Written by the Colorado Mountain Club

From catching the sunset from the top of North Table Mountain to mountain biking through Apex Park, recreationists can find trails in and near Golden to suit all of their needs. The historic town maintains 402 acres of open space and a 24-mile interconnected trail system, and it’s surrounded by almost 8,000 acres of regional open space. When recreating, remember to respect both the land and those around you so that everyone can have a positive experience.

New to the area or visiting? Refer to Jeffco Open Space for maps and information about the area parks. Always make sure the park is open (seasonal closures due to trail conditions and wildlife are common) and make sure you’re following all of the posted regulations for park entry.

Here are a few tips and things to keep in mind when exploring the great outdoors:

Be polite when passing others.

If the group in front of you is moving slower, verbally make your presence known and quickly move past. Parties moving uphill always have the right of way. Treat other hikers as you want to be treated so that we can all stay safe on the trails.

Stay on the trail.

If it’s getting pretty toasty outside and you’re getting tired of all the switchbacks, you might be tempted to take the lightly worn shortcut that goes off trail. Unfortunately, going off the established trail is extremely damaging to the environment. Protect the places you love to visit by helping prevent erosion. Please obey the signs and do your part by staying on the trail.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Be aware of your surroundings so that you aren’t a hazard to others and help keep yourself safe. Keep an eye out for passing hikers, bikers, and horses, and yield properly. Public land is often interwoven with small (or sometimes large) areas of private property, so obey any signage and be respectful. Think of yourself as a guest.

Keep your furry friend on a leash.

Please keep your dog on a leash no matter how well trained you believe they are. Not every dog you encounter may be as friendly as yours. Some people aren’t comfortable around dogs, so respect other hikers and keep yours close. Bring a poop bag and dispose of pet waste properly at home or in the trailhead trash cans and not along the trail. Pets can also disturb wildlife, which in certain situations puts your pet’s life at risk. Hidden rattlesnakes are a common risk in the summer. Pets will also instinctively chase after wildlife, which is illegal. Trails are not the dog park, so protect your pet and the environment by bringing a leash.

Do not feed or disturb wildlife.

When animals are fed, they become desensitized to the presence of people and are more likely to become a nuisance, which is a danger to both people and the animal. Giving a chipmunk half of your granola bar might lead to ten of them trying to crawl into the next hiker’s backpack! There’s plenty of food for wildlife out in nature. Keep yours to yourself.

Leave No Trace.

It’s a classic saying but still undeniably important: The only thing you should leave on the trail is your footprints. Don’t leave trash anywhere other than in a designated trash receptacle (usually found at trailheads). Leave wildflowers for the next fellow hiker to enjoy. Don’t carve anything into a tree – it’s unnecessary vandalism and against the rules at every park. The only thing you should take back with you is pictures and memories. Please obey signage, and stay out of sensitive areas.

Be mindful of others.

Many people look to recreation as a way to disconnect and unwind. Please don’t play loud music or cause disruptions. These areas are for everyone to enjoy and not everyone wants to listen to music while they’re on the trail.

Take care of yourself.

Remember to take care of yourself! Always bring the essentials: sunscreen, extra water, snacks, a map, and a good pair of shoes. Check the weather and pack extra layers. Colorado’s weather is moody, and sunshine can shift to rain quickly.

Join the Colorado Mountain Club.

The Colorado Mountain Club community inspires adventure, empowers progression, and protects the lands we love. Based in Golden, the CMC has welcomed and connected thousands of adventure-loving novices and experts since 1912. All ages and levels of experience are welcome to join the club, learn new skills and build on existing ones, and connect with other people who are passionate about the outdoors.

To become a member of the community, visit www.cmc.org/Join.aspx.

Photos by: Isabella Biondini

By: Dan Krug, owner of Denver Climbing Company

Rock climbing is continuing to explode in popularity. It’s a sport that provides a full body and mental workout with a dash of added excitement. We can expect this growth trend to continue as the sport debut’s in the Tokyo Olympics. Plus the pandemic has more people than ever looking for outdoor activities. And it’s no secret that Golden has some of the best climbing areas around Denver, so we expect the number of climbers exploring the local areas like North Table Mountain and Clear Creek Canyon to continually grow.

I find it fantastic that so many people are joining the world of climbing. Everyone should be able to benefit from the therapeutic aspects of climbing just like I have. But with increased traffic comes increased impact on the local environment. Luckily there are solutions to help offset this! I’ve put together a list of ideas you can do to help minimize our impact and keep outdoor rock climbing sustainable into the future.

1. Always have a plan B for Location
   • If the parking lot is full, head to your backup location. Avoid parking on the local plant life.
2. Stay on the Designated Trails
   • Cutting through switchbacks also kills plants and leads to erosion that eventually needs to be fixed. Walking the designated trail does a lot to help keep our climbing areas nice.
3. Have a Plan for Waste
   •   This includes both trash and human excrement. Check out this article by Leave No Trace on proper waste disposal.
4. Learn the Local Etiquette for Fixed Hardware
   • Ropes damage fixed hardware over time. On the Front Range of Colorado, use the hardware to lower but add your own anchor system to top-rope. This small courtesy keeps our crags safer and preserves repair funding for other projects.
5. Find Ways to Give Back
   • If you climb around Golden, you’ve probably walked on a trail repaired by the Boulder Climbing Community. And you’ve probably hung from one of their bolt replacements. Although their name says “Boulder” their work extends further. They are actively planning upkeep projects in both Clear Creek Canyon and North Table Mountain this year. Consider donating to their cause either financially or by volunteering.

At Denver Climbing Company, we’ve made Stewardship our top priority. We’ve become one of the main supporters of the Boulder Climbing Community and are actively donating our time to help maintain the crags around Golden. Unlike an indoor climbing gym, our outdoor crags don’t have cleaning crews. They don’t have monthly membership fees to pay for the fixes. And also unlike a gym, most parts are not replaceable. So let’s work together and leave these beautiful areas even better than when we arrived. I look forward to seeing you all around the Golden crags!

Broncos fans love game day! But before you cheer on the Broncos, head to Golden to hit the trail, knock out a mountain adventure and stock up on snacks. Golden is only minutes from most anywhere in Denver, giving you plenty of time for fun before kick-off.

So this Sunday, put on that orange jersey and head to Golden for one of these pre-kick-off adventures…

Hut, Hut, HIKE! Fall is a delightful time for hiking around Golden. Scramble over and around giant red boulders at Mathews Winters, climb to the top of South Table Mountain for spectacular views, or hike up Galbraith Mountain, high above Clear Creek Canyon. It’s hard to believe just how close Golden is to Denver – it feels a world away but don’t worry, you’ll be back in time for the game.

Go for the Gold.  Did you miss fall colors in the mountains this year? Well, no worries. The gorgeous cottonwoods (which are from the same tree family as aspens) are still bright gold in Golden.  The paved Clear Creek Trail runs through the center of town and up into Clear Creek Canyon with many trees still at peak color as you crisscross over the creek on a series of bridges.

Enjoy Brunch on a Patio.  Golden offers ample outdoor seating for socially distanced fun with a wide variety of brunch options. Dig into homemade pastries and coffee creations at a Golden coffee shop. Indulge at the Buffalo Rose with Colorado Poutine (French Fries, cheese curds, Pueblo green chile gravy, two eggs and green onions. Add pulled Colorado lamb for a true Centennial state meal).  Down the block, there’s outdoor, creekside dining with a Southern and Cajun flair at Sassafras American Eatery, where shrimp and grits, biscuits & gravy, fried green tomatoes, catfish and crab cakes await.  Or try Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery with food stalls offering Kona bowls, tacos, gyros, pizza and other treats, all with a full bar.

Take Home a Tailgate Party.  After some fresh air in Golden, load up on what you need to bring a tailgate party to your living room.  Table Mountain Inn Grill & Cantina makes phenomenal Wings (Dry Rub or Honey Habanero, Ranch or Blue Cheese) and Snake Bites with Red Pepper Ranch, Chips, Salsa and Guacamole.  Why not a game day favorite of a Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza. The Cheese Ranch offers amazing cheese boards, D’Deli is famous for delicious sandwiches and Bob’s Atomic Burgers offers delicious burgers. Oh, and let’s not forget a growler from your favorite Golden craft brewery for game time!

Bike Around.  Golden is the bike capital of the Front Range. Do you have what it takes to conquer Colorado’s most famous hill climb, Lookout Mountain?  There’s only one way to find out.  It’s less than five miles to the top, but the road climbs 1,600 feet with grades of 5-6%.  There are more than a dozen hairpin turns, each with a spectacular view in a different direction. Of course, there are many other paved and dirt biking trails all around Golden, from Apex to North Table Mountain.  It’s no wonder every major bicycle race held in Colorado has included a stop in Golden. 

Shopping.   You don’t want to go near a mall before a Broncos game! It can be a madhouse while everyone tries to get everything done before kickoff. But not in small town Golden where it’s easy like Sunday morning shopping at the mostly locally owned downtown stores. With a hometown hardware store and local merchants offering pet supplies, toys & games, candles, fashions, sportswear and recreation, not to mention, jewelry, art galleries, consignment and more, Golden has it all.

Arts & Culture. Before you get sporty, why not indulge your inner artist or intellectual with a visit to one of Golden’s museums or attractions. Step back in time at the Golden History Museum & Park, check out the latest exhibit at Foothills Art Center or the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum or take a walking tour of Golden's public art.

Fun with the Kids. Your kiddo might not yet have blossomed into a Broncos fan. So, get out and romp where the dinosaurs once roamed, ride a steam train, play cowboy and whoop it up in Golden to tire out the kids before kick-off. Here’s a list of great kiddo adventures in Golden.

You can enjoy a perfect Colorado day before kick-off with a Visit to Golden. And, don't forget, if you're having too much fun to head home, Golden's a great place to catch a game too!

Golden is glorious in the fall. Long after the aspens have peaked in the high country, Golden is aglow with the colors of autumn. Plus, Golden is a short drive from anywhere in the Denver Metro area, so you can enjoy a Golden day without spending too much time in the car. This year more than ever, getting outside to connect with friends and nature can boost your well-being. Here's why October is an ideal time to visit Golden…

Autumn Colors -What could be prettier than a walk alongside fast rushing Clear Creek lined for miles with blazing yellow, orange and burnt red cottonwoods and maples? Enjoy the crisp air in Golden and take in the fall colors.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park – With more than 12,000 acres and 40 miles of hiking trails, this serene mountain park is simply gorgeous in fall when you can wander among thousands of shimmering aspens and see 100 miles of the Continental Divide. 

Downtown is Delightful – Golden's Main Street is Washington Avenue, home to the famous Welcome Arch that says, "Howdy Folks, Welcome to Golden!" And while Golden welcomes visitors year round, a visit in the fall features cooler weather, perfect for shopping in the charming and locally owned stores that line Washington Avenue. 

Less Crowds on the Trails – October is a lovely time to hike in Golden. The city offers terrain and trails for all ages and abilities. One of our favorites is Lichen Peak on North Table Mountain where you can catch views of downtown Denver as well as the snow capped mountain peaks. 

Plenty of Patios – There is plenty of patio space in Golden. They city expanded sidewalks along Washington Avenue and 12th Street to make room for more dining al fresco. You can sit and savor a meal and enjoy the downtown vibe and mountain views. 

Fall Sunsets on Washington Avenue or from North Table Mountain –Before we turn back the clock, you can still get to Golden in time for a pleasant weeknight stroll through downtown, dinner at a delicious local spot and a sunset on Washington Avenue. Or – head for the nearby hills for a post-work hike and sunset, followed by a craft beer in town.

Bikes & Brews – Most fall beer festivals are cancelled this year, so why not create your own? Pedal around town to the local breweries for samples of their autumn seasonal beers. The Golden Visitors Center even has a handout that will direct cyclists to Golden's local breweries.

Oktoberfest Hayrides & Ghost Tours – Sign up for some socially distanced fun with either an Oktoberfest Hayride or a Ghost Tour. There will be plenty of "spirits" with either autumn activity, sure to provide a fun getaway.

Take on Lookout Mountain – With cooler temps, many cyclists favor an autumn ride up Lookout Mountain. Or make the drive up Lookout to get an outstanding view of the fall colors in the Clear Creek Valley.

Golden Fall Field Trips — Give your kids a break from remote learning and screen time by going an educational field trip to one of Golden's museums or cultural attractions, like Dinosaur Ridge or the Colorado Railroad Museum. Field trips can be great fun, especially when you get ice cream afterwards. 

Early Holiday Shopping – Golden's open air downtown is so fun to stroll. Why not knock out your holiday shopping in Golden? Supporting local merchants is more important than ever and you're sure to find unique, locally-crafted gifts that are fun to give and even more fun to receive.  

So what are you waiting for? Fall in love with Golden during the fall season!

Golden History Museum & Park announces the return of their popular Hands-on History summer camp featuring three new, half-day themes for kids aged 6 to 11. The seven camp themes for 6- to 12-year-olds include: Dirty Jobs, Pioneer Kids, History Mystery, Pastimes in Times Past, Art Explorers, Settle Down, and Silent Stars. In fun activities led by expert instructors, campers will explore history through cowboy roping, gold panning, schoolhouse lessons, a visit to the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, and more.

Golden History Museum & Park is also offering a new theme, Settle Down, exclusively for 9- to 11-year-olds. This camp delves into historic communities in Colorado and what made them successful or not. For over a thousand years, Colorado’s natural landscape and available resources have encouraged humans to migrate through and settle in these lands. Throughout the week, campers will gain an understanding of the importance of these resources, while they are attempting to make their community flourish.

Student & Family Programs Coordinator Annika Firn commented, “We’re excited to add Settle Down as an option for our 9- to 11-year-olds. Many of our families choose to return year after year and we wanted to offer a new theme that will allow campers to continue to have fresh experiences with us as they get older. I’m also excited to share more diverse stories from Colorado’s history, which is the focal point of this camp. Not only will summer campers learn about more about Colorado’s colorful past, during Settle Down kids will work together to make the same decisions that faced historic Coloradans to ensure their survival and progress. Overall, this camp is providing an exciting and unique challenge for Hands-on History participants.”

Firn added, “We have a new online registration system this year. We know that it will streamline the registration process for families and be more user friendly than past experiences. It also includes a safer, more secure check-in and check-out system and a parent portal which families can use to access additional information before and during the camp sessions.”

Hands-on History sessions will run weekly between June and August and include half-day and full-day options.

For specific dates, age requirements, and information regarding times, prices, and activities, please visit GoldenHistory.org/HOH. Registration will open January 1, 2019 for museum members. Non-members must wait to register until February 1, 2019.

Golden History Museum & Park engages and inspires visitors by preserving and sharing Golden’s history

For City Manager Jason Slowinski, most every day in Golden is pretty perfect. Jason and his family moved to Golden in 2015 so he could accept the position of City Manager. Like most parents, he was concerned about how his school-aged daughters would handle the transition. But there was no reason to worry. According to Jason, “There are no ‘outsiders’ in Golden. It’s an incredibly welcoming and friendly community and we feel lucky to now call Golden home.”

Jason’s perfect Golden day begins with coffee, black coffee. He enjoys visiting all the Golden coffee houses and usually frequents Windy Saddle, Higher Grounds or Bean Fosters. “But I’ve been to every Golden coffee shop. We have so many great ones.” After his caffeine fix, Jason, his wife Stephanie and daughters Francesca, a student at Bell Middle School, and Sophia, who attends Mitchell Elementary, would stop into the Golden Bike Library to get bikes for a family bike ride along Clear Creek. Jason believes the Golden Bike Library is a wonderful city asset and the Slowinskis often take advantage of the free bike rentals.

Afterwards, the sporty family might grab a snack to go and then would hike one of Golden’s many hiking trails. Jason’s favorite trails feature a view of Golden, so they are partial to South Table Mountain and Mt. Galbraith where he enjoys “seeing Golden from a different perspective.” He often tries to time his hikes to coincide with sunset for a spectacular evening view.

Next up on Jason’s perfect Golden day? Golf at Fossil Trace. “It’s one of the best courses I’ve ever played,” Jason noted. “The views are second to none.” He calls Fossil Trace a “hidden gem” and enjoys visiting during early evening sunset when he can hit balls on the driving range or get out on the course and soak in the views of Golden.

Jason’s perfect Golden day would continue with a visit to one of the arts festivals. “We were fortunate to have two fantastic arts fests this year. I love to walk around, check out the art work, and catch artists, like Jesse Crock, in action.”

For dinner, Jason and his family enjoy gathering at downtown restaurants. Recently they’ve dined at Bridgewater Grill, where they like to sit on the patio, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina – Jason loves the chips and salsa – and Indulge, where they enjoy the people watching and fun atmosphere. Afterwards, the family breaks up for ice cream with his youngest daughter choosing Goozell Yogurt and his oldest favoring Golden Sweets. With each girl enjoying her respective favorite, the family would head to the Colorado School of Mines to watch a sporting event at Lockridge Arena.

After Jason’s perfect Golden day, the family returns to their Golden home to be greeted by their beloved Shih Tzu, a rescue dog from Foothills Animal Shelter.

“Golden is the perfect community for our family. We couldn’t be happier,” Jason adds.

“I love Golden.  I really do,” says Sean Smiley in explaining why this third generation Coloradoan decided to open his distillery, State 38, in a business park high above Clear Creek valley.  “Golden is just a great little town with a lifestyle that is outdoor-centric, and thanks to Coors, alcohol-centric, and the town government was very friendly and helpful in getting us started in March 2013,” he said.

Though that seems fairly recently, it was a lifetime ago in the world of Colorado distilling.  As late as 2004, Colorado did not have a single distillery.  Today, there are 113, with 72 already selling product.  Sean’s State 38 (Colorado was the 38^th state admitted into the Union) was License No. 16, and he got into the business by going where no one had ever gone before.  “I started distilling and experimenting in my garage and I knew I liked Tequila and I wanted to make it,” he says.  Technically, “Tequila” is a licensed name and can only be made in Jalisco, Mexico, where the agave is grown.  But there was a simple solution to that.  Sean bought agave pulp from Mexico and distilled his own.  State 38 was the first American distillery to ever make agave vodka and agave gin, and their Agave Blanco is still their number two selling spirit.

Sean makes his own stills, which are contraptions that look exactly like you think they would when he tells you that it’s made from old farm equipment, parts from Home Depot, and even some junk yard items.  He gets his agave from the largest producer in Jalisco, he gets some of his grains from Scotland, his rye from Canada, and he filters his vodka spirits through charcoal made from coconut husks. It’s an international business, and one that is fascinating — and free – to learn about.

The State 38 Tasting Room (it’s decorated like an Old West Mining Saloon) is open Tues.-Sat., 4-6, and provides rolling free tours of the entire distilling process, along with two free samples of any of their product, including their number one seller, State 38 Bourbon.

Sean’s perfect day in Golden would begin in Sassafras American Eatery on the banks of Clear Creek.  The attractive place has dining alfresco by the creek.  Their New Orleans/Southern inspired menu includes Beignets, Cajun Benedict (gulf shrimp and lump crab cakes, house-smoked Tasso & crawfish hash, poached eggs, fried oysters and smoked cayenne hollandaise.  You’ll want to wash that down with a Hurricane or a Zombie!  They also have red beans and rice, fried catfish, Po’boys, and jambalaya.

After that, Sean needs a walk along the Clear Creek, before putting in some work.  He and his team produce 350 bottles of different spirits every day.   For lunch, it’s the “All You Can Eat Pizza Special” at Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, a Golden tradition for a quarter century.  Afterwards, Sean loves walking along Washington Ave. and talking with shop owners, many of whom are regular customers at State 38.  From 4 to 6 pm every day, he’s at the distillery, giving tours, and welcoming guests to try his wide variety of spirits.   On a perfect day, he’ll stop at the Sherpa House, where he loves any of their Indian-inspired dishes served with naan bread.

“We couldn’t have found a better place or more welcoming community than Golden,” he says.  The outdoor lifestyle, the small community, and the way all the small businesses help out each other, is all conducive to making this the ideal place to open a business,” he says.