GOLDEN, Colo. (June 15, 2026).... This summer, visitors may want to explore Golden and Clear Creek in new ways. Like most Front Range and mountain communities, the City of Golden is under Stage 1 drought restrictions due to low snowpack and rainfall, and below average stream flows. The good news? There are still plenty of incredible ways to enjoy Golden and Clear Creek, including:
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Walk the Creek during “Golden Hour” - Golden and Clear Creek are best enjoyed during “Golden Hour,” that magical time just after sunrise and before sunset when rays sparkle and the lighting is warm. It’s even better during the quieter weekdays. Sip a drink from a Golden coffeehouse during a morning walk, book a dinner date at your favorite Golden restaurant and end with a sunset stroll. Keep an eye out for aquatic birds like the American Dipper and Double-Crested Cormorant, enjoy the public artwork along the Clear Creek Trail and soak in the serenity and beauty of this stunning creek trail - the pride of Golden!
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Bike Through Town and on Trails - Golden is home to 42 miles of bikeable trails. Explore on two wheels, and connect to parks, breweries, shopping and canyon views. Bring your bike, find a rental on visitgolden.com/biking or take a tour with Adventure West Electric Bike Tours.
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Fly Fishing - Low flows are creating strong fishing conditions in parts of Clear Creek. Anglers can cast for trout along the famous “Golden Mile,” one of the state’s most accessible urban fly-fishing stretches. Check with Golden River Sports or Golden Fly Shop for equipment or to book a guide.
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Climb the Canyon - Golden is one of Colorado’s best gateway towns for climbing and home to Colorado Mountain Club, which offers classes and guidance for climbers of all levels. Nearby canyon walls and bouldering areas offer access to adventure, minutes from town. Golden Mountain Guides can lead you on a climbing adventure in Clear Creek Canyon, the Golden Cliffs or Lookout Mountain Crag.
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Beat the Heat at Splash Aquatic Park - Located on 10 acres adjacent to Fossil Trace Golf Club, Splash is Golden’s premier water park with water slides, a leisure pool, spray features, a diving board and eight-lane lap pool.
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Still Desperate to Cool Off? Wet your whistle with a delicious “made in Golden” beverage, including Kona Kombucha, Sangha Juice, a State 38 craft cocktail or of course, a Coors Original. Or indulge in a sweet treat at your favorite Golden ice cream or sweet shop.
Help keep the small-town experience thriving by supporting locally owned shops, restaurants and outfitters, a huge part of what gives Golden its charm. The city offers free two-hour parking in many areas with registration, convenient garages and free shuttles. More info at visitgolden.com.
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About Visit Golden: Visit Golden is the tourism and visitor marketing program for the City of Golden, Colorado. The program promotes sustainable visitation and community vitality through initiatives that support local businesses and showcase the city’s historic charm, vibrant culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Learn more at visitgolden.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joy Meadows, 303-522-9045, joy@meadowspr.com
