Golden, Colorado

The Wild West is still alive in Golden, Colorado's territorial capital until 1867. Upon arriving in Golden, you're welcomed with an old-fashioned wooden arch over Washington Street reading: "Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden!"

Today, it's home to six museums; Coors Brewery, one of the largest brewing facilities in the world; and a downtown filled with shops and restaurants.

The famed Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is just up the road. If you're looking for outdoor adventure, Golden is also home to miles of hiking trails for all levels, some stellar rock climbing and Clear Creek, which runs through the center of town and offers whitewater rafting and excellent fishing.

With its secluded, small-town feel and plenty to see and do, Golden is a great day trip option from Denver.

Getting around Golden has never been easier, thanks to the free community shuttle, the Ore Cart. Free for all riders, there are currently three routes serving downtown Golden, Colorado School of Mines Campus, Jefferson County RTD W Line Station and dozens of other destinations around the city.

Neighborhood Map

Explore Golden, Colorado

Museums & Historical Sites

Spend the day exploring Golden's fantastic museums, such as the Colorado Railroad Museum, which has the state's largest collection of locomotives, cars, photos and historic railroad mementos; the Golden History Museum & Park, where you can learn about the legends who built the town, see old cabins and a one-room schoolhouse, and feed the heirloom chickens; the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, where you can see a universe of quilts from antique to artistic along with special exhibits.

Or take a short jaunt up Lookout Mountain to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave and learn about one of the West’s most famous people, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his Wild West show. Check out the observation deck and snap a stunning panorama of the Front Range. The Mother Cabrini Shrine is a place of prayer and pilgrimage, known for the Stone House that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and overlooks Denver. Mother Cabrini loved the mountains of Colorado and you can learn about her globe-trotting humanitarian work in the late 1800s and early 1900s. And if you really want to go back in time, don't miss Dinosaur Ridge, a famous natural landmark, located near Morrison. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for self-guided tours.

Craft Breweries & Distilleries

Grab a brew and some food truck grub at one of Golden's craft breweries like the unique gluten-free Holidaily Brewing Company. Golden is home to a distinctive craft distillery, State 38 Distilling, whose name cleverly has something to do with Colorado being the 38th state, and a family-owned urban winery, Deep Roots Winery, where you can enjoy a flight of wine while enjoying the mountain views from their gorgeous patio.

Coors Brewery

Take a guided tour (and sip some generous samples) at Coors Brewery, which churns out more than 13 million barrels of beer a year!

Dining

There are lots of great dining options. Here are a few standouts. Nomad Taqueria & Beer Garden serves up traditional Mexican favorites like tlayudas, esquites, and chicharones and peppers. Chart House offers delicious surf and turf options from its hillside location. The Fort Restaurant is a full-size replica of an 1830s adobe fur-trade fort, serving buffalo, elk, quail, beef and poultry since 1963. The Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse offers delicious dining in the building that served as Colorado Territory’s first capital. And The Golden Mill is a food hall with self-pour tap walls and an expansive rooftop deck.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

This outdoor music venue is on everyone's bucket list! Make the short drive from downtown Denver or take a shuttle to catch an unforgettable concert under the stars. And during the day, Red Rocks is a free Denver park with hiking trails amidst the ancient monoliths. During the summer months, the venue also hosts non-musical events ranging from yoga and fitness classes to movies shown on the giant outdoor screen at dusk.

Lariat Loop

Drive the national scenic byway, an authentic Western experience, located between Golden, Morrison and Evergreen.

Hotels

There are lots of cushy places to stay in between adventures. The Golden Hotel is located in the heart of downtown and overlooks Clear Creek and the Rocky Mountain foothills. Also located in downtown is the boutique Table Mountain Inn. For music lovers, it doesn't get better than the Origin Hotel Red Rocks, the famous amphitheater's official hotel. Mountain bikes are available for guests to borrow. Another adventure-ready option is The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, where stunning views meet striking brick buildings.

Dinosaur Ridge in Golden, Colorado

Locals Know

Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines, one of the nation's top universities for engineering. Incoming freshmen place a large rock from their hometowns and whitewash the school's signature letter "M" on Mt. Zion at the beginning of each school year.

Along the 1.5-mile gravel Triceratops Trail (located one block east of 6th Avenue and 19th Street) are several stops highlighting clay mining, as well as invertebrate tracks and traces of dinosaurs, birds, mammals and insects. Plus, there are several sandstone walls full of plant impressions from the tree-lined, delta-like environment.

Explore Golden by bike! Rent an e-bike and tour with a guide or on your own. There are paved trails from Denver into Clear Creek Canyon and from North Table Mountain to the Jefferson County Government Center.

Enjoy community theater at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, which has been a local favorite since 1989

Treat your taste buds at any one of Golden's delicious eateries! You'll find every cuisine under the sun, such as Indian, Italian, American and, of course, local favorites like burritos.

Train on a track before crowd at Colorado Railroad Museum

Annual Events

Goldens in Golden

In honor of National Golden Retriever Day in February, golden retrievers and their humans gather in Golden for the world’s largest unofficial gathering and group photo under the city’s iconic Welcome to Golden arch.

Colorado Environmental Film Festival

Each February, world-class environmental shorts and films are showcased with representatives from local and national organizations.

Farmers' Markets

The weekly markets feature fresh produce and bakery items.

Buffalo Bill Days

In July, this old-time Western festival includes a parade and pancake breakfast.

Candlelight Walk

Experience holiday cheer during this traditional walk down Main Street, candle in hand and singing carols. As the procession continues, holiday lights are illuminated throughout the town. After the walk, enjoy free and festive activities — from roasted chestnuts at the Golden History Park to hot cider.

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Golden Map

Start your neighborhood adventure at this suggested spot! This is a centrally located position that you can input into your GPS to get started exploring.