Get to Know Downtown Golden Colorado: The Mountain Town that is Hosting a Huge Renaissance
Downtown Golden
Golden is a historic mountain town nestled in the Rockies. With its Victorian architecture, quaint shops and restaurants, and charming old-school feel, Golden has charm to spare. This little Colorado town is home to world-renowned resorts like Aspen Skiing Company and Breckenridge Ski Resort as well as national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park. The town’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring some of the most beautiful areas of the state. You can drive less than an hour to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park or more than five hours to hike in nearby Red Canyon or ski in Telluride. Take a look at our guide on everything you need to know about this picturesque mountain town…
What is the history of Golden?
Most people think of Golden as the place that you go to get a little rest and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city, but Golden is a much more than that. It is a historic mountain town nestled in the Rockies. It is home to world-renowned resorts like Aspen Skiing Company and Breckenridge Ski Resort as well as national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park. Golden is located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, at an elevation of 10,934 feet. The town is named after the golden color of the mountain meadows that surround it, as well as the golden glow in the evenings. The town was first founded as a gold mining town in 1859, and it was an important stop on the transcontinental railroad. As a result, Golden has a rich history from the Gold Rush to today, and it is a great place to visit for those interested in history, architecture, or those who just want a bit of peace and quiet.
Downtown Golden is Rich in History From The Gold Rush to Today
The city has been a hub of activity for over 150 years, as the result of all the people and traditions that have shaped Golden over the years. Nowadays, the city is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, galleries, and more that reflect the area’s rich history. Golden is also home to the National Historic Park, where you can visit the Sherman House Museum and explore the park’s many historic buildings. Because of the Gold Rush, the town’s history is one of the richest in the state. The first people to come to the area were Colorado gold miners during the late 1840s and early 1850s. The Gold Rush inspires a number of Golden traditions. Perhaps one of the most common is the “Golden Gong,” a call that sounds every hour on the hour at Golden’s Central Union Church. It is a way of keeping time while also commemorating the time when the first people came to the area looking for gold.
Where is Golden in Colorado?
Golden is located in the mountains at the base of Mount Baldy, an impressive peak that is home to the Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is about two hours from Denver, and it only takes about two hours to drive to the mountains and over to Colorado National Monument. The mountains surrounding Golden are full of activities that are perfect for adventurers and families. You can get in some hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park, or you can explore the geological wonders of Red Canyon and Telluride. You can also drive to Colorado National Monument or San Juan Mountains, where you can hike and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Where should you stay in Golden?
There are a variety of options when it comes to where to stay in Golden. The most common recommendation is the Aspen bed and breakfast, which is located just a short drive from the town. Many also recommend staying at an Airbnb in town, as there are many listings available to choose from. Another popular option is to stay at the historic Hotel Colorado – which was built in the 1920s and later converted into a bed and breakfast. Hotel Colorado is located just a short walk from many of Golden’s most popular attractions and has a lovely, historic atmosphere. If you are looking for something more affordable, you can stay at the nearby Running W Lodge, which is also a popular spot for fishing.
What to do in Golden, CO
There are so many things to do in Golden, from exploring local art and architecture to taking part in outdoor activities like fishing, boating, or hiking. You can also take a tour of the local gold mine, which is a great way to see the local gold mining history in action. If you are looking for something a little different, there are also a number of options for those interested in adventure and outdoor activities. You can try an aerial tour with Golden Adventure Tours, where you can fly over all of the beautiful scenery that Golden has to offer. If you are looking for something a little more active, you can also try mountain biking, rock climbing, or fishing. If you are interested in art and architecture, you can visit the Sherman House Museum, which is home to many of the area’s historic artifacts and buildings. You can also visit the Golden Public Library, which was designed in the Italian Renaissance style and was built in 1912.
Drink in Golden
There are many bars and restaurants in Golden, but if you are looking for something a little more unique, there are also a number of options for those interested in drinking. Golden offers many microbreweries, where you can try many different styles of beer, as well as whiskey and wine bars. Another popular option is to visit one of Golden’s many craft and specialty stores. These are great places to pick up unique souvenirs and other items that you can take home with you.
Get to Golden from Denver
Golden is located about an hour away from Denver, and you can get there quickly by using the I-70 highway. If you are coming from the south, you can drive up to Denver on I-25, or if you are coming from the north, you can take I-70. Driving up to Golden from Denver is a great option, as you can see some of the most spectacular views in the state. Another great thing about coming to Golden from Denver is that you can explore some of the other cities along the way, like Colorado Springs or Telluride.
Things to do in Golden, CO
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular things to do in the state, and Golden is located right in the middle of the park. If you are visiting Golden, you can visit the town’s historic downtown to explore the many historic buildings and museums. While you are in town, you can also explore the many hiking trails in the Rocky Mountain National Park that are just a short drive away. If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can also explore some of the nearby mountains by car, or you can try hiking in the nearby Red Canyon and Telluride.
Where to eat in Golden, CO
Golden boasts a wide variety of restaurants, from casual places to grab a bite before hitting the town’s popular nightclubs. You can also find many options for those looking for something a little more traditional, as Golden is known for its many vegan and vegetarian restaurants. For a casual meal before hitting the town’s bars, visit Golden Grill, a Golden classic that is known for its burgers and famous Golden fries. If you are looking for something a little more upscale, try visiting one of the many historical hotels in town.
Where to stay in Golden, CO
Golden has many options for lodging, from hotels in the historic downtown area to more affordable options outside of town. Golden is also a popular choice for those interested in exploring the surrounding area, as it is located near several national parks and historic mining towns. Many people also recommend staying at the Hotel Colorado, since it is one of the only hotels to be listed on the National Historic Register. This historic hotel is located just a short walk from some of Golden’s most popular attractions and has a lovely, historic atmosphere.
What to do in Golden, CO – Continued
If you are looking for something a little different to do while visiting Golden, you can attend one of the many art festivals or visit the Sherman House Museum, which is home to many historical artifacts and buildings from the area. Golden is also a good place for those interested in gold mining as it is home to several museums about the history of the area.
[…] town was originally called “Golden City” and was the first capital of the Colorado Territory, before the capital was moved to Denver. […]