Exciting Things To Do In Golden, Colorado

Escape to the beautiful Golden Gate Canyon State Park for a peaceful mountain retreat. With camping options and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, there's plenty to explore.

Enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and spotting diverse wildlife like moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, and golden eagles. In winter, try snowshoeing, skiing, or ice fishing. Moreover, this state park offers stunning scenery year-round which makes the trip here one of the best things to do in Golden CO.

Offering a rewarding outdoor experience, Lookout Mountain in Golden boasts breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, and the surrounding landscape. Historically, it served as a lookout point for the native Ute Indian Tribe.

Visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top to explore the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, which honors Buffalo Bill Cody and the Old West. The popular 2.3-mile Lookout Mountain Trail provides beautiful views of Golden and is an easy hike, making it an ideal adventure.

Explore Historic Downtown Golden for a mix of Western charm, outdoor fun, and cultural sights. Wander through historic streets, shop in diverse stores, and visit attractions like the Coors Brewery and the Golden History Museum.

Enjoy outdoor activities along Clear Creek, including picnics and hikes, and don't miss the Golden Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisan goods. Experience the area's rich history and friendly community for a memorable visit.

A renowned cultural and historic destination, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave delve into the life of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The museum showcases a range of exhibits, including Wild West show costumes and posters, Native American artifacts, antique firearms, and rotating displays exploring various Western themes.

Visitors can also take in stunning views from the museum's observation deck and pay respects at Buffalo Bill's gravesite. Visiting this place is a fun stuff to do in Golden.

Preserving Colorado's railroad history, the Colorado Railroad Museum showcases narrow-gauge mountain railroads. Established in 1959, it features an 1880s-style depot with original photos and documents, alongside a mini-replica railroad.

With over 100 historic locomotives and cars, visitors can enjoy train rides on Saturdays, including the museum's "Galloping Goose" cars, and on select "Steam Up Days," narrow gauge train rides are available, making this place one of Golden CO attractions.

Experience the thrill of golfing at Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colorado. With its stunning views and challenging course, Fossil Trace offers an unforgettable golfing experience.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you'll enjoy navigating the course's unique layout and natural features, including fossilized dinosaur tracks embedded in the rocks. Don't miss the chance to tee off at this renowned golf destination in the heart of Golden.

Visitors to Golden, Colorado can have fun swimming, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Clear Creek. The Clear Creek Whitewater Park, established in 1998, provides a quarter-mile course for canoeing and kayaking. It has different sections for varying skill levels, which makes this one of the fun things to do in Golden.

However, water activities might be limited during high-flow times for safety. The city emphasizes responsible and safe creek use to protect this natural resource and ensure a pleasant experience for all.

Meandering through the historic towns of Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen in Colorado's foothills, the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway spans 40 miles. It offers a glimpse into the area's gold mining history and present-day attractions, with highlights such as Lookout Mountain and Bear Creek Canyon.

Along the way, you can visit Red Rocks Park, the Buffalo Bill Museum, and Denver Mountain Parks. You can also expect to see wildlife, forests, art galleries, and old buildings during your trip.

Situated on the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden, Colorado, the Mines Museum of Earth Science offers a diverse array of exhibits on geology, mining, and earth science. Its collection boasts over 50,000 minerals, fossils, and artifacts for visitors to explore, providing insights into the state's mining history.

Additionally, visitors can marvel at a collection of rockets and spacecraft, including a replica of the Columbia space shuttle. Open to the public with free admission, the museum welcomes anyone intrigued by earth science and geology.

Located in Golden, the Foothills Art Center is a dynamic cultural hub celebrating the talents of local and regional artists. It offers a range of exhibits, workshops, and events, including the annual ARTSWEEK Golden Festival.

Inside, visitors can peruse galleries showcasing over 3,000 pieces crafted by Colorado artists, including pottery, jewelry, glass, fiber, leather, metal, and woodwork. The center also provides art classes for all ages, fostering a welcoming community for artists and art lovers.

A renowned attraction nestled in Golden, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and the world's only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater. Visitors can explore hiking and biking trails while also enjoying concerts and events at the amphitheater.

The park boasts amenities such as a visitors center, trading post, and two music halls of fame. With a variety of dining and lodging options, it is an ideal destination for event and concert attendees.

A hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, North Table Mountain Park boasts over 15 miles of hiking and climbing trails. The 7.7-mile is popular with hikers, while rock climbers frequent the Golden Cliffs Trail. The park offers panoramic views of the Golden Valley and encounters with wildlife.

Multiple trailheads, including the North Table Mountain Park West Trailhead and the North Table Mountain Park Golden Cliffs Trailhead, provide access. Spring and early summer are the best times for hiking with blooming wildflowers.

The Golden History Museum & Park offers a fascinating journey into the region's past. Original buildings from the Pearce Ranch, like cabins and a barn, showcase life in the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the park's apple orchard, rose garden, and the 1876 Guy Hill schoolhouse.

There's also a working blacksmith shop and occasional open house events in summer. Located downtown along Clear Creek, the park is open daily, free of charge, and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

For tea enthusiasts visiting Golden, Old Barrel Tea Company offers a unique experience. This family-run business specializes in loose-leaf tea blends crafted in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Their selection includes a variety of teas, such as white, green, black, oolong, pu erh, yerba maté, rooibos, honeybush, herbal, and apothecary teas, as well as blends tailored to specific wellness benefits and flavors. Visitors can explore their storefronts or shop online for a diverse range of tea products.

A unique destination for those interested in mountaineering history, the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum is part of the American Mountaineering Center. The museum features 3,500 square feet of space and showcases over 5,000 pieces of gear, slides, prints, and cultural artifacts, all donated by mountaineers from around the world.

Visitors can explore exhibits on climate, science, cultures, and the humanities as they relate to mountains, and the museum honors the achievements of mountaineers from America and abroad.

A great spot for a picnic with family and friends, Lions Park offers a pleasant retreat in Golden, Colorado. Located just north of Clear Creek, the park is renowned for its large, newly renovated playground and community 4th of July celebration.

It provides plenty of shaded picnic tables, perfect for a midday break for downtown workers. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and the refreshing creek. The park is open to the public and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

A favorite among fossil and dinosaur enthusiasts, Dinosaur Ridge boasts over 300 dinosaur tracks, with 250 at the main track site. Visitors can explore the Dinosaur Ridge Trail, a paved section of West Alameda Parkway, reserved for pedestrians, bicyclists, and hikers.

The site is renowned for its Cretaceous period tracks, Jurassic period bones, and remarkable geologic features. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Discovery Center featuring dinosaur tracks, fossils, replicas, a Gift Shop, and outdoor picnic areas.

A great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Windy Saddle Park offers a variety of activities. With over 15 miles of trails, including the Chimney Gulch and Lookout Mountain Trail, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and climbing while taking in stunning views of the foothills

 Additionally, Windy Saddle Open Space Park, located just beyond Golden, provides a relatively flat path to the top of Lookout Mountain, offering panoramic views. With free admission, this is one of the must-visit places in Golden.