Author: Joy Meadows

What’s a Colorado summer without a concert at Red Rocks? Due to the coronavirus, many of us are finding out. But just because your favorite artist postponed or cancelled their Red Rocks show doesn’t mean you can’t take in the splendor of North America’s No. 1 outdoor concert venue.

Get your Red Rocks fix this summer or fall with a hike, run, visit, fitness class, or a socially distanced concert or event, like the upcoming Colorado Symphony performances or Yoga on the Rocks. The park offers several amazing hiking trails that wind through, up and over the 200 million year old rocks with great interpretation of the geological history found here.  The Trading Post sells merchandise and the venue – even without a performance – is a wonder to behold. Check out the upcoming events, park hours and more here.

Add in a visit to Golden, and your “concert consolation prize” is sure to be filled with fun. Golden is filled with fabulous restaurants perfect for a post work out brunch or coffee or a pre-concert bite and beer. Only two miles from Red Rocks, Golden’s Gateway shopping area is home to:

Vice Kitchen +Wine + Whiskey offers phenomenal drinks and dining close to Red Rocks. Favorites include elk medallions, salmon ceviche and bountiful charcuterie and cheese boards. 

Launch Espresso, Food & Spirits where you can get amazing grab and go options perfect for a picnic or meet with friends for a post-hike meal and drinks.

Over Yonder Brewing Company is the closest craft brewery to Red Rocks and offers a wide variety of delicious Colorado craft beer.

The Origin Red Rocks Hotel & Nomad Taqueria, why not make a night of it at the official hotel of Red Rocks?

You can also head to downtown Golden to add a creek walk, shopping and a wide array of dining and nightlife options. You’ll find craft beer at Golden City Brewery, Mountain Toad and Barrels & Bottles, all downtown within easy walking distance of each other and an easy 15 minute drive to or from Red Rocks. For gluten free Red Rocks patrons, don’t miss Holidaily, which offers award-winning gluten free beer and a perfect start to your outing.

And if you want to make a night of it, stay in one of Golden's downtown hotels, the Golden Hotel, Table Mountain Inn or Dove Inn. 

For more info on Golden, follow @VisitGoldenCO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and sign up for our quarterly email newsletter here.

THERE MIGHT NOT BE A PARADE IN 2020, BUT EVERY DAY IS “BUFFALO BILL DAY” WHERE THE WEST LIVES!

Golden’s most popular summer festival, Buffalo Bill Days, has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19, but you can create your own self-paced Buffalo Bill celebration and enjoy a taste of Colorado’s Wild West heritage all summer long in this pretty town along Clear Creek. Head to Golden for a fun, socially distanced, Western-themed visit. Be sure to visit these spots to recreate your own Buffalo Bill Days experience:

Buffalo Bill Days Pancake Breakfast — One of the highlights of the traditional Buffalo Bill Days is the annual pancake breakfast at the Golden Fire Station. Start your day with a big stack of pancakes from one of Golden’s popular breakfast spots, like Sassafras or the Golden Diner. Order them to go and picnic in Parfet Park or Lions Park, near the fire station.

Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum — After you’ve had your pancake fix, your next stop is the newly re-opened Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum, located high above Golden, on top of Lookout Mountain with spectacular views in all directions. Learn about the Old West’s most famous scout and showman. His “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” toured from 1883 to 1913, performing in more than 1,000 cities in 12 nations with a cast of 640 cowboys, Indians, vaqueros and rough riders.  It took a special train of 52 box cars to move his show around the planet, which included transporting the third largest buffalo herd left on earth.

Kings, queens and presidents attended his shows and it is estimated that more than 25 million words were written about Buffalo Bill during his lifetime, making his silver goatee, buckskin jacket and wide Stetson hat more recognizable and famous than anyone in the world. When he died in 1917 while visiting his sister in Denver, his body was put on view in the state capitol and his funeral was (and still is!) the largest ever held in Colorado.

Colorado Railroad Museum — Afterwards, head down the Clear Creek Valley and visit the popular Colorado Railroad Museum with its historic locomotives, indoor and outdoor model railroads, and train rides on the weekend. It was the railroads that “won the West,” and you’ll enjoy checking out the state’s largest collection of steam locomotives and cars. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to take a spin around the museum’s ground on an historic train.

Golden History Museum & Park — Next, park at the Golden Visitor Center and walk along Clear Creek to the Golden History Museum, which has exhibits on the town’s history and the Gold Rush that brought 100,000 men and women across the Great Plains in just two years in the hopes of striking it rich.  Walk across the creek, to the Golden History Park for a look at a 19^th century homestead with blacksmith demonstrations and the opportunity to feed chickens at the hen house. There’s even a one-room schoolhouse and heritage gardens.

Browse Golden for Wild West Art, Antiques & Collectibles  — Buffalo Bill Days always featured a lively marketplace with Western wear, art and collectibles. All year long, you can find Western themed collectibles – and more – in the mostly locally owned stores in downtown Golden. Don’t miss The Silver Horse or Spirits in the Wind, two must-see Western themed stores.

Dine in Historic Downtown Golden — Pretend you're in an Old West saloon with a stop at the Old Capitol Grille & Smokehouse in a building constructed in 1863 that was once the first Capitol building of the Colorado Territory. Or enjoy a buffalo burger lunch at the outdoor café of the Buffalo Rose, part of a historic block that was once a hotel with famous guests such as Ulysses S. Grant.

Take a History Tour — After lunch, take a self-guided historic walking tour of Golden – you can follow on your phone, or you can even sign up for guided tours to learn about the gunslingers and ghosts of old Golden.  If you’re interested in the Old West, you will find it in this historic little town, surrounded by mountains and buttes.

Enjoy an Ice Cream Cone or Sweet Treat — What’s a summer festival without a sweet treat? Fortunately, you can get your sweet fix at Golden Sweets, Goozell Yogurt, Gold Mine Cupcakes or Amore Gelato and Kona Bowls in Tributary Food Hall.

End Your Tour with a Beer in Golden — Enjoy a beer at a Golden saloon or craft brewery. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink along Washington Avenue, or you can visit one of the eight craft breweries, many with outdoor, dog friendly beer gardens. Wherever you go, raise a glass to Golden’s Old West heritage and let’s all hope that next year, festivals will be “back to normal.” 

As Buffalo Bill certainly knew as a world famous performer –”the show must go on!” – so visit Golden and make the best of things with a self-paced Buffalo Bill Days experience! For more ideas on what to do in Golden, check out visitgolden.com.

Jump start your summer morning with a visit to Golden. Beat the crowds to the hiking and biking trails, enjoy a quiet walk through town while you savor your morning coffee or meet a friend for a socially distanced breakfast on a Golden patio while enjoying the nearby mountain views. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Denver, Golden feels like a world away and offers an easy escape during these uncertain times. Here are a few ideas to power up your day by starting in Golden:

Hill Climb & a Hearty Breakfast – Tackle the iconic Lookout Mountain Hill Climb, a rite of passage for any Colorado cyclist. The ride to the top is under five miles and climbs 1,600 feet with grades of 5-6% and more than a dozen hairpin turns. You are sure to burn some calories, so afterwards, refuel with a delicious breakfast on the patio of Golden Diner. You can’t go wrong with “The Dude” – Golden hash browns, topped with veggies, eggs cheddar and green chili.

Creekside Brunch with Besties – Invite your best buddies to meet up in Golden for a breakfast date. Sit creekside at Sassafras and enjoy Southern fare – like delicious beignets and a Cajun Bloody Mary. If you prefer a more traditional breakfast, go for an Omelet as You Wish at the Bridgewater Grill. Arrive early to either popular Golden restaurant to request a table on the creekside patio.

Sip & Stroll – Golden is home to several local coffee shops where the owners greet the locals by name. Pick up your favorite type of drink and wind through downtown Golden, admiring the historic buildings and window shopping while you enjoy your coffee. Most stores open at 10 a.m. so if you time it right, you can enjoy the less crowded opening hour and chat with Golden shopkeepers who so appreciate the support. Pick up artisan jewelry at Baby Doe’s or sweet smelling soaps from Spinster Sisters. Grab some gear at a Golden outdoor retailer. Admire the southwestern art at a gallery like Spirits in the Wind. Search for fashion finds at the Clothes Mine.

To-Go Breakfast Enjoyed atop a Mountain Overlook – Grab a to-go breakfast sandwich from Mr. Miner’s Meats or acai bowl from Kona Bowls, both located in Tributary. Drive up Golden Gate Canyon and find a picnic table to enjoy your breakfast amongst the towering trees and fresh mountain air.

Hit the Hiking Trails & Pause on a Golden Patio – The parking lots at many popular Golden hiking spots will fill by mid-morning. So start early at North Table Mountain and catch a sunrise from Lichen Peak. Afterwards, visit local’s favorites the Windy Saddle or Café 13 for a yummy quiche and latte enjoyed on a patio.

Starting your day in Golden is sure to make you smile. Plus, with how close Golden is, you’ll be home in plenty of time to enjoy your afternoon. For more ideas on fun things to do in Golden, check out visitgolden.com.

The whole world may be different on this Fourth of July 2020, but much of Golden, Colorado remains the same. There will be no fireworks or creek access within city limits this year, but for those looking for a small town atmosphere for picnics, ice cream, outdoor dining, beer gardens and natural beauty, look no farther than nearby Golden! You can skip the traffic on I-70, and still enjoy a mountain town ambiance. And with the Fourth falling on a Saturday, you can spread out your celebration all weekend long to make room for more social distancing. Bring your mask and pick one – or two or three! – of these fun ways to celebrate Independence Day in Golden:

EAT OUTDOORS UNDER THE ARCH Washington Street will be closed to traffic for the July 4^th weekend, allowing the street to be turned into one huge outdoor café for local restaurants. Enjoy famous Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, Cajun cuisine from the Trailhead or Sassafras, BBQ from Capitol Grille and buffalo burgers from the Buffalo Rose. Make sure to take a selfie under the famous 1947 street-wide sign that says, “Welcome to Golden.” The Denver Post recently selected Golden as one of the great new dining destinations on the Front Range. See what all the buzz is about dining outdoors with mountain views.

TRAVEL BACK TO THE OLD WEST – Golden was the first capital of the Colorado Territory and the little town has preserved its Old West ambiance with Victorian buildings, covered sidewalks, and the Golden History Park, a wonderful 1800s farmstead museum right downtown. There will be blacksmithing demonstrations over the July 4^th weekend where you can learn why it’s best to “strike while the iron is hot.” Bring some quarters and you can feed the heritage chickens at the historic chicken coop.  On July 4, from 5-6:30 p.m., take a Wild West History Walking Tour for $25 to learn about the cowboys, outlaws and other wild characters who have called Golden home.

TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE – You can get to Golden quickly from just about anywhere in Metro Denver by taking Colorado Hwy. 58 from I-70. But there are many other scenic ways to get to this historic town. Continue West on I-70 to exit 254, where you can see Denver’s buffalo herd, more than 40 buffalo in a wildly spectacular viewpoint. Then head back on Lookout Mountain Road, stopping at Buffalo Bill’s Grave for the view, before curling down the Lariat Loop Trail. You can travel west on I-70 to the junction with Hwy. 6 and return to Golden down Clear Creek Canyon, stopping along the way at Mayhem Gulch, where there is a six mile paved trail that clings to rock cliffs as it snakes along the river. Or you can drive into Golden from the north along Hwy. 93, passing wonderful vistas of Flatirons. You are sure to marvel at “America the Beautiful” as you enjoy the views around Golden.

PICNIC IN A PARK  – Golden is home to 254 acres of parks with 5,000 acres of nearby publicly owned open space. Avoid the crowds by heading up Clear Creek Canyon for magnificent mountain vistas, and stop at one of the pull offs to sit by the river while you picnic in a meadow of cottonwoods and wildflowers. Grab your picnic lunch at D’Deli, the Cheese Ranch, Café 13 or get a to go lunch from any Golden restaurant before you head for the hills or park it in a Golden park.

STOCK UP ON FRESH FRUIT, BREAD, IMPORTED CHEESES, AND OTHER DELIGHTS – The Golden Farmers Market runs every Saturday (including July 4^th) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lot next to the Golden Public Library with one entrance at 10^th and Illinois. Face coverings are required while you stroll past widely separated booths overflowing with pastries, Palisade peaches, New Mexico green chile, bouquets of flowers, Wisconsin cheese, fresh watermelons and a variety of handicrafts. Surrounded by mountains and within hearing of fast rushing Clear Creek, it’s a perfect farmer’s market in the tradition of old European downtown markets.

RELAX IN A BEER GARDEN – Golden brews more beer than any other town on earth. There are eight, dog-friendly beer gardens in and around Golden where you can dine from food trucks while sipping a selection of award-winning beers. Golden City Brewery’s beer garden is in the brewer’s backyard and has now been expanded to the front yard as well! Mountain Toad has doubled their beer garden, while there’s plenty of room for social distancing at Cannonball Creek, Over Yonder, New Terrain, Holidaily Brewing, Barrels & Bottles and Coda.

ENJOY AN ICE CREAM CONE & WALK MAIN ST. – Golden has always had a sweet tooth. The famous Jolly Rancher candies were invented here, and today downtown Golden is filled with ice cream and candy shops, pastries, frozen yogurt, cookies, and cafes bursting with brownies and baked goods. Golden Sweets is the vintage, old time ice cream and candy shop from days gone by, Goozell’s offer amazing frozen yogurt and Windy Saddle has a wide selection of handmade pastries, cookies and coffees. Grab it to go and window shop Golden’s cute main street, lined with art galleries, Native American trading posts, clothing boutiques, outdoors stores, and toy shops.

RIDE A TRAIN – The Colorado Railroad Museum is open and offering train rides over the Fourth of July Weekend. Ride aboard the legendary Galloping Goose No. 7 on July 2 and 5^th, or in vintage railroad cars pulled by the Golden City & San Juan Diesel Engine No. 4 on July 4^th. The Goose (a Pierce Arrow motorcar with a bus welded on the back) runs on Thursdays and Sundays and the diesel engine on Saturdays all July. There are indoor and outdoor model railroads and dozens of locomotives and cars to view and climb aboard. Masks are currently required to gain entry to the Museum, and advance purchase of admission and train ride tickets is highly recommended.

SEARCH FOR A DINOSAUR BONE – The nearby Dinosaur Ridge is open. On July 4, you can take a 2.5 hour walking tour with a scientist for $15 and learn about why there are so many dinosaur bones and tracks in the Golden area. The visitors center and Dinosaur Ridge Trail are also open with guided bus tours offered every 20 minutes (masks required). Or hike Triceratops Trail right in downtown Golden, and see dinosaur tracks and bones on this easy, 1.5 mile gravel travel.

Golden is a great place to visit all summer long. For more information, check out visitgolden.com. Please follow all recommended safety guidelines during your visit. 

Want to get Dad out of town to celebrate Father’s Day, but not yet ready to travel? Visit Golden, only 15 minutes from downtown Denver and a perfect spot for outdoor adventure, family fun, and even burgers and beer too! Every weekend, several blocks of the city’s main street, Washington Avenue, become a pedestrian zone to spread out, dine al fresco and enjoy the downtown ambience. There are lots of Golden ways to celebrate Dad including:

Golfing with Dad. Fossil Trace is regarded as one Denver's top golf courses and a “Must Play” by Golf Digest. Create a special memory together as you enjoy a round of golf and the spectacular views at Fossil Trace.

Burgers & Biking. Whether you want to visit APEX for mountain biking, tackle the Lookout Mountain hill climb or simply wind your way through historic Golden neighborhoods, Golden has biking adventures for all. Afterwards, visit Bob’s Atomic Burgers, the Buffalo Rose or Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse for a burger made to Dad’s satisfaction.

Scenic Drive w/Dad. Load up on tasty take-out in Golden and head out for a scenic drive with Dad. Golden is the perfect starting point in all of these routes including the famous Lariat Loop.

Dads, Dinosaurs & Trains. Dad will feel like a kid again as he marvels at dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge or climbs aboard a steam train at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Afterwards, why not get some ice cream in Golden to continue the fun?

Morning Hike & Breakfast. Enjoy fresh air and mountain views while you and your Pops hike one of the many trails in Golden. Enjoy breakfast burritos to go from the Windy Saddle or Café 13 or sit creekside at Sassafras for a hearty southern meal and beignets too!

Golden Gifts.  How about a tune-up from one of Golden’s many bike shops; a bottle of spirits from Golden Moon, State 38 Distillery or Local Distilling or growlers from a Golden craft brewery; or visit a Golden store like Blue Moose Trading Company which sells locally made "Adventure" license plates or a SKI PATROL sign or Avenue Gifts for Coors merchandise perfect for Dad’s man cave. You can also buy Dad a gift card to a Golden restaurant or retailer at the GiftGoldN online gift card marketplace.

Picnic w/Pops. Grab a blanket, pick up tasty take-out from a Golden restaurant and enjoy some fresh air, sunshine and Golden views together. Parfet Park in downtown Golden is a favorite or head up Golden Gate Canyon for a mountain picnic.

This Father’s Day, we hope you and Dad have a Golden time no matter what you do. For more ideas on what to do in Golden with Dad, head to vistgolden.com.

As restrictions lift across Colorado, many people are eager to get out and experience the art, history, culture, shopping and dining they’ve missed the past few months. Golden is an ideal spot to visit as people ease back into adventure as the city has significantly expanded outdoor spaces for dining, shopping and pedestrian traffic. Many Golden museums feature outdoor exhibits, new visitor safety guidelines and hours, and the Golden Visitor & Information Center has an outside concierge desk to help assist visitors. Additionally, hotels in Golden have re-opened for overnight stays.

Here’s an overview from Golden. Be sure to check out VisitGolden.com for the latest updates.

Attractions

• Expanded Outdoor Dining & Street Closures – Golden has extended outdoor spaces to allow for more “elbow room” along sidewalks and for restaurants and shops to expand patio seating and outdoor retail space to better accommodate social distancing guidelines. 
• Golden Visitors & Information Center – Your one-stop shop for all the latest info on Golden has a curbside information desk and limited hours.
• Colorado Railroad Museum – This family favorite is “back on track” with new hours and guidelines outlined on the website. While there are some indoor exhibits, if you want to be outdoors, you can explore the Colorado Railroad Museum’s 15-acre railyard, which houses more than 100 narrow and standard gauge steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, G-scale garden railway and more. Don’t miss the outdoor toy train exhibit where locomotives blow steam clouds as they circle around a magical miniature world of towns, trestles and tunnels.
• Foothills Art Center – Golden’s beloved art center reopened with a vibrant showcase of the best from the Colorado Watercolor Society. FAC will offer limited hours and safety guidelines to ensure visitor safety.
• Golden History Park & Museum – Admission to the GHM is still free, and they're open with limited days and hours. This historic homestead located in the heart of downtown Golden along the banks of Clear Creek, is usually open seven days a week from sunrise to sundown. Check the website for periodic closings for camp and youth activities. The open air park-like site is home to original buildings from the Pearce Ranch in Golden Gate Canyon. There’s also a turn of the century one-room schoolhouse, heritage gardens and a chicken coop bustling with a flock of beloved chickens.
• Dinosaur Ridge – Learn about the region’s rich history when you purchase the self-paced audio tour to enjoy on your own personal device. Explore on your own at the nation’s top dinosaur track site and imagine a time when the dinosaurs roamed.
• Triceratops Trail – Set out on a 1.5-mile, gravel hiking trail that winds between large, vertical walls of sandstone and into reclaimed clay pits. The hike takes around an hour round-trip and features many viewable dinosaur tracks, including a Tyrannosaur track and many Triceratops tracks. The tracks and traces are very different from what can be seen at Dinosaur Ridge, and the fossils are dated to the end of the Age of Dinosaurs, 68 million years ago.
• Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum – The RMQM reopened with new guidelines so you can safely explore the scope of quilting, from bedcoverings of the 1800s to contemporary art pieces. 
• Golden Public Art Tour – Golden has more than 30 pieces of public art acquired through the Public Art Commission. The Public Art Walk creates memorable spaces along Washington Avenue, near Clear Creek and in outlying areas of Golden. The outdoor art walk celebrates Golden’s natural landscapes and is an inviting way to spend an afternoon in Golden. 
• Golden History Walking Tour – Discover Golden’s history on the Golden History Walking Tour. Put together by the Golden History Museum, the free, self-guided tour directs you to 16 historic spots in Golden as it winds one-and-a-half miles past beautiful homes, stone buildings, gardens, a re-created historic farm and schoolyard, and – popular with kids – a historic chicken coop filled with heritage chickens you can feed for a quarter.
• Golden Farmer Markets – This Saturday tradition is back. The market will look very different from previous years with new guidelines in place.
• Fossil Trace Golf Course – “Colorado’s Home Course” is open with safety restrictions in place, including online tee times and no walk-ups.
• Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave – Learn about the life, times, and legend of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody at the museum with new guidelines, and visit his grave on Lookout Mountain Park that overlooks the Great Plains and the Rockies.

Hotels

The Golden Hotel, Table Mountain Inn, Origin Hotel Red Rocks and The Dove Inn are all open.

The Following Golden Attractions are Currently Closed – Check Back Soon

• American Mountaineering Museum (open for appointment only)
• Mines Museum of Earth Science
• Miner’s Alley Playhouse
• Coors Brewery Tour
• Clear Creek Water Use Restrictions (walking paths open)
• Golden Bike Library

VisitGolden.com has all the info you need to plan your Golden getaway. Please be respectful of others and kindly follow all safety guidelines.

Summer is a perfect time for an afternoon drive. You can beat the heat by setting out on a driving adventure. Load up on snacks, blast your favorite tunes and check out all the cool things in the nearby mountains. Here are four short, scenic drives near Golden, Colorado that make for a perfect afternoon escape. 

The Lariat Loop Trail

In the 1920s, long before I-70 was ever dreamed of, Denver created their Mountain Park system, a series of two dozen parks including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, and the buffalo herd overlook, all to preserve some of the great beauty spots of the Front Range. The parks were then connected by a circular road that was named, The Lariat Loop Trail. In the early days of motorcars, the Lariat Loop was one of the most popular attractions in the West. And it still can be. The 40-mile loop still exists, combining several now smaller roads into a Colorado Scenic & Historic Byway. The place to begin is in downtown Golden where you can pick up a to-go coffee or picnic and then take the twisting and curving drive up Lookout Mountain. The road gains 1,300 feet in just 4.3 miles, with enough drop-offs and viewpoints to thrill any visitor.

It climaxes at the 7,379-foot summit of Lookout Mountain with spectacular sweeping views in every direction. There is free parking at Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum, which is worth a visit to learn about the Old West’s most famous scout and showman. Call ahead to see if the Museum is open. The road continues a few miles to Genesee Mountain Park and the buffalo overlook, where it’s possible to see Denver’s herd of 40 buffalo with a snowcapped mountain panorama in the background. You can park here and walk along a new paved trail to get an up-close look at this herd of bison. From here, you are also near the Sleeper House – the flying saucer-shaped house that was featured in Woody Allen’s movie, “Sleeper.” The house is privately owned, but visible from the Lariat Loop Trail. For more than 40 other attractions on the Lariat Loop, go to:  www.lariatloop.org

The Old West and Red Rocks Loop  

From anywhere in Denver, take I-70 west to Colorado Hwy. 58, Exit 265. This is the Golden Freeway that will take you through a scenic backdoor of Clear Creek Valley, right between the North and South Table Mountains. You can exit at McIntyre and follow signs to drive by the Colorado Railroad Museum to get a taste of old steam locomotives and railroading in the West. From the museum, follow West 44^th Ave., which will take you past the impressively large Coors Brewery complex (the largest single site brewery in the world) and into downtown Golden, where you turn left on Washington Ave. and find easy parking to look at this historic downtown, the first capital of the Colorado Territory. Walk along Clear Creek on the paved trail on the north side of the creek and you can visit Golden History Park, a historic farmstead and school house from the 1860s. There are many attractions, shops, outdoor cafes and beer gardens in the pretty and walkable downtown. Leave Golden on Hwy. 6 for a few miles and turn right on Hwy. 40, which winds over the Dakota Hogback to Dinosaur Ridge. Here, you can make another stop to view actual dinosaur bones from 70 million years ago, still embedded in rock. It’s a short drive from Dinosaur Ridge to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. If the park is open, you can follow signs and drive to the uppermost parking lot, where you will be on top of the stage with views of the two 400-foot high red sandstone monuments that make this a famous outdoor amphitheater. Most days, you can see downtown Denver, 12 miles away, and the white tent roof of Denver International Airport, almost 40 miles in the distance.  There are several trails that wind around the rocks leading from the Trading Post. From Red Rocks, you can either return to I-70 the way you came or continue south to Hwy. 285 which also heads back to Denver.

Hwy. 93 and The Back Road to Boulder  

The most interesting way to drive Boulder from Denver is to head west to Golden, then go north on Hwy. 93. This is one of the last undeveloped stretches of road along the Front Range for two good reasons. Large parts of it have been preserved as open space by Boulder and now offer ranch lands, canal walks and pretty grass fields with the Flatirons as a backdrop. The east side of the road was preserved because it was Rocky Flats, a high security area where the triggers for nuclear bombs were once made. All 70,000 atomic bombs made by the U.S. have parts that were made at Rocky Flats. The bombs are long gone, and Rocky Flats is being restored and brought back as a wildlife refuge. Trails, biking and horseback riding will soon be open in the area.  

In addition to the scenic drive, two attractions along Hwy. 93 are well worth a stop. Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of the world’s top rock climbing attractions. The sheer 500-foot high cliffs here are dotted with climbers, seeming to defy gravity. If you’re not a rock climber, you’ll still love the views, the scenic river flowing through the center of the canyon, and a wonderful one-mile trail that is an old abandoned railroad cut, every inch of it offering incredible scenery into the canyon.

In South Boulder is the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The buildings were designed by I.M. Pei, who also designed the pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. NCAR is considered one of his masterpieces and was also used in the Woody Allen movie, “Sleeper.” There’s also an outdoor half-mile Weather Trail that explains some of the unique aspects of weather in Colorado. From here, you can backtrack down scenic Hwy. 93 to Golden, for a quick stop in one of the town's restaurants or breweries.

You'll also want to look for the colorful dinosaur art installations just outside of Golden. Spot the colorful Triceratops sculptures, located off Hwy 93, near 56th Ave.

Clear Creek Canyon to Central City and the “Oh My God Road”

After a delicious brunch in one of Golden’s many outdoor cafes, head up Hwy. 6  through Clear Creek Canyon. This is one of the narrowest, steepest and most dramatic canyons in Colorado, and is internationally known as a rock climbing area. Depending on restrictions, you might see rafters, kayakers, fishermen, and even gold-panners along the way. Stop at Mayhem Gulch Trailhead, 12 miles west of Golden, and hike for a bit on the new Peaks to Plains Trail. One day, this trail will stretch from Idaho Springs all the way to Golden. Currently, there are four miles of creek side paved trails.  

At the junction with Hwy. 119, turn right to Black Hawk, the largest gambling center in Colorado with 10,000 slot machines, poker, Black Jack and roulette in nearly two dozen casinos. From Black Hawk, turn left and climb one mile to the historic mining town of Central City. Once called the “richest spot on earth,” Central City in the 1870s had a population of 30,000 and was the largest gold rush boom town in Colorado. On the hills and dirt roads above town, you’ll find historic graveyards, old mines and ghost towns, while the town itself is a treasure-trove of beautiful brick and stone Victorian buildings.  

Southwest of the town, look for signs for the Virginia Canyon Road, known to locals as the “Oh My God Road.” Legend has it that it got its name because stage coach passengers would look out the window at the sheer drop offs and moan, “Oh My God!” You might too, as you twist and turn on a narrow dirt road with no guardrails and steep cliffs. There are beautiful views of Mount Evans along the way, but key your eyes on the road, go slow, pause on narrow turns, and follow signs for Idaho Springs, another old gold mining town worth a stop. From here, you can take I-70 east for a few miles until the exit for Hwy. 6 and a return to Golden through scenic Clear Creek Canyon, viewing the dramatic rock formations from a different direction.

Scenic drives can feel carefree and fun! Load up your car with friends and family and set out to enjoy an adventurous afternoon together. Head to www.VisitGolden.com for more information on all the fun things to do in Golden!

Treat mom to a special Mother’s Day in Golden! Visit Golden to enjoy fresh, mountain air with a creekside walk, downtown window shopping or a self-guided public art walking tour or history walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet grab-and-go meal from one of Golden’s beloved restaurants. You can also order ahead for a curbside pick-up of a special gift for Mom from a charming Golden boutique or a gift card to enjoy a spa treatment or restaurant meal another time.

Here’s a list of ways to celebrate Mom in Golden. And why not consider celebrating on Saturday or even Friday – Mom won’t mind if you schedule a special outing early and it may allow for more room to roam while we observe the Safer-at-Home guidelines.

Make Mom proud and head to Golden to support the local businesses and enjoy the beautiful Colorado outdoors. Here are some ideas sure to make for a perfect Mother’s Day.

Golden Gifts Mom Will Love – Order curbside pick-up from one of these Golden favorites or peruse the Visit Golden shopping page for more options:

• Earth Sweet Botanicals – Someone as sweet as mom will love the aromatic offerings at this French Provencal themed store, offering nature inspired home and garden décor.
• Marrygrams – How about some special stationary or a card set? Candle or unique gift set? Check out their website for all types of gifts she’d enjoy.
• Spinster Sisters –  What’s not to love about luxurious lotions, bath bombs, and sweet-smelling soaps made in Golden. They even have hand sanitizers to keep Mom safe!
• Baby Doe’s – Bet Mom would love a new springy outfit, scarf, sun hat or piece of jewelry from this beloved Golden mainstay.
• Meyer Hardware – This long running hardware store has it all and is open as an essential business. If Mom likes to garden, cook or even camp, this is a great place for gifts.

Mother’s Day Meals to Go & Restaurant Gift Cards – No matter what type of food mom likes, you’re sure to find it in Golden. Order a special meal to go and enjoy with mom at home or picnic in the car from a favorite Golden vantage point to enjoy the view. You can also buy a gift card and look forward to dining together soon in Golden. Golden’s Take Out Takeover features all the spots offering take-out and most also have gift cards for sale too.

Cheers, Mom! Mom might also enjoy a special bottle of spirits from Golden Moon or State 38 or a growler from a Golden brewery. Don’t forget to say “cheers” to Mom!

Gift Cards for a Golden Getaway with Mom – Plan on some future pampering in Golden by purchasing a gift card to a Golden spa or salon. Or maybe you and Mom want to make a weekend of it? There are lots of excellent spots to stay in Golden and you can look forward to a special getaway soon.

Mother’s Day Photo Contest– Tell Us Why Your Mom Is Golden – In honor of Mother's Day, show and tell us why your mom is Golden for a chance to win a perfect Golden getaway for you and mom. For all the details, click here.

For more ideas for a great time in Golden with Mom, head to VisitGolden.com.

As we all do our part to stay-at-home, let your mind wander back to “golden” days in Golden, Colorado and dream of what you are going to do in Golden once we can all go out again. Here are five wonderful “only in Golden” adventures to get you started. 

What do you miss the most about Golden?

Walking along the Clear Creek Trail.  It’s been called the best walk on the Front Range.  Under the shade of huge cottonwoods, the 10-foot-wide concrete trail meanders besides fast rushing Clear Creek all the way from historic downtown Golden up into the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon.  Exciting additions to this walk are underway with a new 1.5-mile long addition, as well as the new Welch Ditch and Flume Trails, that will open higher up on the south ridge, offering all new views of the valley.  Ultimately, they will all be part of the Peaks to Plains Trail that will stretch for 65 miles from Denver to Loveland Pass, crossing four counties and connecting seven towns and cities while gaining one mile in elevation.  Now there’s something to look forward to!

Dining in one of Golden’s fabulous restaurants.  It seems like just a couple of months ago that the Denver Post named Golden one of the hottest food destinations on the Front Range.  In fact, it was just a few months ago! Soon, you can once again enjoy world class dining in a small town atmosphere, with free parking on weekends and after 5 p.m.  There’s even more good news!  You can still order takeout from more than 50 restaurants in Golden through Takeout Takeover Golden.  All your old favorites are here – famous D’Deli sandwiches, Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, Bob’s Atomic Burgers, gyros and Mediterranean dishes from Ali Baba Grille, nan bread and tasty treats from Nepal and India at the Sherpa House… as well as delights from the newly reopened Buffalo Rose, the new Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery and Xicamiti la Taqueria Bistro.

You don’t have to wait to find out why Golden has become such a destination for foodies – you can still pick up and go!

Hiking, biking and driving to the views of the mesas and mountains in pretty Clear Creek Valley. Golden lies in an area of spectacular natural beauty.  Just 12 miles from Denver, it is a world away in scenery, surrounded to the east by the high volcanic mesas of North and South Table Mountains and to the west by a chain of mountains including Lookout, Zion and Galbraith.  You can hike up all of them, drive or bike up Lookout and Zion, and bike around North Table Mountain on what Westword says is “the best mountain bike ride in metro Denver.” 

Relaxing in the beer gardens.  Golden is home to the planet’s largest single brewing site at Coors Brewery and seven wonderful craft breweries, some with dog-friendly patios. Golden is the place to sip a brew and enjoy the view. And let’s not forget two distilleries, a slew of tap houses, riverside cafes, and great live music venues like the Buffalo Rose – all just a short drive from downtown Denver. Bring a taste of Golden home by picking up a growler or bottle to go!

Just being outdoors.  The people of Golden live outdoors.  Golden’s main street – Washington Ave. – is lined with one-of-a-kind shops, outdoor cafes, public art, parks, a river, and historic buildings.  You can take a self-guided walking tour of the public art, or another self-guided tour of historic buildings.  Be sure to listen carefully, because when this is over, you’ll often hear the sound of a steam locomotive whistle echoing down the valley from the nearby Colorado Railroad Museum.  Lookup and watch hang gliders float down from the sky, while kayakers paddle up Clear Creek. It’s that type of town.  And did we mention it’s just 12 miles from Denver with lots of free parking? 

It’s okay to dream right now. Start planning your dream “golden” vacation by downloading the Golden Official Visitors Guide. What do you miss the most about Golden?  And what are you going to do in Golden the first chance you get?

Golden Rules, and not just for its gorgeous scenery, epic trails or excellent art scene. The city is home to good-hearted people, civic-minded businesses and a spirit of Western hospitality that has shone brightly during the past few difficult months. As people across the globe grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Golden businesses and residents have stepped up to help one another get through.

Here’s a few examples of why Golden Rules. Help us keep track of all the good things happening in Golden. Let us know of any non-profit programs, neighborly deeds of other examples of the Golden Rule in action and we’ll add them to our growing list.

• Helping Cover the Rent for Downtown Golden Businesses — Golden’s Downtown Development Authority voted to pay 50% of April rent up to a maximum of $2000 for businesses directly impacted by COVID-19 within the DDA boundary. It is estimated that approximately 110 businesses qualify. Learn more: https://www.guidinggolden.com/helping-golden.
• BGoldN Feeds Restaurants & Fuels Restaurants – With restaurants struggling and residents facing financial stress, Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg thought, why not start a program to help them both? She enlisted the help of Tyson Noeth of the Golden Backpack Program and Jen Thoemke of Café 13/Connects Workspace to create BGoldN. This worthwhile program got off the ground in no time and now a dozen Golden restaurants are paid to make to-go breakfast and lunches that volunteers distribute to people in need at a drive-up location. Learn more about BGoldN here:
• AC Golden – Made right here in Golden, Colorado Native is the AC Golden beer brewed from entirely Colorado-grown ingredients.  AC Golden, a Molson Coors Beverage Co. craft brewery, donated $20k to the Colorado Restaurant Association to help service industry members who are out of work due to state-mandated shutdowns. Cheers, AC Golden, we’ll drink to that!
• Molson Coors – Donated 50,000 cans of water to the Salvation Army Intermountain Division to assist with the organization’s COVID-19 relief efforts.The water will be distributed to the metro area’s homeless and others in shelters who lack access to clean drinking water due to restrictions on drinking fountains aimed to stop the spread of the virus. Molson Coors  has also donated 154,000 cans of fresh drinking water to truck drivers across the United States and Canada in an effort to help keep them safe by limiting the amount of stops they need to make for supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Golden Moon Distillery – Westword’s Best of Denver 2020 Best Distillery winner is supplying hand sanitizer to the police officers.
• State 38 Distilling – Golden’s award-winning boutique distillery is donating a portion of its bottle sales to the Colorado Bartenders Guild.
• Biscuits & Berries – Has started Feed the frontlines denver, a campaign to raise money to feed Colorado’s ER & ICU staff, EMS workers among others. During this unprecedented crisis, Biscuits and Berries will use its commercial kitchen space and resources to produce safe lunches and dinners to be distributed to frontline workers.
• Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum: Is working with area quilters and sewers to make face masks for people in need. The  Golden Civic Foundation is handling the distributions of the face masks.
• CoorTeK: A ceramics company, which is nearly as old as the Coors brewery, is making ceramic parts for Ford Motors, which has been ordered to build ventilators that will go into hospitals to help patients who are sick with the disease caused by the coronavirus.
• Free Parking – the City of Golden suspended the enforcement of downtown paid parking until further notice. This definitely helps make it easier for people to support local restaurants by picking up to-go meals.
• Golden Teddy Bear Walks – Friendly neighbors in Golden have been displaying teddy bears in their front windows. Possibly inspired by a popular children’s book, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” the bears are a fun way to encourage local kids to hunt for bears and exercise while schools are closed.

What else is happening in Golden? Let us know why you think Golden Rules as we all lean on one another to get through this uncertain times. Comment below or send an email to

 [email protected].