Springtime in Idaho Springs!
Enjoying the sunshine at Westbound & Down Brewing Company!
I’ve driven past Idaho Springs so many times and only ever stopped to fill up with gas or use a bathroom on the way to a hike, or on the way back from other mountain towns. I’ve been missing out on such a fun place! Idaho Springs is less than an hour from Denver and the main part of town is right along I-70. It would be perfect for a day trip, or for a few nights’ stay. It’s near plenty of hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and any outdoor adventures you might be interested in. There are many restaurants and bars to choose from along Miner Street. From town, you can see a huge waterfall on the side of the mountain across the highway, along with a 19th-century water wheel.
I hope you enjoy the highlights of Alice’s and my recent trip! We were there in late March, so there was still a lot of snow on the ground and it did snow a bit the last day we were there. But we also had a sunny, 60-degree day! Restaurants and bars had outdoor seating with heaters that were great when we were there - not sure how effective it would be on colder days though. If you’re hoping to hike, it’s best to visit between May and September.
Flying Moon Cabins
The real reason we came to Idaho Springs was to stay at Flying Moon Cabins. I saw a post about these dog-friendly cabins on Instagram (thanks @findbluedog) and immediately booked a couple nights over my spring break. They are adorable!!!
Flying Moon Cabins consists of four cabins that are a ten-minute drive south of downtown Idaho Springs. Each cabin has its own parking spot, but 4WD is necessary to get there during the winter and at least the first part of spring because of the snow. The cabins are nestled between a creek and a pine-tree-covered mountainside - a perfect location!
My friend Casey and her dog, Chessy, joined us for part of the trip and stayed with us the first night at The Cardinal cabin. It was $135/night for one cabin plus a $40 fee for dogs with a two-night minimum. It’s also possible to rent out all four cabins and have the whole property reserved for a larger group. The decor is perfect, and we loved listening to John Denver (record player and many records provided in the living area) in order to reach peak-Coloradan status. There are trails nearby (too snowy for hiking when we were there late-March) and you’re a short drive from Echo Lake, Chicago Lakes, and Mt Evans Road - the highest paved road in North America, which is only open in the summer. I am recommending Flying Moon Cabins to all of my Colorado friends - truly a gem of a place!
Nearby Adventures
Hiking
There are many tails nearby that are dog-friendly! I use the AllTrails when looking for the perfect hike. Near Idaho Springs, I recommend St. Mary’s Glacier (featured in my Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Denver post). You’re also fairly close to Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Centennial Cone Park. Although I haven’t done them, I know that Echo Lake and Chicago Lakes are popular trails too.
If you’re looking for more of a stroll than a hike, walk along Clear Creek! The creek winds through Idaho Springs, and takes you right up to the waterfall and the Charlie Tayler Water Wheel.
14ers
Mt. Evans Road takes you up near the top of Mt. Evans - one of the tallest peaks in Colorado at 14,271 feet. I have not done this drive because I am terrified of heights, and it is apparently pretty frightening! Nearby, Mt. Bierstadt is a popular beginner 14er hike. I did it with my dad a few years ago, but Alice didn’t come with us. 14ers are tough - the altitude is killer and they can be very steep. Dogs should only join you if they are used to strenuous, high-altitude hikes. And bring so much water with you!
Argo Gold Mill
Dogs aren’t allowed to go on the tours (as far as I’m aware), but you can walk nearby and view the outside of this mill, which was built a few decades after the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859.
Eating & Drinking
An absolute must - especially if you like flavored lattes and homemade whipped cream! I didn’t try to bring Alice inside, I kept her in the car or left her with Casey while I went in to order.
I tied Alice to the very cute benches out front and kept an eye on her while I ordered. The chocolate eclair is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted! They also sell baked dog treats.
Highly recommend! They have so many types of cider, and you can do flights of four! Delicious ciders and good food too, and very dog-friendly.
Westbound & Down Brewing Company
Loved the sour beer and the nachos - great outdoor seating with a nice mountain sunset view!
I love that this brewery offers 5oz pours so you can try multiple things. Truffle fries were great, and they had very cool tents set up with wood-burning stoves - very toasty and fun!
Good Colorado-style Mexican food, but the margaritas were not my favorite (too sweet). Staff was extremely friendly!
I am not a big fan of pizza (I know, I’m a terrible New Yorker)… and of all the pizza in the world to choose from, Beau Jo’s wouldn’t be my top choice. But the Idaho Springs location is the original, and my brother and I used to have so many soccer parties at the Littleton location. I had to go, for nostalgia. It’s a solid place for a big group and a reasonable lunch or dinner, but would not send my New York friends there.
