10 Ways to Get Outside in Golden

Golden, Colorado, is an amazing place to live for outdoorsy people who can’t get enough of nature. This charming gold rush town is only 12 miles from downtown Denver, welcoming travelers to the Rocky Mountain foothills with open arms. You can visit Clear Creek History Park, the Buffalo Bill Museum, or the Colorado Railroad Museum to discover more about Golden’s past or delve into the endless outdoor activities of the nearby area.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park and the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve are just two of the many amazing networks of hiking trails. Both thrill seekers and calm nature lovers will find unlimited outdoor entertainment in Golden since there are so many things to explore and memories to be made with family and friends. Whether you’re looking to fill a weekend hiking trip or hoping to kick up some dirt on a brief nature excursion after work, Golden is perfect for you.

If you’re on the hunt for a home near Golden — such as Olde Town Arvada real estate or the nearby areas — reach out to Robyn Phipps and The Phipps Team. We can help you find homes for sale in Golden and the surrounding Colorado area that are perfect for your needs.

Outdoor oasis

There is so much to enjoy about Golden for outdoor lovers. For starters, you can get outside any time of the year. The city has state parks, hiking trails, events, festivals, and plenty of ski hills to keep you entertained all year round.

In Golden Gate Canyon State Park, stroll through flaming yellow woodlands in the fall or bike up the trails for expansive views of springtime wildflowers. You might even catch local fish, spot a bald eagle, or encounter a moose in the summertime, and in winter, don’t waste your time indoors. The winter snow offers some of the most fun for winter sports lovers, including ice climbing, fat tire biking, or snowshoeing in nearby parks.

Even if you’re not looking for strenuous activities, Golden has some milder, less reckless opportunities for you. It’s not surprising that downtown Golden is crowded with stores selling irresistible gear that will help you make the scenic foothills and difficult hikes home. Grab your pals and ascend and descend the endless pathways and trail systems.

10 ways to get outside

1. Drive a scenic byway

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You will never be short on stunning drives and views when you relocate to Golden, Colorado. The Red Rocks Amphitheater and many other gorgeous roadways are all a quick drive away and can provide an afternoon full of jaw-dropping views.

The Lariat Loop — one of the more well-known routes thanks to its endless picturesque vistas — twines from Golden through Morrison and Evergreen before ending again in Golden. You can find roads that connect Golden and Boulder, as well as some that take you through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in Colorado’s Front Range. Just hop in the car and get driving if you want to enjoy the scenic roads.

2. Golden’s Public Art Walking Tour

If you weren’t aware already, Golden has a lot of art to view. In fact, Golden has more than 30 statues and murals in its public art collection, which can be explored on a self-guided walking tour to suit your schedule and pace.

A free self-guided walking tour of the public art collection in downtown Golden will get you moving and enjoying the outdoor air. This collection of art is by many different artists, many of which are internationally famous. Treat it like a treasure hunt, and go find all the dazzling pieces of art. Make sure you don’t miss the big buffalo monument in front of the Buffalo Rose, “The Monarch,” “Cowboy’s Day Off,” and “Rotary Butterflies.”

3. Shopping

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If you’re not quite ready to tackle the mountains, then a shopping spree is calling your name. The four-block, pedestrian-friendly Washington Street is packed with shops and trendy stores. This is the town’s historical center but has since developed into a thriving shopping square. Plan a stroll where you can go window shopping and stop at the adorable cafes, antique shops, and more. It’s a perfect outing for kids and adults alike.

4. Hiking and biking

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Golden sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, which means you will never run out of good trails. Golden is in the perfect location to constantly encourage all your outdoor adventures, namely hiking and biking.

For hikers of all skill levels, there are numerous trails available to suit your preferences and aspirations and see some incredible mountain views in Golden. Make sure you hike North Table Mountain and check out the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, one of Colorado’s many stunning state parks. This park offers a range of enjoyable biking, hiking, rock climbing, and even equestrian riding trails depending on your goals or interest of the day.

5. Take to the water

You’ll find that a lot of the locals prefer to spend their summer months near the water — and for good reason. White water rafting and kayaking are two of the most enjoyable summer activities in the area, but you can find nearly any water sports along the river — including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, tubing, and more.

Golden is surrounded by stunning mountainside scenery, but it features a water lover’s paradise as well. Regardless of your skill level, you’re sure to find water-related activities that everyone will enjoy.

6. Check out Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

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Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts music and scenery, making it the perfect place for outdoor entertainment. Red Rocks is truly distinctive to the region since it blends stunning geological features with an exciting concert and festival calendar.

Enjoy the red sandstone formations, which stand an impressive 300 feet high. If you’re hoping to garner the best views, take the 1.4-mile trail, which is an easy loop around the location that offers plenty of vistas. Schedule your walk so you’re able to make it back in time to enjoy the scheduled music and amazing acoustics of the amphitheater.

7. Tap into the brewing history

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The Coors Brewery is perhaps Golden’s most famous landmark. You can’t spend time in the area without checking it out and enjoying a brew or two. The Coors Brewery provides private tour guides that will highlight the brewer’s history and enthusiasm — but don’t feel like you have to commit to this brewery and only this brewery. There are numerous breweries in the area offering tasty drinks and guided tours.

Thanks to its impressive taproom and outdoor beer garden, Golden City Brewery is the second-largest brewery in Golden, and it might be the most well-loved by locals. This historic town is a haven for beer lovers thanks to the abundance of distinctive Colorado microbreweries and distilleries.

8. Check out local festivals

There is a wide variety of diverse events held in Golden. If you’re looking for fun outdoor things to do, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the local calendar for what’s coming to the area. You can swing by for the yearly Buffalo Bill Days, Wild West Auto Round-Up, First Friday Street Fair, Golden Music Festival, and other beloved Golden traditions.

Be sure to show up around holidays for festive celebrations, including the Olde Golden Christmas to help you get into the wintery holiday spirit. It’s not uncommon to find live music events in Golden as well, so watch out for some of your favorite artists or genres and bring a friend along with you.

9. Take a camping trip

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Camping trips near Golden are effortless adventures. They’re a great way to bond with your family. No matter the time of year, you can find a camping spot perfect for you — be it a riverfront site, mountain top view, or your own backyard. You can also find plenty of RV- and camper-friendly sites to add a little bit of comfort to your adventures.

10. Explore downtown

Golden’s downtown is a unique travel destination where you’re sure to be entertained. Shopping options abound in its lovely old-Western-style buildings, which feature local brands, artisan gifts, and outdoor gear.

In addition, there are opportunities for calm, relaxing afternoons, including ice cream and coffee shops, day spas, family-friendly eateries, high-end dining, and hair salons. You can also check out the many entertainment options — such as the art galleries — to soak in the vibrant cultural atmosphere.

If you’re considering dipping your toes in Golden real estate, reach out to the Phipps Team for help finding the success you deserve. With over four decades of combined experience helping clients achieve their real estate goals, we’d be thrilled to do the same for you.

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