Idaho Springs Brewery & Hiking Getaway

Day 1: Thursday – Arrival & Evening Relaxation

Morning: Travel to Denver International Airport and enjoy a light snack before your flight.

Afternoon: Arrive in Denver at 6 pm, pick up your rental car, and drive the scenic 45‑minute route to Idaho Springs.

Evening: Check into your lodging, then unwind with a casual dinner and a craft brew at Idaho Springs Brewing Company, known for its mountain‑inspired ales.

Day 2: Friday – Alpine Hike & Brewery Exploration

Morning: Head out early to tackle the St. Mary Glacier trail, a moderate 4‑mile round‑trip hike offering stunning glacier views.

Afternoon: After lunch, drive to Golden for a tour of the historic Coors Brewery, followed by a tasting session at Golden City Brewing.

Evening: Return to Idaho Springs and soak your muscles at the natural waters of Indian Springs Hot Springs, perfect for relaxation.

Day 3: Saturday – Summit Views & Scenic Gardens

Morning: Conquer the iconic Devil’s Head summit for panoramic vistas of the Front Range; the hike is about 2.5 hours round‑trip.

Afternoon: Drive to nearby Garden of the Gods for a leisurely walk among towering red sandstone formations and photo opportunities.

Evening: Celebrate the day with a visit to Odell Brewing Co. in Golden, sampling their award‑winning IPAs and seasonal brews.

Day 4: Sunday – Alpine Lake & Departure

Morning: Take a gentle hike to Lake Isabelle, a serene alpine lake that offers a peaceful setting for a final sunrise.

Afternoon: Return to Idaho Springs, enjoy a quick lunch, then drive back to Denver for your 5 pm departure flight.

Evening: Travel home with memories of mountains, brews, and hot springs.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Idaho Springs Brewing Company – 1 hour – $15 per person
• St. Mary Glacier – 4 hours – Free (parking $5)
• Coors Brewery Tour – 2 hours – $10 per person
• Golden City Brewing – 1.5 hours – $20 per person (tasting flight)
• Indian Springs Hot Springs – 2 hours – $12 per person
• Devil’s Head – 3 hours – Free (parking $5)
• Garden of the Gods – 2 hours – Free (parking $10)
• Odell Brewing Co. – 2 hours – $25 per person (tasting & food)
• Lake Isabelle – 2 hours – Free (parking $5)
• Meals & Snacks – 3 hours total – $60 per person
• Total Estimated Cost – $172 per person

Tips

If you’d like to extend your adventure, add an extra day to explore Vail’s mountain trails or visit Chief Mountain for a more challenging hike. Conversely, to shorten the trip, you can combine the Golden brewery visits into a single afternoon and replace one of the longer hikes (e.g., St. Mary Glacier) with a shorter loop around Lake Isabelle, still enjoying the key highlights without feeling rushed.