PHOENIX gold mine
Show You the GOLD!
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Underground Gold Mine Tours & Gold Panning
New!
Train Ride
& Dark Tour Centurion Mine
A brand new experience! Take a scenic uphill hike through the mountains, then ride a charming mine train into the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Explore the fascinating Centurion Mine, a 400-foot walk with a knowledgeable guide. After your underground adventure, ride the train back and enjoy a leisurely stroll downhill.
Derailing History:
Hike & Mine Train Tour
Your experience starts with a short uphill hike on a dirt path through beautiful rocky mountain forests. If you want to take in the scenery, there are chairs and table provided along the path. At the end of the path awaits an Atlas K 2.5 Ton Locomotive. Climb aboard our charming refurbished minecars turned passenger cars and journey through the Colorado mountains with your conductor as your guide. But the ride is just the beginning as you stop along the way to learn about mining history and equipment.
Walking back in time: The Centurion
The end of the track brings you to the entrance of the oldest part of the Phoenix Mine, known as the Centurion level. Grab a hard hat and lantern for this 400 foot walk into the dark. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the Centurion's rich mining history and geology. This one-of-a-kind tour highlights the mine's cave-like structures and fluorescent rock formations.
End of the Track: It's all downhill from here!
After exiting the Centurion Mine, hop back aboard the train and ride back to the other end of the track. It's all downhill from here as you take a walk down the path! Don't forget to stop by our 1950's Bus Gift Shop to checkout our affordable, handmade, keepsake, remembering your adventures at the Phoenix Gold Mine!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long is the Train ride and Centurion tour?
A: This activity lasts a minimum of 1 hour and up to 1 and 1/2 hours. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the train ride to get checked in and allow enough time to walk up to the train.
Q: Is this activity offered all year?
A: The train and dark mine tour is only offered during warmer months as the train cannot run with snow on the tracks.
Q: Do I need to make reservations?
A: Yes! There is limited seating on the train so we give priority to reservations but any extra seating is open to walk-ins. Give us a call to make your reservation today!
Q: What is it like underground? Are any clothing garments recommended?
A: We recommend a light jacket or sweatshirt and closed-toed shoes. The temperature underground is approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit year around and the floors of the Centurion are damp. This mine is also a lantern tour and not well lit like our Main Phoenix Gold Mine Tour.
Q: What is the walk to the train like?
A: The walk up to the train is about 800 feet or about 450 meters uphill. We have seating along the way in case you need to take a break or take in the scenery, but please be prepared especially if you are coming from sea level due to the given altitude.
Q: Can I bring a stroller on this tour?
A: We don't suggest bringing strollers on this tour due to the incline walk up to the train site. Front carries are welcome!
Q: Is there anything else I should know about this tour?
A: This is a brand new activity that we are introducing! We appreciate your patience and any feedback about your experiences!
Disclaimer
To access the train site, the Train Ride & Centurion Dark Mine Tour involves navigating steep and uneven terrain at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet for about a 800 feet. For safety considerations, participants must be in good physical condition and free from respiratory issues or recent surgical procedures. Additionally, the Centurion Mine features low ceilings which may cause discomfort for individuals taller than six feet due to back or neck pain. Pregnant guests are advised to consult with their physician prior to booking this tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on the mine train or within the Centurion Mine. We invite guests with accessibility needs to discuss activity options by calling 303.567.0422.