Forget Idaho Springs – The “Gateway to the Rockies” is Colorado’s Best Mountain Town

Welcome to Georgetown

Just 45 minutes west of Denver sits Georgetown, a Victorian-era town perched at 8,530 feet. This charming mountain spot lets you step back in time while surrounded by Rocky Mountain beauty.

With its classic candy store, Christmas shoppe, and vintage railroad, Georgetown packs major small-town appeal without the Idaho Springs crowds.

The Silver Queen’s Rich History

Known as the ‘Silver Queen of the Rockies,’ Georgetown boomed during Colorado’s silver rush as one of the state’s four original mining towns.

Today, the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District stays preserved thanks to Historic Georgetown and the Georgetown Trust for Conservation and Preservation.

Vintage Museums

Hotel de Paris Museum showcases artifacts from its days as an 1875 French inn. The 1867 Hamill House Museum displays 19th-century furnishings and fancy interior details.

Fun fact: this home belonged to the great-great grandfather of Mark Hamill. Yes, Luke Skywalker himself. Star Wars fans, you’ve found your pilgrimage spot.

Go Deep Into a Real Silver Mine

Capital Prize Mine takes you 1,000 feet into Griffith Mountain through an authentic 1860s tunnel. The Griffith Brothers started digging in 1867 to reach major gold and silver veins. You’ll see seven gold veins, old machinery, and mining tools while learning about drilling, blasting, and mucking.

The mine remains active today, and during warm months, you can try gold panning outside. Who knows? You might strike it rich.

Cultural Hotspots

Take a walk down Taos Street to find the Old School building from 1874. This historic structure now houses a cultural arts program, workspace, and the Clear Creek County archives.

The building stands as a testament to Georgetown’s commitment to preserving its past while creating space for modern creativity.

All Aboard the Loop

The Georgetown Loop Railroad, once considered an engineering marvel, offers round-trip rides to Silver Plume through dense forests and mountain scenery. Operating spring through early winter, this narrow-gauge steam train hosts themed excursions including holiday rides.

You can also stop to tour the Lebanon or Everett Silver Mines or learn to pan for gold, which is way more fun than sitting in I-70 traffic.

Eat Like a Local

Hungry? Head to Coopers on the Creek, decorated with mining-era photos and serving everything from burgers to wild salmon and filet mignon. It’s the perfect pit stop for both casual diners and those looking for something fancier after a day of mountain adventures.

Craft Beer Heaven

Two local breweries in Georgetown will keep your thirst at bay. Guanella Pass Brewery and Cabin Creek Brewing Co. both pour delicious stouts, IPAs, wheats, and lagers alongside solid pub grub.

Colorado’s craft beer scene extends even to these small mountain towns, proving good beer knows no elevation limits.

Drive the Pass

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway connects I-70 at Georgetown with Highway 285 at Grant. Open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-November, this paved road climbs to 11,600 feet through the Arapaho and Pike National Forests.

You’ll spot aspen trees, waterfalls, and maybe some bighorn sheep. Hikers can access trailheads for Mount Bierstadt and Square Top Mountain. Two campgrounds – Clear Lake and Guanella Pass – open seasonally near Georgetown.

Fish Year-Round

Georgetown Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in all seasons, plus the occasional wild brown trout. In winter, the ice gets thick enough for cars, making it a popular ice fishing spot close to Denver.

Clear Creek flows east from Georgetown with more trout fishing opportunities for anglers who prefer moving water.

Old-Fashioned Treats

Georgetown Valley Candy Company makes its own candy and ice cream with an old-fashioned vibe.

Their homemade caramel corn, fudge, brittles, chocolates, and ice cream give everyone in your crew something sweet to cap off a day exploring Clear Creek County.

Adventure Base Camp

Georgetown sits surrounded by outdoor playgrounds. You’ve got Arapaho National Forest, Clear Creek, Grays Peak, Mount Blue Sky, and Pass Lake within easy reach.

Ski bums can hit Loveland (13 miles), Arapahoe Basin (20 miles), or Keystone (29 miles). Nearby towns include Silver Plume (3 miles), Empire (5 miles), and Idaho Springs (12 miles), making Georgetown the perfect hub for Colorado mountain adventures.