Spend Your Summer Outdoors in Golden
Golden is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and it really shines in summer. With its intersection of rugged mountain terrain and accessible creekside trails, there are so many different ways to spend time outside. Whether you want to spent a morning scaling cliffs in Clear Creek Canyon or an afternoon watching birds through your binoculars along Clear Creek Trail, there’s something in Golden for you to do.
With Golden’s popularity comes the responsibility to share the trails so that everyone has a positive experience. Hikers should always yield to horses, and mountain bikers yield to both hikers and horses. Generally, the person traveling uphill has the right-of-way. If you’re coming downhill, step aside to let the uphill climber maintain their momentum. When passing someone from behind, give a friendly verbal warning to avoid surprises.
While Golden has many dog-friendly trails, keeping your dog leashed protects local wildlife and prevents conflicts with other trail users. When you pick up after your pet, carry it with you and toss it in the trash later (no one wants to see plastic poop bags lining the trails!).
The same rule goes for orange peels, nut shells, and any snack trash. Whatever you bring in, make sure you take it home with you. But make sure trash is the only thing you’re bringing home with you. Leave everything else where you find it, including flowers, pinecones, or rocks. It’s all an important part of the ecosystem, and if it’s interesting to you, it’ll probably be interesting to the hikers following you.
Before you hit the trails, check the weather and trail closures. When you’re on the trails, make sure you stay on them. Even if it’s muddy, walk through the mud rather than around it to avoid widening the path and destroying fragile vegetation.
If you come across wildlife, keep a safe distance. If an animal changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
By practicing mindful etiquette and following the Leave No Trace principles, we ensure that these trails remain vibrant and accessible for everyone.
If you’d like to experience the outdoors in Golden with a group, check out Colorado Mountain Club’s calendar for upcoming hikes, climbs, rides, and more.
Here are a few ways to get outside this summer:
Walk for Wildflowers
South Table Mountain has sweeping 360-degree views of the Continental Divide and the Denver skyline, and it’s a great place to spot summer wildflowers. A short drive from downtown, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has miles of hiking trails packed with wildflowers and wildlife. (Remember to keep your distance from any animals you come across!)
Climb the Crags
Golden is a world-class climbing destination, and the Golden Cliffs on North Table Mountain or the many routes on Clear Creek Canyon are good spots for beginners to learn or experienced climbers to keep building their skills. Always check for seasonal closures before you head out. Certain spots may be restricted to protect nesting wildlife.
Find the Fish
The "Golden Mile" of Clear Creek and the stocked ponds in Golden Gate Canyon State Park are popular places for fishing. (Make sure you have your fishing license!)
Behold the Birds
Look up to spot birds at Lookout Mountain, Apex Park, and Windy Saddle Park. You’ll spot eagles and hawks soaring over the jagged cliffs of North Table Mountain and American Dippers bobbing on river stones in Clear Creek.
Find more places to play at visitgolden.com.
About Colorado Mountain Club: Colorado Mountain Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to adventure, education, conservation, and community within Colorado. With a friendly community, knowledgeable instructors and trip leaders, and a century-long legacy of adventure and education, Colorado Mountain Club is the perfect way to explore the state. Learn more at www.cmc.org.
