Idaho Springs Colorado, CO

Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a city in Clear Creek County, Colorado. Founded in 1859 by prospectors during the early days of the Colorado Gold Rush, the town became a center of the regional mining district throughout the late 19th century.

As you pass through Idaho Springs the entrance of the Apex tunnel is visible across the canyon. This long tunnel drained and gave access to many lodes between Idaho Springs and Central City.

In the early 20th century the town evolved in a historical tourist center along U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 40, which ascend Clear Creek Canyon through the historical mining district. The town today is squeezed along the north side of Interstate 70, with a historical downtown on its western end and a strip of tourist-related businesses on its eastern end. It also serves a bedroom community for workers at the Loveland Ski Area farther up the canyon. The town today is the largest community in Clear Creek Canyon, but for historical reasons the county seat has remained at Georgetown.