Step into the shoes of Colorado’s early settlers and experience the thrill of gold panning in Idaho Springs. With guidance from experienced instructors, learn the classic techniques prospectors once used to separate glittering gold from ordinary dirt. After a quick lesson, it’s time to pan like a true pioneer—during the summer months, search for gold in a refreshing mountain creek, and in colder seasons, try your luck at an indoor panning tank. Every flake or gem you discover is yours to keep, making the adventure both educational and rewarding.

This hands-on experience captures the spirit of Colorado’s gold rush history while offering plenty of fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you find a handful of sparkling treasures or simply enjoy the process, panning for gold in Idaho Springs offers a rare chance to connect with the past in a playful, interactive way. It’s history, adventure, and maybe even fortune—all rolled into one unforgettable experience.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome.
• Health limitations: Not recommended for individuals with severe respiratory issues or recent surgical procedures.
• Physical limitations: Guests must be able to walk a short distance to access the creek.
• Experience level: All levels are welcome; no prior experience required.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All ages are welcome; children under 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
• Individuals with disabilities: Some accommodations may be available upon request; call the provider to confirm options.
• Languages: Tours are conducted in English.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: A 15-minute gold panning lesson, followed by unlimited time to pan for gold until dark.
• What’s included:
  • Gold panning lesson from an experienced instructor.
  • Use of a gold pan for the duration of the activity.
  • Opportunity to pan for gold and gems in a natural mountain creek during summer months, or in an indoor panning tank during colder months.
  • Guests keep all the gold and gems they find.
• Who will be present: Staff instructors will provide guidance; other participants may be present.
• Spectators: No ticket required to watch, but participation requires purchase.
• Photo/ video: Photos and short videos are encouraged.
• Specific rules to follow: Children must remain under adult supervision; follow staff safety instructions at all times.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Activity is available outdoors May 1–September 30.
• Arrival: Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• Parking: Parking is available on-site at the Phoenix Gold Mine.
• What to wear: Waterproof shoes if stepping into the creek; otherwise, casual shoes are fine. Light jackets or sweatshirts are recommended, as temperatures in and near the mine stay cool.
• What to bring:
  • Jacket or sweatshirt.
  • Waterproof shoes (optional if entering the creek).
  • Comfortable clothing for the outdoors.
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms available on site; no lockers or changing rooms.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Guests may pan as long as they would like until dark.
• This experience does not include a guided mine tour.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.