Make Idaho Springs Lodge #607 your home base for mountain adventures. Conveniently located just 30 minutes west of Denver and surrounded by some of Colorado’s most iconic destinations, our lodge offers the perfect starting point for exploring historic sites, breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, scenic railroads, gold mining heritage, and unforgettable Rocky Mountain experiences. Enjoy our award-winning wings, and take a guided tour of our historic lodge to learn about more than a century of Elks history. (Wing service will start June 25, 2027.)
- Explore historic Idaho Springs where gold was first in discovered in Colorado. historicidahosprings.com/historic-sites/
- Enjoy a scenic drive to the summit of Mount Blue Sky (14,226 feet) on one of the highest paved roads in North America. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as mountain goats, marmots, and pika. Be sure to stop at the Mount Goliath Natural Area, home to ancient bristlecone pines—some of the oldest living trees in the world. This unforgettable alpine journey offers breathtaking views, unique wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into Colorado’s remarkable natural history. Reservations required recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438 codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways/north-central/mount-evans
- Experience the history of Colorado’s gold rush with a tour of the legendary Argo Mill and Tunnel. Discover how millions of dollars’ worth of gold ore were processed at this iconic site, then cap off your visit with a scenic gondola ride offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. mightyargo.com
- Step back in time with a tour of the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs. Explore an authentic working gold mine, get up close to a genuine gold-bearing vein, and discover one of the filming locations featured in the 2024 movie Elevation. phoenixgoldmine.com
- Ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, winding through stunning mountain scenery aboard a classic narrow-gauge train. After the ride, take time to explore the charming Victorian mining town of Georgetown and its rich Colorado heritage. georgetown-colorado.org
- Discover the world-renowned Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Explore the museum, hike scenic trails, or experience a live performance at one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in the world. redrocksonline.com
- Depart Idaho Springs and take the scenic route over “Oh My God Road” (Virginia Canyon) or the longer, historic Highway 6 into Central City to visit Elks Lodge #557. Spend some time exploring the charming streets of Central City, with opportunities to enjoy local gaming and take in the town’s rich mining-era history. Return via Highway 6 through the dramatic canyon, following the route once traveled by the narrow-gauge railroad, for a memorable mountain drive. dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/728-oh-my-god-road-usa.html visitcentralcity.com
- Take a scenic drive on the I-70 loop around Loveland Pass. This unforgettable route combines the engineering marvel of the Eisenhower Tunnel with the breathtaking beauty of US Highway 6 and Loveland Pass, which crosses the Continental Divide. Begin on I-70 and exit at 216 for US-6/Loveland Ski Area. Ascend Loveland Pass for sweeping alpine views, then descend toward Silverthorne. Stop at the Summit Elks Lodge #2561 along the way, then rejoin I-70 at Exit 205 to travel through the Eisenhower Tunnel—completing a true mountain loop as you pass beneath the very route you just drove over. tinyurl.com/bp6333j6
- Experience one of Colorado’s most iconic scenic drives along the historic Lariat Loop, a route that winds through the charming towns of Morrison and Evergreen. Originally established as a horse trail, this classic byway travels through spectacular canyons, rolling foothills, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. While in Evergreen, stop by Evergreen Elks Lodge #2363 (303-674-5591) to enjoy the hospitality of a fellow Elks lodge. From Evergreen, continue along Highway 103 to spectacular Mount Blue Sky, where panoramic views and alpine scenery await. After exploring the mountain, descend into Idaho Springs, or complete the original Lariat Loop as it was first intended. www.codot.gov/travel/coloradobyways/north-central/lariat-loop
- Spend the day exploring the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. Travel north to one of the nation’s most breathtaking parks, journey along the legendary Trail Ridge Road, and enjoy a visit to the charming mountain town of Grand Lake. On your return to Idaho Springs, take time to discover the unique shops, restaurants, and scenery of the mountain communities along the route, making for an unforgettable Colorado adventure. www.codot.gov/travel/coloradobyways/north-central/trail-ridge-rd