From Boom to Bust

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In 1858, gold was found in the rivers near Denver. Shortly afterwards, larger “pickers” and gold veins were found in rivers and streams just west of Denver. Excitement immediately hit and Gold Fever flourished. The call to the West became "Pikes Peak or Bust!" Not everyone found their riches, but each made an impact. Follow the trail of Gold from Denver into the mountains to see where it started and what soon developed. Visit Central City to see beautiful Victorian homes and The Gilpin Hotel which once hosted President Grant. Learn about life and hardships in an early mountain mining town. Summer offers the sounds of the opera, while artists warm up their voices and sounds for the evenings show. Idaho Springs has a rich history of gold. This is one of the few towns that maintained its identity as a destination/stopover for hungry travelers. Let's explore an historical gold mine and if time allows, try a hand at gold panning. You will be picked up at your Denver Metro and begin your adventure. Our first location will be the City of Golden to view a western Main Street. Time will be spent walking through an historical park with original cabins and schoolhouse from the 1800s. Next, we drive up Clear Creek Canyon and imagine how it looked for the gold planners who dotted the creek side. Passing through the City of Blackhawk, arrive in Central City, the "Richest Square Mile on Earth" to see beautiful Victorian home built into the mountain side. Central City once held the honor of being the cultural capital of the west and boasts an elegant opera house and the Teller House Hotel with the famous Woman on the Barroom floor chalk art. This tour is not complete without the ghost town of Nevadaville, where the population and mining once flourished. Now, the buildings stand empty with stories to tell. Walk Main Street, where the #4 Mason’s Lodge is still standing and active Finally, arrive in Idaho Springs and visit a gold mine. If time allows, pan for gold. $430 4-5 hours up to 3 guests includes transportation, admission to mine, museums and panning

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