Idaho Springs, Colorado: to some, it’s the name of a small town off the exit ramp they pass as they make their way to ski. To others, it’s a cute spot for a pit stop to break up the drive on the way back from the slopes or an adventure in the alpine. However, Idaho Springs is so much more than a pit stop off I-70. It’s a classic mountain town full of Colorado history. The streets are lined with quaint Victorian houses that remind you of a time when life was harder and the people were tougher. In fact, Idaho Springs kicked off the Colorado Gold Rush, with the initial discovery of gold happening right there. The Argo Mill played an integral role in the success of mining and milling in Idaho Springs. It still stands as a testament to the rich history that is the foundation of this quaint little mountain town.
The Argo Mill and Tunnel has been a landmark in Colorado history since 1893. During the Colorado Gold Rush, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties were known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” The Argo Tunnel played an essential role in removing excess water from the mines. A mill was then built to separate less valuable resources like coal from the gold. After a flood in 1943, the mill and tunnel shut down indefinitely. It was brought back to life in 1976 by an entrepreneur who opened it for tours. The mill and tunnel now serve as a time machine, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Colorado history. Most recently, the Argo was purchased by preservationists and visionaries with big plans for its future, including the Mighty Argo Cable Car, an eight-person gondola that will ascend 1,300 feet to the top of Virginia Canyon Mountain Park. The cable car is just the beginning of new attractions included in this expansion.
The new Mighty Argo Cable Car is one of many highlights envisioned for the mountain park. Not only will it serve as a catalyst for adventure, but it will also be a place for the community to gather and enjoy the place they call home. Development plans include an upper plaza with a variety of amenities where folks can kick back and hang out. There will be plenty of options for food and beverages to enjoy while taking in views of the Divide and Front Range Rockies from one of the sun decks. An amphitheater will serve as a great place to catch a concert, backlit by a classic Rocky Mountain sunset. Bring the kiddos along to play on the playground and entertain themselves—there will be something for everyone of all ages.
In addition to cultivating a vibrant community hub, a plethora of biking and hiking trails will be accessible via the Mighty Argo Cable Car. Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is an exciting new project that will open up over 400 acres of terrain to Front Range hikers and bikers. This project is a collaboration between the City of Idaho Springs, the Argo Mill, and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA). Plans include over 28 miles of trails, ranging from high-quality downhill bike trails to hiking paths that everyone can enjoy. After securing a generous donation from Trek, the Trek Trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain Park—Phase Two of development—officially opened to the public on June 19th. The completion of the Mighty Argo Cable Car is scheduled for spring 2026. Access will be free for residents, with a fee required for visitors. Downhill bike enthusiasts and avid hikers will be able to enjoy a variety of trails with exceptional views of Colorado’s surrounding 14ers and the Continental Divide.
Thanks to the efforts and expertise of trail-building crews like Flowride Concepts, McGill’s Trails, Colorowdies, and Renegade Trail Crew, there are already 12 miles of bike trails open to the public. These aren’t just your average Front Range singletrack trails—these trails, ranging from blue to black, feature jumps, pro-rated double black lines, and even permanent wooden features—the first of their kind on public land.
Hikers, don’t worry—there will be plenty for you as well. Explore the canyon on one of the many designated hiker-only trails. In classic Colorado fashion, bring your pup along on all your adventures—from the trail to the sun decks up top. Virginia Canyon Mountain Park and the Mighty Argo Cable Car will be dog-friendly.
Virginia Canyon Mountain Park and the installation of the Mighty Argo Cable Car are more than just an addition to the Argo Mill—it’s an addition to the entire town of Idaho Springs. A mountain town full of history and life, often overlooked by I-70 traffic. Not only will the new cable car bring access to more trails and sweeping views of the Divide, but it will also create a huge number of jobs and boost tourism in Idaho Springs. It’s a major win for everyone: the Argo Mill, COMBA, Front Range mountain bikers and hikers, and the city of Idaho Springs.
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