Hikes in Golden, CO
Between breathtaking mountain vistas and a stunning natural landscape, the trails around Golden have the power to alter your perspective—literally! No ifs, ands, or buts. Add these hikes in Golden, Colorado, to your agenda ASAP.
Easy, Family-Friendly Hikes
Whether you’ve brought your family boasting a brood of all ages, you’re trying to be gentler on your joints, or you want to soak in the sights without breaking a sweat, embark on one of these easy hikes.
The Clear Creek Trail is Golden's most popular trail, and it's easy to see why. Most visitors start at 10th and Washington, behind the Golden Welcome Center, where a peaceful, paved path winds along the creek beneath a canopy of trees. This two-mile stretch is flat, accessible, and welcoming to walkers, hikers, skaters, bikers, and stroller-pushing parents alike.
The Downtown Golden segment is part of the much larger Clear Creek Trail (formerly the Peaks to Plains Trail), a 65-mile corridor that will eventually connect Denver through Golden all the way to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass. Ready to keep going? Head west and continue along the newly completed Gateway and CCR Segments. And there's more to come: the Huntsman's Rancho Segment, opening in late 2026, will add another 1.5 miles of ADA-accessible trail through Clear Creek Canyon Park, reachable directly from downtown Golden.
Step back in time on the Triceratops Trail, where fossilized footprints tell a tale as old as time. Take a prehistoric peek at traces of ancient insects, disappeared dinosaurs, and plant impressions, all while winding through walls of sandstone and reclaimed clay pits.
Moderate Hikes
A vertical adventure awaits at North Table Mountain Park, filled with 15 miles of magnificent trails! Avid explorers seek out the Golden Cliffs Trail, a short trail loaded with rocky terrain and challenging climbing routes. Learn about the area’s geologic history and, a few times a year, you can even see a waterfall here! Alternatively, embrace the open air on the Fairmount Trail, another hiking area perfect for all skills.
At South Table Mountain Park, panoramic mesa-top sights are a must-see! Explore open meadows and rugged cliffs along the Olivine Trail, a loop that takes less than an hour to complete. Minutes from downtown Golden, this park is the perfect place for a short stop in nature! Note: There is limited parking at the Olivine trailhead; observe neighborhood parking signs.
Harder Hikes & Trails
Up for an uphill challenge? Take on these tougher hikes in Golden! Just remember to slide on your wool socks, lace up your hiking boots, and pack plenty of water.
If you’re ambitious enough to tackle multiple difficult trails in a single day, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a top spot. Mountain Lion Loop is the longest path, measuring nearly seven miles in length. From that trail, you can access another challenging circuit called Burro Trail. This park offers over 35 miles of hiking trails to keep you occupied all day long!
Mount Galbraith Trail is a steep, rocky stretch of trail delivering a jaw-dropping perspective. Or, make your way to Windy Saddle Park and pick between two paths battling trailhead-to-trailhead against the best hikes in Golden! The Chimney Gulch Trail climbs close to 2,000 feet in a mere matter of miles, while the Beaver Brook Trail extends through forested slopes and a majestic peak. Which will be the best in your book?
Discover Other Golden & Jefferson County Trails
Looking for even more spots to explore? Across the city, you’ll find over 40 miles of paved trails, ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
In the larger Jefferson County area, there are more than 265 miles of trails, 25-plus parks, and over 58,000 acres of open space. From concrete paths in suburban neighborhoods to rocky cliffs and peaks, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy, regardless of ability and experience!
