by Jessica Hughes
Views from The Outpost observation deck. Photo by Jessica Hughes
If you’ve ever made the weekend trek along I-70 heading west, you may have stopped in Idaho Springs to grab a beer or pizza at Tommy Knocker’s, but the town’s newest addition may give you another reason to stay and linger a little longer. This summer, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved historic gold mills enters a new chapter, with the debut of the Mighty Argo Cable Car.
Panoramic mountain views from 8,800 feet in elevation at Miner’s Point. Photo by Jessica Hughes
It’s been more than 130 years since the Argo Mill and Tunnel sat at the center of one of Colorado’s most notable mining operations. When completed in 1910, the five-mile tunnel was the largest in the world. It served as both a drainage system and an underground railway, connecting numerous mines and helping transform Idaho Springs into an integral mining hub. And while floods, mine closures, and the construction of I-70 eventually shifted the town’s role from a mining center to a roadside stopover, the Argo’s multi-level, rustic-red structure has endured.
This summer, a new project hopes to restore the town’s shine and claim its place as a destination for travelers. This past Memorial Day weekend, the Argo revealed a $71 million redevelopment anchored by the debut of the Mighty Argo Cable Car.
The vision for the Argo’s revival began years ago, when Idaho Springs resident Mary Jane Loevlie saw the historic landmark as a natural addition to her growing portfolio of local properties. Purchasing the site in 2016 with the help and advice of her friend and business partner, legendary Colorado developer Dana Crawford, together, they acquired the Argo with an ambitious vision for its future.
“The Mighty Argo Cable Car has been a long-time vision for Idaho Springs and the Argo property,” says Rose Miller, the Events and Marketing Coordinator for the Mighty Argo. “The idea was first developed to bring new life to the historic Argo Mill & Tunnel while creating a year-round mountain experience that connects history, recreation, food and beverage, events, and the incredible views above town.”
The historic Argo Mill is also now open for tours. Photo by Jessica Hughes
But after years of environmental remediation, including the removal of abandoned metal debris and hazardous materials, the project turned into a nearly decade-long undertaking, with the official groundbreaking taking place on July 25, 2024. After years of planning, investment, construction, and partnership with the City of Idaho Springs and local stakeholders, the Mighty Argo opened to the public this past Memorial Day weekend. Yet the extended timeline ultimately allowed for a more thoughtful transformation — one that carefully preserved the site’s historic character while creating a new future for one of Colorado’s most storied landmarks.
The high-speed, year-round gondola carries visitors 1.2 miles from the historic Argo Mill up Rosa Gulch, climbing roughly 1,300 feet in elevation. Its spacious interior and floor-to-ceiling glass golden-hued cabins showcase the area’s mountain views, making the short 10-minute ride to the top feel like it’s not nearly long enough.
Miller says the experience is designed to connect Idaho Springs’ mining heritage with the outdoor adventure that defines Colorado today. “The Mighty Argo is not just a ride. It is becoming a full experience for Idaho Springs,” says Miller. “It brings together the town’s mining history, mountain views, live music, food and beverage, family activities, events, and outdoor access all in one place.”
The Mighty Argo’s 27 cable cars glide along a 1.2-mile ride to the top of Miner’s Point. Photo by Jessica Hughes
Visitors can begin with a tour of the historic Argo Tunnel and Mill, where original equipment and underground passageways tell the story of the miners who once worked these mountains. From there, the Mighty Argo elevates the journey — both literally and figuratively — offering a bird’s-eye view of the landscape that shaped the town’s history.
At the summit, the ride culminates at Miner’s Point, where The Outpost features observation decks, pedestrian plazas, an amphitheater, and food and beverage offerings from the Sun and Moon Saloon. But what shouldn’t be missed, nor could you miss, are the views from Miner’s Point, where mountain top views stretch as far as the eye can see, across the Continental Divide and four of Colorado’s fourteeners.
And for those who like to experience the mountains instead of just looking at them, visitors have direct access to more than 15 (up to 28 come 2027) miles of hiking and biking trails, all thanks to a partnership with COMBA (Colorado Mountain Bike Association), reopening the Virginia Canyon Mountain Park, with additional attractions still to come.
Building on the town’s mining history, the Mighty Argo Cable Car offers a new perspective on the landmark, connecting Idaho Springs’ rich mining history with scenic mountain views, outdoor recreation, and a new way to experience one of Colorado’s most historic destinations. “For us, the goal is to create something that feels exciting and new while still honoring the history and character of Idaho Springs,” says Miller.
More information and tickets can be found at mightyargo.com.
