

What's Included

Guided train ride and mine tour (60–90 mins)
Hard hat and lantern for underground section

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts a minimum of 1 hour and up to 1.5 hours; arrive 30 minutes early for check in and the walk to the train.

Is the tour offered all year?
No, it operates only in warmer months because snow stops the train.

What should I wear underground?
A light jacket or sweatshirt and closed toed shoes are recommended; it is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit and damp inside the mine.

How strenuous is the walk to the train?
You will hike about 800 feet uphill; seating is available along the path if you need a break.

Can I bring a stroller?
Strollers are not recommended due to the incline; front carries are welcome.

Anything else I should know?
This is a new activity, and feedback is appreciated.

Things to know

Cancellation policy

Review summary

4.8

Excellent

716 reviewsGoogle Maps

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.

What people are saying

Absolutely amazing experience. We did the complete tour (both mine tours plus gold panning) and had a blast the entire time. There was so much to learn and the staff was extremely friendly and loved talking to us. Make sure you ask questions on the tours - the tour guides love answering questions and it will really add to the experience. Also - BRING YOUR DOG. The Phoenix gold mine is completely dog friendly and our little guy enjoyed the experience. We hope to come back in a year or two when they have their third mine open for touring (Jimmy’s mine).