Unearth The Voyage
You roll off I-70 and suddenly the mountains give way to a gold rush main street buzzing with hops and conversation. Idaho Springs may be tiny, but the tap lists feel larger than the peaks crowding the sky. If you crave character with your pint, this town pours it by the pitcher. Follow the scent of malt, and you will find more flavor than stoplights guiding your way.
Westbound & Down Brewing Company
Westbound & Down brings polished mountain cool to Idaho Springs. Expect hazy hop bombs, barrel-aged stouts, and lagers that sparkle like alpine sunshine. The space blends modern steel with warm wood, inviting long conversations and longer flights.
Food matters here, from crispy fried chicken sandwiches to punchy salads and shareable snacks. You can post up near the brewhouse glass and watch the team dial in another batch. It feels precise yet playful.
Between ski days and leaf-peeping, this becomes your reliable stop. Order a mixed flight, chase it with a slow lager pour, and let the afternoon drift.
Beau Jo’s Slice of Hops Pairing Stop
Pizza and beer is classic, but Idaho Springs elevates it with braided-crust mountain pies and local taps. Slide into a booth at the town’s landmark pizzeria and scan the rotating list of Idaho Springs brews. You will spot Tommyknocker specialties and Westbound & Down favorites anchoring the board.
Build your pie, drizzle honey on the crust, and find a pairing that pops. A resinous IPA cuts through gooey cheese, while a malty amber hugs roasted veggies. It is comfort food with a Colorado accent.
After a day outside, this stop feels essential. Friendly, filling, and perfectly fizzy.
Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub
Step off Miner Street and you will catch the caramel malt aroma drifting from Tommyknocker. The wood beams, tin ceiling, and copper kettles feel like a time capsule with a fresh hop twist. Order a flagship Nut Brown Ale or sample seasonal small-batch taster flights.
Plates arrive hearty and Colorado proud. Elk burgers, green chili smothered fries, and pretzels pair well with citrusy IPAs and crisp lagers. Grab a seat by the window, watch hikers and skiers wander by, and settle into that post-adventure glow.
You came thirsty, you leave planning a return. That first sip seals it.
Miner Street Stroll: Taps Within Steps
Idaho Springs compresses big beer energy into a walkable strip. Park once, then wander Miner Street, where tap handles glow from historic storefronts. You can grab a fresh pour, snag a crowler, and be at the next stop before your foam settles.
Between sips, duck into boutiques, chocolate shops, and outdoor outfitters. Street murals and mining history peek around every corner, lending grit and charm. It is the rare place where a pub crawl feels neighborly.
Evening brings string lights, clinking glasses, and mountain air that sharpens flavors. Your pace slows, your conversations lengthen, and the town does the rest.
Soak, Sip, Repeat: Hot Springs to Hops
Adventure pairs beautifully with beer here, and recovery does too. After hiking nearby trails or tackling winter turns, locals swear by a soak followed by a pint. The mountain air cools your shoulders as steam curls upward and the day’s effort melts away.
When you towel off, head back into town for a crisp pilsner or rich stout. The contrast is invigorating, like flipping from alpine chill to liquid warmth. Taste buds bloom after a soak.
This rhythm becomes addictive. You chase moments, not miles, and the beer tastes better because you earned it.
