Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour — Georgetown, Colorado

Discover the Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour in Colorado

Step underground into a living piece of Colorado mining history at the Capital Prize Gold Mine in Georgetown. This authentic, hard-rock gold mine has been in continuous operation since the 1860s and invites visitors to explore real tunnels, drilling chambers, mineral veins, and mining equipment from multiple eras.
Why it’s special:
Unlike simulated attractions, Capital Prize is a genuine working mine, offering one of the most immersive, educational, and adventurous underground tours in the state.

History/Story of the Capital Prize Gold Mine

Founded during Colorado’s legendary gold rush, the Capital Prize Mine was worked by generations of miners who chased gold-bearing quartz veins deep into the mountain. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, crews expanded the tunnel system to nearly a mile long. Today, the mine continues to operate as a small-scale educational and geological site, preserving original tools, drills, ore carts, and blasting techniques used by early miners.

What You’ll See & Do at the Capital Prize Gold Mine

• Walk 1,000+ feet underground through real mining tunnels

• See hand-drilled and machine-drilled blasting holes from multiple mining eras

• Learn how miners used dynamite, rail carts, and compressed air equipment

• View exposed gold-bearing quartz veins inside the rock

• Watch demonstrations of historical mining tools and drilling machines

• Explore ore chutes, ladders, ventilation systems, and original support timbers

• Enjoy stories about miners, geology, booms, busts, and life in a 19th-century camp

Hands-On Elements: Pan for gold at designated stations, hold real ore samples, examine mineral specimens, hands-on demonstration tools.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed throughout the mine; avoid flash when guides are demonstrating equipment.
Souvenirs & Extras: Raw ore samples, gemstones, gold panning kits, shirts, miner’s hats, and Georgetown-themed gifts.

Pricing of the Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour

• Adult Tour: $20

• Kids (ages 5–15): $10

• Children under 5: Free

• Gold Panning Add-On: $10

• Group Tours: Pricing varies by size

Practical Info for Visiting the Capital Prize Mine

Duration: 60–75 minutes
Format: Guided underground walking tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round; more tours offered in summer
Working Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (seasonal variations apply)
Audience: Families, history buffs, geology lovers, adventure seekers
Accessibility: Underground tunnels have uneven floors; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes required

• Light jackets recommended (underground temperature ~50°F)

• Hard hats provided

• Stay on marked paths
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Popular with STEM and history groups
  What to Bring/Wear: Warm layers, sturdy shoes, camera
  Facilities: Visitor center, small gift shop, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: May close during extreme weather or mining maintenance

Nearby

• Georgetown Loop Railroad

• Hotel de Paris Museum

• Clear Creek Canyon hiking areas

• Historic Downtown Georgetown

FAQs About Visiting the Capital Prize Gold Mine

How cold is it inside the mine?
The mine stays around 50°F year-round, so bring a jacket even in summer.

Will I see real gold?
Yes—guides point out natural gold-bearing quartz veins, and ore samples are available for purchase.

Is the tour safe for kids?
Kids generally love it, but the uneven ground means close supervision is necessary.

Do I have to crawl or squeeze through tight spaces?
No—tunnels used for public tours are full-height, walkable areas.

Can I pan for gold?
Yes—gold panning is available as an add-on experience and is especially fun for children.