georgetown co mine tour

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

1016 Biddle St, Georgetown, Colorado 80444

Want to see a 

real Gold and Silver mine?

Welcome to the capital prize gold mine, one of the most extensive and authentic mine tours in colorado open this winter because it's warm and dry inside, venture over 1,000 feet into the mine and see, feel and experience what it was like to be a hard rock miner over 100 years ago., see actual working tools, single-jack and double-jack drills, air powered "widow-makers," gold and silver  ore specimens., see seven of the 17 gold/silver veins that were discovered  on their way to 3,200 feet and the mother-load ., see how the miners continue to extract valuable metals using modern technology today. this is still a working and producing mine, instead of gold panning we mine the real stuff in the stope at over 1,000 feet you get to see how miners chased these veins upwards with a chance for kids to swing a pick axe and possibly find a nice shinny souvenir  from a gold mine. .

Explore over 1,000 feet of the original Capital Prize and see what it was like to be an underground miner 100 years ago.

What is rock breaking? You will mine your own ore at 1,000 feet and then we break them open just like the Geologist do; and you get to keep it!

The Capital Prize is still an active Gold Mine. You will see how we mine differently today.

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• Trip Planner

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour – Georgetown

To experience one of Colorado’s most authentic mines, head to Georgetown’s Capital Prize Gold Mine, just 35 minutes from Denver. Offering daily tours into one of the longest mine walking tours in the state, visitors get to stroll 1,000 feet into the mountain and possibly see miners at work.

Having produced millions of dollars in precious metals, the mine continues to operate today, procuring natural resources. A unique experience to partake in, guests can see what tools modern miners use to extract gold and silver ore right from the Earth.

Offering guided tours year-round, taking a tour at Georgetown’s Capital Prize Gold Mine is one of the most interesting, family-friendly activities in town. Adults and kids of all ages enjoy the mix of adventure and education as they explore the depths of the mine and pass by several of the area’s prominent silver veins.

The guides are great at keeping the experience interactive, even allowing children to “dig” a rock that they can break open after the tour. Moreover, visitors are welcome to take a souvenir rock from the inside of the mine home with them. The guides also explain the mining processes and what it takes to find gold, blast, muck, and drill.

Guests will get to see the difference between modern and Wild West mining techniques. While on the tour, guides will explain the history of the mine and even tell a few spook stories along the way. A one-of-a-kind experience, visitors will get a chance to peek back in time to see what conditions miners were in over 100 years ago.

Being that temperatures in the mine hover around 50°F, it’s recommended that you bring a jacket. While the mine does offer a tourist attraction, it’s an operational facility, meaning there is no snack bar or gift shop. A highly recommended activity,  Georgetown’s Capital Prize Gold Mine will make a memorable and lasting impression on everyone who steps inside.

Address: 1016 Biddle St, Georgetown , CO 80444

Phone: (303) 569-2468

Season: Year-round

Hours: Daily | 11 am – 3 pm

Website: capitalprizegoldmine.com

Get In Touch

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer—Terms of Service

Things To Do

• Travel Blog
• Colorado Activities
• Colorado Events
• Colorado Towns
• Colorado Hotels
• Colorado Restaurants
• Colorado Transportation
• Made in Colorado

Fall Activities

• Federal Lands
• Ghost Towns
• Hot Springs
• Ski Resorts
• State Parks
• Train Rides

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

Highlights from the Business

Family-owned & operated

Available by appointment

Private events

Kid friendly

Review Highlights

“ Paul gave demonstrations on some of the equipment and explained a lot about the mining operation. ” in 14 reviews

“ Very unassuming on arrival but that is because it's a working mine . ” in 5 reviews

“ He not only gave us a good Colorado history of mining in the area, but provided an outstanding mining experience. ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1016 Biddle St

Georgetown, CO 80444

Serving Georgetown Area

You Might Also Consider

Liquid Descent

Chandra F. said "Took my girls on a roadtrip from Los Angeles to Colorado last week and saw this place along the 70 on the way to Denver. We decided to try it on the way back home. I called around 9 a.m. and they accommodated us for the noon…" read more

in Rafting/kayaking, Tours

All In Transportation

Alejandra T. said "Jovan was beyond fantastic! And we appreciate him driving us around the city! It really was a great time We already plan on booking again !!!! Thank you!!!!" read more

in Limos, Buses, Party Bus Rentals

Boulder Airport Transport

Beverlie L. said "I never write a review but since I found the ones left here so helpful when making a decision to call Uber or contract a car service, I thought I would write a review to assist a future searcher. If you are looking for a way to get…" read more

in Town Car Service, Airport Shuttles, Limos

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Venture 1,000 feet underground into authentic 1860's gold mine. See feel and experience what it was like to be a miner over 100 years ago. You will see drilling demonstrations, several drifts and tunnels, a lights out demonstration, and you walk into a stope. See modern prospecting techniques inside the mine today. Blacksmith shop with a forge and kiln used for recovering the gold being mined today. Fun for the whole family. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We had a great time. Learned a lot about the mine in a short amount of time. Very cool to see everything in the mine. Somehow the tour guide was very cheerful and chippy while telling us about the harsh and deadly conditions of the mind. Mining foe gold was fun and super simple too, earned a cute little souvenir to take home.

Start of train ride

Panned for gold

Easily the greatest gold mine tour we've been on in Colorado. If you (or your kids) are into rocks and/or mining, you will love it! It's also in Georgetown, which is one of the coolest mountain towns. Get a reservation and enjoy. :)

It was a great tour! Very informative and interactive. Our tour group was small, 4 people plus our guide. Could be super cool for kids! We plan on going back with my niece and nephew, they will love it.

See all photos from Joslyn B. for Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

Legit mine. So fun and interesting! Paul was very knowledgeable! Definitely recommend!

My 8 year old daughter and I had so much fun on this tour. Seriously, you won't regret it!!

The Capital Prize Mines tour is great. Learn about Colorado's mining past and present in a mine operating today. Go down under the mountain right on the edge of Georgetown. The tour isn't too long or too short and works well for young ones. Highly recommended

Went with family visiting from out of town. We had a great time! Paul was very knowledgeable. The tour was the perfect length of time. We raved about it the rest of the day. We would definitely recommend.

This felt like a very authentic experience. The only thing that would have made it more authentic is if you could dig a bit in the mine and then take that to the panning area. The tour was quite good with interesting stories and filled with historical perspective. The people who work there were very kind and pleasant. I encourage you to try the panning in the stream as it helps make it feel real.

Very unassuming on arrival but that is because it's a working mine. It's not some gimmicky tourist attraction but an opportunity to walk the work areas of a real mine, learning the current practices as well as hearing historical details from people actively involved with mining precious metals from Colorado mountains. Very comfortable, safe, and friendly. Definitely will be a highlight if you're visiting the area.

Showed up expecting a saccharine environment where gold was last mined 80 + years ago and the equipment resting against the walls was just for show. Boy was I wrong, and so happy to be wrong. This is a legit operating goldmine, where real pickaxes swing everyday and real gold is extracted from the many thick veins shown to you on the tour. The guide was also one of the several miners who run the place and his willingness to be patient and share the history of the mine and industry made this one of the most enjoyable tours I've ever been on. And I've been some weird places. The guide let my kids swing the pickaxe and keep the nuggets they loosed from the wall, he ran most of the equipment and explained their history, and you could tell he respected his craft. This place is, and feels, truly authentic. It's worthy of being named a destination.

5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Bob’s Luxury Car Service

Jack S. said "Amazing. Arrived early, easy pickup, safe driving, reasonable price. Bob is the way to go for a reliable way of transportation, hands down. 100% would recommend." read more

in Limos, Town Car Service, Airport Shuttles

Collections Including Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

Denver Colorado

By Rachel T.

By Megan B.

Things To Do Boulder

By Sophie W.

Denver Ideas

By Debbie T.

People Also Viewed

Hidee Gold Mine

Phoenix Gold Mine

Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Country Boy Mine

Mad Adventures - Clear Creek

Lawson Adventure Park & Resort

Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours

180 Mountain Moto Adventures

Best of Georgetown

Things to do in Georgetown

People found Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours by searching for…

Gold Mine Adventure Georgetown

Gold Mining Georgetown

Gold Panning Georgetown

Must See Places Georgetown

Things To See And Do Georgetown

Tourist Attractions Georgetown

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Campgrounds

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour

Top ways to experience Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

CAPITAL PRIZE GOLD MINE TOUR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Gold + Silver Mine Tours

Step Into Clear Creek Mining History and Heritage

Where the old west meets new adventure, just west of denver.

Venture into the late 1800s and early 1900s by experiencing a Gold or Silver Mine Tour showcasing our unique mining history and heritage. Known as the original four boom towns, our four municipalities offer a wealth of knowledge about the Colorado Gold Rush while local mining tours offer incredible stories of their own and allow you to experience life as it was for a hard rock miner.  

Explore Historic Mines and Mills Across the County

Clear Creek County showcases mining history around every turn. Our old mining structures serve as a visual reminder of the American Gold Rush dream, Colorado Gold Rush History, and the living heritage of Clear Creek County, which is waiting to be explored. 

Edgar Experimental Mine

The Edgar Experimental Mine, which is now operated by the Colorado School of Mines and used as an underground classroom, features a half-mile tour of underground mineworks that represent more than 100 years of historic development. However, only groups of 10 or more people are allowed on a given tour.

Phoenix Gold Mine

When the Phoenix mine reopened in 1980, it became one of the longest family-operated mines in Colorado. During this time, the high-grade Resurrection vein of gold ore was revealed but was left in place. Today you are welcome to see this real-life piece of history and learn why it remains in place.

Argo Mill and Tunnel

Take a tour of the mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel, which was once known for being the longest mining tunnel in the world at more than 4 miles long. Responsible for more than one hundred million dollars of gold when gold was valued at $18.00 to $35.00 per ounce… Equalling nearly 3 Trillion Dollars in today’s value!

Capital Prize

When touring the Capital Prize Gold Mine, you can witness an authentic 1860s underground mine shaft, which travels more than 1,000 feet into the mountain rock allowing you to step into a day in the life of a hard rock miner.

Lebanon + Everett Mines

Enjoy an hour-long walking tour of the Lebanon or Everett Mines, which are accessible only by the Georgetown Loop Railroad. These expansive mining tunnels travel directly below Interstate 70 with lengths from 500 ft of 1,200 ft bored in the 1870s. These mines are well known for silver ore and the Hise Lode discovered by the Lebanon Mining Company.

Plan A Mine Tour In Clear Creek County

646 Loop Drive Georgetown, CO 80444

www.georgetownlooprr.com/mine-tour

(888) 456-6777

800 Trail Creek Road Idaho Springs, CO 80452

www.phoenixgoldmine.com

(303) 567-0422

2350 Riverside Drive Idaho Springs, CO 80452

www.argomilltour.com

(303) 567-2421

1016 Biddle Street Georgetown, CO 80444

www.capitalprizegoldmine.com

(303) 569-2468

365 8th Street Idaho Springs, CO 80452

mining.mines.edu/edgar-experimental-mine/

(303) 567-2911

Explore More of Clear Creek County

Historic Train Rides

Historic Walking Tours

Adventure Map

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour

Top ways to experience Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mayor Parker
• Know Before You Go: Parking, Restrooms, and More

History and Tours

• Hiking in Georgetown
• Fishing and Extreme Sports
• Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing
• Shopping & Galleries
• Event Rental Options
• Places to Stay

• Where to Eat
• View Calendar
• Submit an Event

Visiting Georgetown means taking a step back through Colorado’s rich history with an abundance of significant sites and museums for all to explore. Self-guided walking tours of the town are available along with these guided tours.

ALPINE HOSE #2 FIREFIGHTER MUSEUM

507 5th Street Constructed between 1875-1880, this building housed the Alpine Hose Company No. 2 and is a major visual symbol in Georgetown.

GEORGETOWN ENERGY MUSEUM

600 Griffith Street Located in a fully functioning and operational Hydroelectric generating plant that has been in operation since 1900.

HAMILL HOUSE MUSEUM

305 Argentine Street Visit this beautifully restored 19th century home, and take a step back into the past. A must-see museum for all visitors!

HOTEL DE PARIS MUSEUM

409 6th Street Hotel de Paris Museum is the most unique and complete parcel of early Colorado history. A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Historic Sites

GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD

1520 Argentine Street An old-time steam locomotive chugs its way up the canyon hauling the train past the remains of several gold and silver mines.

CAPITAL PRIZE GOLD MINE TOURS

1016 Biddle St reet Walk over 1,000 ft (the longest walking tour in CO) into the mountain and see tunnels, several of the gold veins, and more.

SILVER QUEEN WALKING TOURS

614 Taos, #1 Step back into the colorful narrative of history and hauntings. Silver Queen Walking Tours shares the legacy of the Old West.

GEORGETOWN OUTDOOR DISCOVERY

Venture into our great outdoors with local guide, Kimberly Knox. She offers guided local walking, hiking, snowshoe tours, and more.

Sightseeing

GUANELLA PASS SCENIC BYWAY

Co Rd 381 Drive along the incredibly scenic Guanella Pass. Leave from the south end of Georgetown and enjoy 22 miles of stunning views.

All of our museums are currently closed. Go to  Hard at Work!  for the latest information.

• Museums & Sites
• Accessibility
• Field Trips
• Educator Resources
• Hands-On History
• We Are Colorado
• Bridging Borders
• The Collection
• Research Center
• History in the Making
• Museum of Memory
• Event Calendar
• Plan Your Event
• Speaker Series
• Tours & Treks
• The Colorado Magazine
• The Weekly Digest
• About the State Historic Preservation Office
• Events & Education
• Grants & Incentives
• Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
• Review & Compliance
• Survey & Designation
• Internships & Fellowships
• Affiliate Network
• Nuestro museos y exposiciones
• Membresía gratis para juventud
• La historia en desarrollo

Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park®

The Georgetown Loop® is located 45 miles west of Denver on I-70. An engineering marvel originally built in 1884, the railroad fulfilled the hopes of Georgetown citizens to become a prosperous settlement connected to Denver and points east.

The Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park® is a History Colorado property operated by Historic Rail Adventures, LLC. To make reservations and for more information, visit the Georgetown Loop Railroad website .

Do you know History Colorado members receive free tickets for the historic Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park®? Become a member today!

Safety First! Updates on public health at History Colorado are available here.

To connect Silver Plume and Georgetown, towns located over 2 miles apart, the tracks had to scale an elevation of 640 feet over mountainous terrain, requiring trestles, cuts, fills, loops, and curves totaling 4.5 miles. Today the Loop is once again a popular tourist attraction and an uncommon way to see the Clear Creek Valley.  Along the route visitors may stop for guided tours of a historic silver mine. The park is located on 978 acres and includes an 1884 depot, the Morrison Interpretive Center, two 1860s mines, an 1871 mill building, four reconstructed mine buildings, a locomotive maintenance building, the 1874 Pohle House, and a new rolling stock shelter.

Address: 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, CO

Contact:   1-888-456-6777

Fares vary. For details visit the  Georgetown Loop® website  or call 1-888-456-6777.

646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, CO, 80444

1-888-456-6777

39.701026, -105.7067799

FAQ’s & Directions

Frequently asked train questions, how long is the train ride .

The train ride by itself is about 1 hour and 15 minutes during the main season and about 55 minutes from mid-October through early January. The train ride and mine tour together (offered April through September) is a 2 ½ hour experience.

Is the Silver Plume location different than the Georgetown Location?

Yes, we offer two depot locations, one in Georgetown and one in Silver Plume. The Silver Plume Station is only open from late May through mid-October. The Loop connects the two towns so whichever station you board from, you will ride the Loop to the opposite, then return back to your original station. The stations are 2 miles apart on Interstate -70. The Devil’s Gate station is located in Georgetown; the Silver Plume Depot is one exit west of Georgetown off of I-70. The train ride is exactly the same from either departure point.

How much does the Georgetown Loop cost?

Pricing varies by season, so please click on “Purchase Tickets” to view pricing and availability for your desired date.

Are pets allowed on the train?

Sorry, pets are not allowed on the train. Only ADA defined service animals are permitted. This does not include emotional support animals.

Can you take the mine tour without the train?  Can you ride one way or disembark and take a later train?

No, you cannot take the mine tour without a train ride. The only access to the mine is by train and only passengers with mine tickets may disembark there. We are sorry, there is no provision for riding one way or taking a later train.

Are there two or more trains? Will there be steam running? 

While we have a variety of engines and cars, we typically have one train running each day except on busy summer days and during leaf season two trains may operate simultaneously. While we do our best to run steam as much as possible, we can never guarantee we will be running steam on any given day due to the preservation of these marvelous machines.  Steam locomotives generally run from Memorial Weekend in May through early October. Diesel electric locomotives operate the remainder of the schedule.

Does the train run if it is raining? Can I get a refund if it rains? 

We run rain or shine, so please bring a light jacket. If you decide to not ride the train due to weather you can transfer or cancel for a $4 per ticket fee prior to departure. Please note we do not issue refunds for weather related issues after you have boarded the train.

What’s the difference between coach and parlor cars?

The coach cars are either box cars with canopy roofs and open sides or gondola cars that are open air (no sides or roofs). There is no food service in coach but you may bring a sack lunch and a non- alcoholic drink in plastic or metal containers.

The parlor cars are our first class cars that are enclosed carpeted cars with tables and chairs that are perpendicular to the windows. The tables sit 2 or 4. These cars are only available during our Holiday Season, November – January.

How do I receive my tickets?

Tickets are NOT mailed or emailed. Please arrive to the depot 20 minutes prior to departure to pick up your printed tickets. You will not be able to board without these tickets.  

Is wheelchair seating available on the train?

The coach cars on the train ride are wheelchair accessible, please let the reservation agent know if you have a wheelchair so that we can be sure to accommodate you. None of the Mine Tours are accessible by wheel chair due to steep and rough terrain. Groups that have more than 1 wheelchair  in their group are encouraged to call our Group Reservations line at 303-569-0133 to better accommodate your group. Parlor cars have some limited seating for those in a wheelchair. Our Waldorf and Tahoe cars do not have wheelchair seating or accessibility due to their historic construction.

Can we purchase tickets when we arrive at the designated depot? Can I book online or do I need to call to make a reservation? 

You are always welcome to purchase tickets at the window but please be aware we do sell out frequently and cannot guarantee seats upon your arrival without a reservation. You are welcome to book either online or with a ticket agent but to insure availability for a wheelchair  or any other accommodations please call the office at 1-888-456-6777 to make your reservation.

How safe is the train?

Safety is the most important aspect of our attraction. Our staff performs daily track inspections and has both State and Federal safety inspection approvals. Please listen to your Train Conductors to maximize our safety efforts. 

What is your cancellation policy?

We are happy to reschedule or cancel people who give advance notice for a $4 per ticket fee.  We do not offer rain checks. If you decide to not ride the train due to weather you can transfer or cancel for a $4 per ticket fee prior to departure. Please note we do not issue refunds for weather related issues after you have boarded the train. People who simply do not arrive will be charged the full balance of the reservation. 

What facilities are available?

Please note there are no restrooms on the train itself but, there are restrooms at both stations and at the mine. There is also a gift store at both stations that offers novelties, as well as light snacks and drinks.

Directions?

The Georgetown Devil’s Gate station is located on I-70 about 45 miles west of Denver. Exit #228, right on Argentine Street, about ¾ of a mile, right at fork in the road onto Loop Drive. Silver Plume is one exit (two miles) west of Georgetown on I-70. Exit #226, located just off I-70, on the south side of the interstate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED MINE QUESTIONS  

How do we know when and where to get off for mine tour where is the mine located.

The Conductor will inform you when it is time to disembark for a mine tour. You may only disembark at the mine station if you have prepaid for a tour and are wearing a mine tour wristband. The mine tour is 10 minutes from Silver Plume so if you board at Silver Plume you will ride approximately 10 minutes to the mine station. If you board in Georgetown you will ride approximately 30 minutes Silver Plume, have a 15 minute layover, and then 10 minutes to the mine station. Please listen for the conductor’s announcement so that you do not miss the mine tour.

Why is there an age requirement for Mine tours?

Children under 5 years old are not permitted underground in either the Everett or Lebanon mines. Children under 5 may visit the mines, but must stay above ground under the care of a parent or guardian. This is a safety regulation. Special event mine tours such as  “ Haunted Mine Adventure” have an age requirement of 12 years or older. 

How cold is it in the Mine?

The mine stays a chilly 40 degrees year round, so please bring a light jacket and comfortable, closed toed walking shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are not appropriate given it can be wet in the mines.

Are the Mine tours Wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately our tours are NOT handicap accessible as they are a historic mining site with steep grades on uneven gravel.

DEVIL’S GATE DEPOT LOCATION 646 Loop Drive Georgetown, CO 80444

DIRECTIONS TO DEVIL’S GATE: From I-70, take Exit 228 to Georgetown. If you are on I-70 West, take a left off the ramp. If you are on I-70 East, take a right off the ramp. From here, take the first right at the roundabout. This is Argentine Street. Follow Argentine until you reach a fork in the road. Stay to the right and the road will end at the Devil’s Gate Depot.

SILVER PLUME DEPOT LOCATION 825 Railroad Avenue Silver Plume, CO 80476

DIRECTIONS TO SILVER PLUME DEPOT: From I-70, take exit 226. If you are on I-70 West, take a left at the stop sign and go under the interstate. If you are coming from I-70 East, take a right at the off ramp. The Silver Plume Depot will be on your left just past I-70. The Silver Plume station is closed from October 09 through the end of the 2020 season.

Call Now For Reservations:  1-888-456-6777 Email:  [email protected]