PHOENIX gold mine
Show You the GOLD!
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Underground Gold Mine Tours & Gold Panning
Centurion
Train Ride & Dark Mine Tour
Open for the season!
During our summer months, take a scenic uphill hike through the mountains, then ride a train in charming mine carts into the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Explore the fascinating Centurion Mine, a 400-foot walk with a knowledgeable guide. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour-1hour and 15 minutes.
Riding Through History:
Train & MineCart 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 3.5 Ton Locomotive. Climb aboard our charming refurbished minecarts 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 Mine
The end of the track brings you to the entrance of the oldest mines in the valley, known as the Centurion Mine. 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 glow-in-the-dark rock formations!
Next Stop:
Gold Panning!
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! Gold panning is included with each tour ticket!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I need to make reservations?
A: Although reservations are not required, we highly recommend booking ahead as this is a very popular activity. We give priority to reservations but any extra seating is open to walk-ins!
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: 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 all year around and the floors of the Centurion are damp. This mine is also a dark lantern tour and is 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 take pictures and videos while on the tour?
A: Absolutely! We love it when we are tagged on social media! However, we ask that you do not take videos of tours longer than 30 seconds.
​Q: Can I bring my dog on this tour?
A: We love dogs! As long as your dog is well behaved around other dogs and people, they are more than welcome on this tour. please know that you will need to fill out a pet waiver upon check-in.
Q: Is gold panning included with each ticket?
A: Yes! Gold Panning is included in the ticket price! Check out our Gold Panning pages for more details!
Q: Can I book my school group, scout troop, or camp for this activity?A: Due to limited seating on the train, we can accommodate a maximum of 25 participants per tour. Unfortunately, we do not offer discounted rates for this activity. For more options tailored to school groups, scouts, or camps, please visit our Schools, Scouts & Camps page.
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!
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.
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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.
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Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on this train or within the Centurion Mine. We invite guests with accessibility needs to discuss activity options by calling 303.567.0422.