Idaho Springs Jeep Tour Review: You Drive to 13,000 Feet!

Okay, so you’re thinking of doing that Jeep tour up to 13,000 feet near Idaho Springs, right? Maybe you saw some awesome pictures online or a friend mentioned it, very well, what’s the real deal? I wanted to put something together that actually walks you through what you may experience. This review, like your friend, is totally based on an actual experience and hopefully helps you make a very solid choice. We will cover a number of elements like what to realistically expect, is that even something you are capable of, as a person, and finally if this adventure tour actually delivers on what it says. This might be a tour that lands right on the top of the list, or lands directly into the very ‘do-not-do’ file.

What’s the ‘You Drive’ Idaho Springs Jeep Tour About?

Basically, so the Idaho Springs Jeep tour, very uniquely, is one where you get behind the wheel. Pretty unusual, right? I am very used to these tours when I can kick back, enjoy and relax, but no. Not this time! A bunch of places around Colorado let you rent a Jeep and explore, but, in this experience, it can be quite an experience since they are taking you way up high, but still leading you in a line to the destination point.

It usually starts right in Idaho Springs, that’s very cute mining town just a bit west of Denver. So, you meet up with the tour company, get checked in, get like, a quick intro to the Jeep (if you even need it) and a talk about what to expect on the trail. Just a slightly important fact, they actually lead the pack. That way no one veers of course and everyone arrives alive to the top!

The route heads up toward old mining roads, which are so neat and beautiful as they climb in altitude up to, around 13,000 feet, which is pretty high. You might even get, a little short of breath and need to take a breather, because that thin air is nothing to laugh about!

A bit fun? Very likely. They emphasize, to some extent, the history, some info about the local environment, and the awesome views from the top of the mountain. If you love taking lots of selfies, so you found your next vacation choice. They want you to feel you are not just driving; yet seeing things and learning a little something.

What Should I Realistically Anticipate?

Alright, so pictures look wonderful online, but let’s talk about what it’s actually like.

The driving can be pretty bumpy. Basically you are dealing with old dirt roads. That’s kind of exciting, and could also get a little rough, mainly if you are very new to off-roading. I am not an experienced off roader, and for the most part, I enjoyed it. Some parts, though, especially like, the steeper, rockier spots, felt a bit unnerving. It may just be psychological though!

A tad important detail is that these roads are actually old mining roads. These, apparently, are really narrow. Now you need to somehow get back down to the starting point. You will more than likey have to drive a little on the shoulder and you will more than likey have other tourists that don’t exactly know where they are doing also!

It gets cold up there, almost extremely, basically regardless of what the temp looks like down in town. The wind could definitely get whipping, plus the sun feels way more powerful at that elevation. Do bring layers. So do consider maybe a warm jacket, maybe even a hat, some sunscreen, and of course sunglasses. Even consider for a quick 1-2 hour drive. you need all this. Even at that high altitude, weather could change so fast!

Depending when you go, the crowds could be, very insane, too. Apparently summer is high season, is that obvious, right? So expect a bunch of other Jeeps on the trail and lots of people at the top trying to snag that amazing photograph. A pro tip: Early morning tours might be the way to go. That way, you could probably beat the majority of the crowd.

Can I Really Handle This ‘You Drive’ Tour?

Now, so let’s talk about who this Jeep tour might be suited for. And of course, maybe, so it’s really not.

If you think you like adventures and great outdoorsy things, this could just be for you. But also very specifically if you like to be in charge, driving instead of watching, so that is even more your thing. Driving on trails? Well that might be perfect.

The big thing is, how comfortable do you feel behind the wheel on challenging terrains? Maybe you do have some driving experience and if you don’t then consider otherwise! If you’re very used to smooth paved roads and like, panic at the thought of gravel, then you may actually want to reconsider. Now, they are gonna walk you though and give some training, but really, so consider your level of driving.

Also, really consider that altitude! At 13,000 feet, that air is seriously thin. People with any kind of health concern (maybe a heart condition or something related to breathing), should have a good discussion with a doctor first. The whole point is so you have lots of fun, yet still being secure in your choice!

A quick consideration; so this might not be best suited if you’ve got little kids. The bumping around could just be pretty tough on them, and truthfully, they might get bored during the slower parts. So it could really just not be enjoyable for anyone!

Did the Jeep Tour Really Deliver on What It Promised?

To get down to what is actually important, did the tour deliver on what it mentions?

Truthfully? Almost yeah. Basically they say that views will just take your breath away and they kind of do! From the very peak, you look out and get a super panoramic overlook on just what could be the prettiest parts of the Rockies. Even though the destination may seem small, a couple pictures will for sure go a very long way.

They promise a learning experience, so about local history? It all depended. That probably just varies on the tour guide that you end up getting. The guide we had clearly really understood that local background and even told great stories that kinda actually set a picture of what being a miner way back when seemed to look like. I even tipped him at the end! On the other hand, there was another person who mentioned they did not learn much and even considered they should have searched things beforehand and known more than what the guide offered.

The Jeeps, actually seemed to be maintained just alright, I wouldn’t actually call them spectacular, just okay. The one I was driving worked okay, that is actually all that mattered. It did its purpose. It would have definitely been interesting to have like, slightly newer, more comfortable ones, and if you expect something really awesome you may consider that. But very much you’re probably not going to be upset.

A factor to be considered is weather. They mention it will affect everything. They should though. You might end up stuck in some spot at any altitude waiting for what feels like forever as the rain passes. Plan to potentially cancel! Check! The people I met had that happen on multiple tours so it will happen to yours. So I might check if you get a partial or full refund or the capability to use for another date.

Safety? So, they made sure it’s mentioned, and as they led the way and set good expectations, they got a passing score!

Was the Idaho Springs ‘You Drive’ Jeep Tour Worth It?

Well that really just boils down to this: Are you aware of the potential issues (a potentially tough and even bumpy drive, the altitude situation, a little unpredictable weather), and the benefits are things that actually sing to your soul? (Spectacular views, a feel of adventure, and something very neat story for any story gathering you may share with close ones later.)

If you want something smooth, predictable, and really without any ounce of physical challenge, so just skip it.

For me? Well I am actually pleased I did it. So a touch frightening in some moments? Absolutely, so probably not a perfect time for me if I do it again. The views and like the feel of actually conquering a mountain was awesome, just awesome! Plus? Hey I can always say that actually drove a Jeep all the way to 13,000 feet!

So to say the least, take a choice! There might even be other Jeep adventures around so even do a solid and very serious and deep thorough study of them all!

Happy adventures, everyone!

Key Takeaways:

• It is possible that it’s actually you driving up that high! Prepare, almost though, for the realities and some bumps (both real and figuratively!).
• Basically seriously consider what you are able to do! That altitude can be, no joke, very serious.
• There is a good amount of fulfillment given they really are able to offer what they told. They will mostly give, for all intent and purposes.

#IdahoSprings #JeepTour #ColoradoAdventure #MountainDriving #OffRoadFun