© VeggieTravelGirlColorado · Golden
6 Things to Do in Golden, Colorado
Golden is one of my favorite easy escapes from Denver. You get mountain views and outdoor adventures without traveling deep into the Rockies, and there’s way more to do here than I expected. From tubing down Clear Creek and looking for dinosaur tracks to touring Coors and catching the views from Lookout Mountain, here are six things I’ve personally done around Golden that I’d recommend.
The six stops
01 / 06
Tube Clear Creek
Best for: Summer adventure
Tubing Clear Creek is one of the most fun warm-weather things I’ve done in Golden. The creek runs right through town, so floating past Golden feels like a completely different way to experience it.
Good to know: Creek conditions can change quickly. Check current Clear Creek conditions and Golden’s warning-flag system before tubing; don’t assume the water is safe on any given day.
02 / 06
Visit Mother Cabrini Shrine
Best for: Views + a peaceful stop
Mother Cabrini Shrine was one of my more unexpected stops near Golden. The impressive statue and mountain setting make it memorable even if you’re just stopping for the scenery.
Good to know: This is a religious shrine and pilgrimage site, so give the space and other visitors the respect they deserve.
03 / 06
Hike Triceratops Trail
Best for: Dinosaurs + an easy adventure
This isn’t your typical Colorado mountain hike: Triceratops Trail lets you look for dinosaur tracks and traces of Golden’s prehistoric past, along with fossils and other geological features.
Good to know: The gravel trail is approximately 1.5 miles, and admission is free. It’s an easy way to do something a little different outdoors.
04 / 06
Tour Coors Brewery
Best for: An iconic Golden experience
I toured Coors Brewery while I was in Golden. It’s one of the town’s iconic stops, and getting to see the operation while learning about the brewing process made it more interesting than just seeing the brewery from outside.
Good to know: Check current tour pricing and reserve in advance.
05 / 06
Explore the Mines Museum of Earth Science
Best for: Geology + a budget-friendly stop
The Mines Museum of Earth Science at Colorado School of Mines was a surprisingly interesting stop. There are thousands of specimens in the collection, including rocks, minerals, fossils and some unusual Earth-science exhibits.
Good to know: Check the museum’s current admission information before you go.
06 / 06
Visit Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave + Lookout Mountain
Best for: History + mountain views
At Lookout Mountain, you can learn about Buffalo Bill Cody and visit his gravesite, but the views are a huge part of why I’d make the trip. I especially love this area around sunset, when the mountains and the view over Golden feel even more dramatic.
Good to know: Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, the gravesite and scenic area can make the stop worthwhile. Check the official site for current museum admission details.