Hike Home with a Miner
About Hike Home with a Miner
History is truly all around you at Iowa Hill. From the exposed mountainsides to the sluice boxes and giant nozzles dotting the trail, this 1.5-mile guided hike goes through what used to be an active hydraulic mine site.
As you wind your way along the trail and past our interpretive signs, you make the journey to a restored boardinghouse (c. 1868) where miners lived. After exploring the boardinghouse, you’ll have earned your lunch on top of the hill before taking the burro trail back down. The Mining History Association named Iowa Hill the best hydraulic mining exhibit in the world.
Schedule & Cost
Parking Info
There is a small parking area at the trailhead; please do not park in the Public Works complex. Alternatively, you can leave the car behind and take the Breck Free Ride bus to the Breckenridge Terrace 1 stop and the trailhead is just across Airport Road.
This is an outdoor hike offered in sun, wind, and rain. It is not intended to be strenuous and there are a lot of stops throughout the hike, but please be aware guests from lower elevations may experience the effects of altitude. Hiking boots or sneakers recommended.
Typically, this 1.5-mile guided hike takes 90 minutes. The Iowa Hill trail is not ADA accessible. It is a dirt trail with natural features like rocks and roots. In the winter the trail is covered with snow. Click here for more FAQs.
Families, small groups, kids, couples. This is a great hike for people just arriving in Breckenridge looking for an easy hike with a guide.
“Our guide was exceptional. She was knowledgeable in all areas — the history, the science and the nature. She was one of the best guides we’ve ever had. She was generous with her information and had done her homework. Great job.”
Many miners lived in group boardinghouses during the work week, only returning to town on the weekends for a warm bath, hearty meal, laundry, and maybe drinks and dancing at the saloons.
