Major city · United States
Black Hawk
Go as a day trip from Denver (35–45 min by car) or one night if you want a casino hotel; two nights is the ceiling.
Black Hawk is a former gold-milling town in Gilpin County, about 35–45 minutes west of Denver up Clear Creek Canyon, where casino gambling has been legal since 1991. The historic main street is small; the draw is the casino floor, a handful of restaurants and easy access to Central City next door. Most visitors come for an afternoon or a single night.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (snow, ice on CO-119)
- Airport
- DEN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Black Hawk911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Gilpin County Sheriff (non-emergency)303-582-5500
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Black Hawk, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLow street crime; the real risks are drinking and driving, winter ice on CO-119 and altitude.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 303-582-5500 Gilpin County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDEN Denver International Airport (About 90 min by car; no direct rail link to Black Hawk).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical option; CO-119 from I-70 exit 244 is the main approach.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- BeerBeer at a casino bar$6–10
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–30
- Budget bedTent or RV site at Golden Gate Canyon, a night, per personUS$30
- Mid-range bedCasino-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$160
- High-end bedCasino-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DEN Denver International Airport (About 90 min by car; no direct rail link to Black Hawk)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Black Hawk: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Mar
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
8 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
6 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical option; CO-119 from I-70 exit 244 is the main approach. Casino shuttles run from Denver and Aurora. Once parked, the casino strip and Central City are walkable.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Central City
goDoor to door: 15–25 min
Walk uphill about 1 mile, or take the shuttle between the towns
Opera house, historic main street and more casinos.
Denver
goDoor to door: 35–45 min
Car via CO-119 and I-70, or a casino shuttle
Easy return leg; shuttles run all day.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Car via CO-119 and US-36
Too far for a comfortable same-day return with casino time.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Casino hotels on Main Street
Ameristar, Horseshoe, Lodge and Monarch cluster within a few minutes' walk; best for one night.
Golden Gate Canyon / CO-46
Campground, cabins and glamping domes about 15–20 min from the casino strip; need a car.
Central City
One mile uphill; quieter, walkable between the two towns.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Casino-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$160 | US$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Casino shuttle from Denver, round trip2 × US$23 · check | US$46 |
| Parking, one day1 × US$0 · Casino lots are generally free; check | US$0 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$54 |
| Trip total≈ US$295 per person per day, bed included | US$590 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Casino buffet or diner meal | $15–35 |
| Beer at a casino bar | $6–10 |
| Casino shuttle from Denver, round tripcheck | from $23 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Drinking and driving is strictly enforced; use a shuttle or a designated driver.
- CO-119 can ice up in winter; check conditions before driving.
- Casino floors are 21+; bring ID.
- Altitude is about 2,600 m — pace yourself on arrival.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Gilpin County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 303-582-5500
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Black HawkBlack Hawk
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Gilpin County Sheriff (non-emergency)303-582-5500
Embassy
Most embassies and consulates are in Denver or Washington, DC; check your country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Casino shuttle Denver → Black Hawk, round trip: from $23, 30–40 min (check)
- Drive DEN → Black Hawk: about 90 min via I-70 and CO-119
- Drive Denver → Black Hawk: 35–45 min via I-70 exit 244 and CO-119
Say or show
- Where is the casino floor? — Where is the casino floor?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a shuttle to Central City? — Is there a shuttle to Central City?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- How much is parking? — How much is parking?
- I need a taxi — I need a taxi
Casino floors are 21+; bring photo ID.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Black Hawk. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (snow, ice on CO-119) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DEN: shuttle and drive times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: casino strip on Main Street, Central City, Golden Gate Canyon.
- Place pages with verified hours for the casinos, Crooks Palace and White Buffalo Grill.
- Winter driving fixtures for CO-119 so gates A–D can go green.