Plan a Cowboy Core Vacation in Golden, CO

Golden, CO, captures the spirit of the West with our landscapes, historic attractions, and saloon culture, making it an ideal destination for a cowboy core vacation. Here’s how to make the most of a cowboy-style getaway in Golden!

Cowboy Activities and Things to Do

Golden’s Western charm comes alive with its range of cowboy-inspired activities. Pull on your boots and head south to Bear Creek Stables in Bear Creek Lake Park for horseback riding. With over 2,600 acres of trails winding through natural habitats, it’s a great way to soak in Colorado’s scenic beauty. For more horseback riding in Golden, Balance in Training offers private and group lessons covering everything from equitation to advanced riding techniques.

Dive into the storied history of the Wild West at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave atop Lookout Mountain. The museum’s exhibits bring the legend to life with artifacts from his Wild West show, and the views from the observation deck are unbeatable. The Colorado Railroad Museum features historic locomotives, train rides, and detailed model trains. The family-friendly Golden History Museum & Park allows you to explore historic cabins and a 19th-century schoolhouse. While downtown, snap a photo under Golden’s iconic “Howdy Folks” Welcome Arch.

In January, the Colorado Cowboy Gathering celebrates cowboy culture with poetry, yodeling, and songs about life on the range. It’s a unique way to experience the storytelling traditions of the Old West. Also in January, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in nearby Denver has everything from bull riding to the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza.

Is shopping more your speed? The Silver Horse offers a curated selection of Western apparel and Native American jewelry, while Spirits in the Wind Gallery showcases art and home decor of the New West.

Dine and Drink Like a Cowboy at These Restaurants 

Golden’s food scene is packed with Western flair and hearty eats. Start your day at The Windy Saddle Cafe, a cozy spot to grab a coffee. Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse serves smoked brisket, pulled pork, and local craft beers in one of Colorado’s most historic buildings. Truck Eddy BBQ & Shakes serves smoky barbecue and thick milkshakes from a vintage truck run by The Eddy Taproom.

For a true cowboy saloon experience, stop by Miners Saloon. Designed to evoke Golden’s mining days, you can choose from 24 beers on tap or try their signature Miner’s Margarita served straight from the tap. After swinging by the saloon, check out Buffalo Rose, where you can dig into bison burgers or the Wild West Burger while enjoying nightly concerts in a historic venue. 

Rustic Places to Stay

To fully embrace the cowboy core experience, camp under the stars at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. With over 130 campsites, including yurts and cabins, the park is surrounded by hiking trails and mountain views. RV travelers will love Clear Creek RV Park, which offers riverside spots close to downtown attractions. 

The B&B scene in Golden is authentic and cozy. Located in an 1879 Victorian house, Pansy's Parlor Bed and Breakfast is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers charming rooms and hearty breakfasts. The parlor was once visited by Buffalo Bill himself. Another Victorian home, The Dove Inn, features individually decorated rooms and self-serve breakfasts. The Silk Pincushion offers themed guest rooms and a carriage house suite with a kitchenette.

Golden, Colorado, invites you to channel your inner cowboy—whether that means saddling up for a trail ride, exploring museums packed with Wild West history, or savoring a barbecue feast.

Golden Retriever photo by Rocky Mountain Pet Portraits.