Situated along the rushing Clear Creek between rugged mountain ridges, Idaho Springs is a town rich with mining history and the best of Colorado adventures. Make nearby Hummingbird Hill your home base for dining, rafting, ziplining and hiking, or treat it as your serene mountain hideaway.
Here, nature and art merge to create an enchanting retreat. You can call 13 private acres on an evergreen-peppered mountainside all your own. Psychedelic artwork, inside and out, sweeps you away to new worlds, where a backpacking Sasquatch roams the woods or a friendly family of frogs invite you to drink hot cocoa with them. Enormous windows in every room illuminate the space with natural light and offer jaw-dropping vistas: Imagine cooking an early-morning egg-and-waffle breakfast for your crew as you watch the sun rise over the peaks.
It’s hands down the imaginative atmosphere of this artistic haven. Each room has its own vibe — and there’s a well-rounded mix of aesthetics. Those looking for a calming area will love the top-floor bedroom with a king-sized bed, a skylight, plush leather chairs and a geometric mural. Or head to the spacious back deck where neon hues will electrify you.
We’re going with the incredible Colorado talent that crafted Hummingbird Hill’s most stunning artwork. One of the bedrooms was painted by Lindz and Lamb, a husband-and-wife team from Denver. The wall art in the mesmerizing basement, known as the Spacement, was crafted by Julia Williams, aka Designosaur, another Mile High City artist.
While the whole property is a feast for the senses, there’s one area that tops them all: The Spacement (mentioned above!). Close the shades and turn on color-shifting lights for an instant dance party or inspirational lounge space. Watch the cosmic jungle murals morph through a rainbow of colors — from electric-blue to magenta-pink, then fire-engine red and screaming green.
Release your inner rock star with Hummingbird Hill’s musical instruments: Strum a few chords on the Fender Stratocaster or Taylor acoustic guitars — you can even go electric with the rental’s on-site amps. Or keep rhythm on the djembe drum.
You’ll love the massive six-person hot tub. Turn on the bubble jets and feel your cares slip away as you soak adventure-sore muscles under a cloak of twinkling stars.
“I would give this spot six stars, if possible. The hosts are super responsive and very nice. The home is amazing and decked out with amazing murals and art inside and out. [There’s a] very modern kitchen with all the amenities, plus super comfy beds all in a very peaceful location.” — Todd, airbnb
Savor delights like grilled lamb ribs in a fig and apple glaze, smoked-brisket sammies and award-winning chili at Tommyknocker Brewery + Pub. Or opt for international eats with Asian-fusion cuisine like marinated lemongrass chicken and spicy Hmong sausages at The Banana Leaf.
History buffs will relish stepping into the past at places like the Argo Gold Mill & Tunnel. Meanwhile, companies like AVA Rafting & Zipline and KODI Rafting offer thrill seekers the chance to feel their hearts pound on whitewater-rafting trips of a lifetime. And don’t forget to spend some time unwinding at Indian Hot Springs for its geothermal cave baths and a mineral-infused swimming pool.
Find more things to do near Idaho Springs.
Photos courtesy of airbnb.