Explore Golden, Colorado
Golden began developing as a center for commerce, business development, and intellectual inspiration when it was founded in the mid-1800s. Its location is fundamental to the area’s commerce and business types. The city is tucked in against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, slightly west of Denver and just 400’ higher than Denver. Golden has always been a gateway to the Rockies.
Things to do in Golden
Golden is a place where Rocky Mountain adventure meets intellectual inspiration. Its location means quick access to mountain activities and minutes from cultural attractions such as Red Rocks, Foothills Art Center, the 12th Street Historic District, and more. Golden offers rich culture, outdoor activities, scenic beauty, thriving businesses, and friendly people. Today, Golden has an eclectic business district with hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor opportunities just around the corner. Plus, the world’s largest single-site brewery, the Coors Brewery Company, sign up for a tour of the brewery. Golden is worth a visit, as no other small town in Colorado has such an intense cultural integration.
Ski Resorts Nearby Golden
Golden resides within the I-70 corridor, making it on the way to Colorado’s world-class ski resorts. In less than an hour’s drive, skiers and riders can access resorts such as Loveland, Eldora, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Winter Park. Head west on US Hwy 6, and in 40 minutes, you will arrive in Central City, renowned for its casinos.
Golden’s History
Golden’s origins are from the mid-1800s Pikes Peak Gold Rush era. Gold was discovered along Clear Creek west of Denver. The city is named after Thomas L. Golden, an early prospector, not golden as in gold strike. Gold discovered in Clear Creek attracted the area’s earliest settlers in the mid-1800s. The city quickly became an important supply stop for gold miners seeking fortunes in the adjacent mountainous regions. Due to its central geographical location, it ultimately became a trade center between the gold fields to the west and settlements to the east. Known as the “Lowell of the West,” that boasted at various times three flour mils, five smelters, the first railroad into the mountains of Colorado, Coors Brewery, brickworks, the only paper mill west of the Missouri, clay mineral deposits, coal mines, and more.
Golden, a Leader in Progress
- During the 1870s, it became home to three higher education institutions, of which the Colorado School of Mines remains today.
- In 1993 the Golden High School building was converted into the American Mountaineering Center. Making Golden a research and education hub for mountaineering.
- The Coors Brewery Company was founded in 1873 and became the largest single-site brewery in the world.
- CoorsTek, a manufacturer of technical ceramics for aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics, and more. This is a renowned business worldwide.
- Golden is home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). A federally funded research and development center. Home to the National Center for Photovoltaics, the National Bioenergy Center, and the National Wind Technology Center.
Desert Highlights Trail Camp
May 10 - May 13
777 Grande River Drive, Palisade, COJoin us for a long weekend in the colorful desert landscape of Western Colorado! This year, we have partnered with Gemin
Resplendent Rachmaninoff – Fort Collins Symphony
May 11
417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, COOur season closes with music that has captivated audiences in concert halls, movie theaters, and figure skating arenas f
Free Admission for Moms on May 11
May 11
200 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, COIn honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12, mothers and grandmothers will enjoy free admission to the Global Village M
Run to the Shrine
May 18 - May 19
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, COJoin us on Saturday, May 18 or Sunday, May 19, 2024 for Run to the Shrine, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual fundraiser r
Chalk Lines and Vines
May 18 - May 19
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 25690 E. Quincy Avenue, Aurora, COSave the date for Arapahoe County’s fourth annual spring wine and chalk art festival, held outdoors at the Arapahoe Co
Garden of the Gods Art Festival
May 18 - May 19
3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, COThe inaugural Garden of the Gods Art Festival will take place at one of the most picturesque properties of Colorado Spri
Learn to Curl with the Broadmoor Curling Club
May 25
3185 Venetucci Blvd, Colorado Springs, COThe Broadmoor Curling Club is holding a Learn to Curl Clinic 25 May 24. We welcome those who have never tried curling an
Outside Festival
Jun 01 - Jun 02
Denver Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave., Denver, COThe first-ever Outside Festival will take place in downtown Denver from June 1-2, 2024. This new event is a one-of-a-kin
Steamboat Marathon
Jun 02
Steamboat Springs, COJoin us on June 2, 2024 for the 43rd running of the Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k. Run alongside the roaring
GoPro Mountain Games Vail
Jun 06 - Jun 09
Vail, COCome celebrate 21 years with us! The nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation, which hosts the GoPro Mountain Games each year, l
