Welcome to Golden
A charming small town at the base of the Rocky Mountains
Golden City served as the capital of the provisional Territory of Jefferson from 1860 to 1861, and the capital of the official Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1867. It has an idyllic small-town feeling and is secluded from the hustle and bustle of a major city. That isn’t to say there is nothing to do. Packed with outdoor adventure, Golden boasts many miles of hiking trails ranging from novice to expert and mountain climbing options.
What to Love
- Small town feeling
- At the base of the Rocky Mountains
- Secluded for privacy
- Plenty of outdoor recreation
Local Lifestyle
Take a stroll through downtown Golden. Its quaint, old-Western style design is worth admiring while shopping at locally-owned stores along the street. Golden shops offer several options, ranging from outdoor gear and breweries to boutiques and art galleries. Trails in Golden are common pastimes, like the Clear Creek Trail, which is accessible through Golden’s business district.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza has been serving mouth-watering food in Golden since 1993. The restaurant has a western-style theme with an inviting feeling. They offer a salad bar and their popular semolina and honey crust pizzas.
If you’re in the mood for something different,
Sherpa House Restaurant and Culture Center is a Nepalese restaurant serving traditional and rich Himalayan cuisine. Their menu is enormous and offers a diverse array of dishes. The food and service are exceptional and will keep you coming back for more.
Festivals are plentiful in Golden, Colorado.
Buffalo Bill Days, located in Mountain Park, features a western-style parade, a car show, and the famous Mutton Bustin. Mutton Bustin is a unique and quintessential part of the event where kids put on helmets and vests and hang on to a sprinting sheep for as long as possible. Then there's the
Autumn Festival which celebrates Golden and has hands-on activities for whole families. A favorite is the
Candlelight Walk in December, where a procession of people lighting candles strolls down Washington Avenue singing carols. Roasted chestnuts and hot cider are enjoyed after the walk.
Things to Do
As you would imagine, mountain climbing is a major outdoor sport in Colorado. It is almost as synonymous with Colorado as the Rocky Mountains are. If you’re interested in learning about the extensive mountaineering culture in Colorado, the
Mountaineering Museum is a great place to start. With its mission to educate on mountain culture and sport and inspire modern climbers with a greater appreciation of its history, it makes for the perfect introduction. Novices and experts alike can appreciate the curated displays and historical knowledge this museum provides.
Golden is also home to the distinguished
School of Mines and a public research university focused on science and engineering. It is rated the safest public university in the state and is located in the center of Golden. The university is vital to community engagement as it hosts sports matches and music festivals. There are also several restaurants, breweries, recreational activities, boutiques, and art galleries that can be found around the university area.
Furthermore, the
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a venue nearby Golden that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Services and the Department of Interior. It has exceptional acoustics and an inspiring ambiance due to its natural ochre sandstone. The amphitheater has been host to a star-studded list of performers who love its unique beauty. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a local favorite and is noted for having spectacular hiking and biking trails.
Schools
