Guided Excursions & Adventures
Feeling shy about exploring Golden and surrounding foothills on your own? Don’t. Dozens of outfitters, guides, and group leaders are available to show you where to go and how to do a favorite activity. Whether you’ve been doing something your whole life but don’t know the area, or you’re new to a pursuit and want to try it while on vacation, Golden offers plenty of guided excursions.
GO OUTDOORS
Try hiking or snowshoeing into the pristine wilderness of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Go for a day or backpack for a week with Rocky Mountain Hiking Company. Learn to fly fish from some of the best guides from Golden River Sports or Golden Fly Shop after hiking or horseback riding into areas around Golden. Go birding with a naturalist or enjoy a nature tour. Kayak in the spring and early summer to hit the most thrilling rapids. Whatever your interest, Golden guides can customize packages that are perfect for individuals, families or other groups.
GUIDED CLIMBING
Looking to try out rock climbing for the first time or perhaps ready to move to the next level? Golden Mountain Guides offers guided rock and ice climbing, in-depth climbing instruction, and highly customizable climbing trips throughout the Golden area. Climb frozen crystalline water, dangle 1,000 feet off the ground, or learn new skills and gain new confidence in a safe and scenic environment. You may also want to check in to upcoming events or guided climbs with the Colorado Mountain Club or the American Alpine Club. If you are just looking for more practice and perhaps some instruction from others around you, check out one of the largest indoor climbing gyms, Earth Treks Golden.
GUIDED PARAGLIDING & HANG GLIDING
Paragliding and hang gliding are both unique experiences that most only get to do once or twice in their life. Nevertheless, it's something worth trying here in Golden, not only for the experience but also for the magnificent views. A paraglider is launched from regulated flying sites and together with the instructor, you take some running strides and are gently lifted off the ground as the glider begins to fly. There are a couple of local companies who offer these tandem flights. They guide you through the entire adventure. Check out Colorado Paragliding or Paraglide Tandem to see which is most fitting for you! If you are more interested in hang gliding, look into Hang Glide Colorado's tandem flights and experience what it's like to move the glider with your body rather than pulling the cords like you would in paragliding.
GUIDED HIKES
Hiking in a group or with a guide makes the experience that much more enjoyable, as you hear more about the history of the area, understand the local landscape and see the best spots. We recommend looking into the Colorado Mountain Club's guided hikes or participate in one of Mountain Side Gear Rental's hike and happy hour events.