With a fascinating history as a gold rush town with views of the Rocky Mountains, Golden, Colorado is an ideal place to visit and live. Whether you’re in town for a brief and temporary period or thinking about making a more permanent move, we have a list of things that we love to do in the Golden Colorado community. You might enjoy them, too.
Outdoor Recreation
Hiking, fishing, and biking. Golden is full of opportunities to get outside and explore the natural world. We’re nestled into the Clear Creek Valley, where there are dramatic mountains, miles of plains, and even mesas to get your imagination racing and your adrenaline pumping.
For water lovers, consider white water rafting. You can hire a professionally-led expedition across some of the area’s most notable waterways. In Golden, you will find easy access to Clear Creek, the Arkansas River, and the Upper Colorado River.
There’s also some great hiking to be found. While in Golden, you should make sure to visit the Chimney Gulch Trail, which is also great for biking. The west trailhead at North Table Mountain Park will also provide some great elevation and an astonishing view of the mesa. It’s a popular spot for birdwatchers and wildlife fans.
If golf is more of a favorite outdoor activity, there are plenty of well-landscaped and challenging courses to be found. Fossil Trace Golf Club is the pride and joy of our city and is a beautiful yet challenging course.
Historic Downtown Golden
If you’re interested in really getting to know the history and the culture of this area, make sure you spend some time in the downtown area, which is full of shops and restaurants. Stop in at a craft brewery or visit one of the eclectic boutiques that can be found in historic buildings along Washington Avenue.
Parks and museums are available downtown as well. You’ll want to check out Parfet Park, Lion’s Park, and Clear Creek Whitewater Park, which has won multiple awards. Local museums in historic downtown Golden include the Golden History Museum & Park, Mines Museum, Foothills Art Center, and the American Mountaineering Museum.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
Buffalo Bill is one of the most celebrated characters of the wild, Wild West and his grave is on Lookout Mountain. The peak is 7,377 feet. It’s only 20 minutes from downtown Golden and the drive is pleasant; part of the Lariat Loop, which is a national scenic byway connecting Golden with Evergreen and Morrison.
There’s more to this mountaintop than the grave of Buffalo Bill. Visitors also get to enjoy trails and forests and interpretive exhibits at the nature center. Wildlife you’re likely to encounter includes bobcats, black bears, elk, and mountain lions. You can also hire a professional paraglider.
Visit the Coors Brewery
Don’t leave Golden without enjoying a 90-minute tour of the Coors brewery. It will include tastings and you’ll get an in-depth look at the single largest beer brewery in the world. All ages are invited to explore the working factory and enjoy the interactive exhibits.
These are only a few of the things you might enjoy doing while you’re in Golden, Colorado. For some specific recommendations and to learn more about this community, please contact us at the Golden Visitors Center. We hope you enjoy Golden “Where the West Lives!”, Laurel Property Services, Inc.
