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.
