Ride a historic mine train and venture deep into the Centurion level by lantern for a unique underground adventure
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1–1.5 hrs
Train ride, Hard hat & lantern
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, it operates only in warmer months because snow stops the train.
A light jacket or sweatshirt and closed toed shoes are recommended; it is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit and damp inside the mine.
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.
This was able awesome experience, our tour guide Carter was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took the time to ask if anyone had questions and answer them in a very friendly manner. The mine itself was very interesting and there were tools and relics to look at while being educated by our guide.
Jeremy Thomas
March 21, 2026
This was able awesome experience, our tour guide Carter was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took the time to ask if anyone had questions and answer them in a very friendly manner. The mine itself was very interesting and there were tools and relics to look at while being educated by our guide.
Jeremy Thomas
March 21, 2026