Looking for the best hikes in Golden, Colorado?
Golden is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and incredible hiking trails.
The city is settled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The best hiking trails in Golden offer stunning vistas, challenging terrain, and unforgettable experiences in the Front Range.
From the steep ascent of South Table Mountain to the winding trails of Lookout Mountain, there is no shortage of amazing hikes to explore in Golden.
Add in the interesting sights on trails including sculptures, dinosaur tracks, and wildlife sightings of deer and elk.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best hikes in Golden, Colorado for outdoor lovers, families, and couples.
Also Read: 23 Best Things to do in Golden, Colorado
Best Hikes in Golden, Colorado
If you’re looking for breathtaking views and a challenge, Golden, Colorado should be on your hiking bucket list.
With snow-capped mountains and over 300 days of sunshine, it’s the perfect outdoor destination.
But it’s not just the scenery that makes Golden’s hiking trails so special.
The trails themselves are diverse, ranging from easy strolls through city parks to challenging scrambles up steep mountain terrain.
Here are the best hiking trails in Golden, CO to attempt on your next trip.
Clear Creek Trail
The wide and bubbly Clear Creek runs through the center of Downtown Golden and provides hikers to experience the sights along its banks on the serene Clear Creek Trail.
It is easily one of the best hikes in Golden, CO.
The trail is almost 20 miles long paved path that is also known as the Golden Riverwalk.
There are many entry and exit points along the trail making it easy to walk as long as you want.
Along the way, you will see public artwork including sculptures and murals.
You will also see plenty of wildlife, including deer, elk, and occasionally a majestic bald eagle soaring above.
Because of its easy nature this paved trail is popular with families heading for a gentle stroll in town.
The path is also popular with bikers and has several launching points from where you can kayak or tube Clear Creek.
Triceratops Trail
Looking for a dinosaur adventure in Golden?
Take the kids on the Triceratops trail, a 1.5 mile long gentle gravel trail.
This is one of the best hiking trails in Colorado for kids.
The trail begins near Colorado School of Mines museum and takes visitors on a paved path through large sandstone slabs.
Interpretative exhibits along the trail explain about the dinosaur tracks as well as other animals and bird fossils found along the trail.
Kids love to see the prehistoric fossils and dinosaur tracks on the path.
The trail ends at Fossil Trace Golf Course, a public golf course in Golden.
Some of the holes on this golf course are located right next to dino tracks which is really cool to see.
The golf course club house has a large triceratops sculpture if you want more dinosaur things!
This is one of the best hikes in Golden for all dinosaur lovers.
Bob Weimar Trail
Bob Weimar Mines Geology Trail is a part of the Mines Museum of Earth Science and a must for geology enthusiasts.
The trail loops around the museum and has many exhibits including fossils, geological formations, rock specimens, historical artifacts, and more Front Range trivia.
It has 8 stops with first being the Geology Museum itself.
The trail can get difficult especially if its hot outside as there is little shade.
The trail also has a very uneven terrain, hence not recommended for strollers or wagons.
It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
You can get a trail brochure here.
Mother Cabrini Shrine Trail
Golden’s Mother Cabrini Shrine is dedicated to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, a Catholic missionary.
Mother Cabrini Shrine trail is a unique Golden attraction that leads devotees and visitors to the shrine.
This trail is just 0.4 miles out and back but has an elevation gain of almost 200 ft in the form of 373 steps to the top!
The climb takes about 15 minutes without rests; we recommend carrying water and wearing a hat.
As you take the stairs, you will see Stations of the Cross.
Benches are also available for those who need a break.
At the top, you will find a 22 foot tall statue of Jesus.
From the top you can also enjoy panoramic views of Golden, Denver, and the mountain ranges.
At the base near the parking lot, you will find a spring, garden, and the chapel – do not miss these when you visit!
The shrine is located right off I-70 and is a one of the best hikes in Golden if you want a good workout.
South Table Mountain Trail System
South Table Mountain Park near Golden is a large sprawling park with over 16 miles of hiking trails.
It is a part of Jefferson County Open Space.
Fossil Trail is a 1.6 miles long easy trail featuring wild flowers and scenic views.
Other popular trails at the park include Cretaceous Trail Loop and the Basalt Cap Loop Trail.
You can also hike the loop trail to Castle Rock for a total hike of almost 6 miles.
The park is also a habitat for raptors who nest on the cliffs, hence the Lava Loop trail is closed during the nesting season.
Do not go off trail as the environment here is easily disturbed.
Golden Cliffs Trail
Golden Cliffs Trail, located in North Table Mountain Park, is very popular for rock climbing.
Hikers can also use this trail with caution and be prepared for a challenging hike with steep climb.
The trail is little over 3 miles out and back and has over 1000 feet of elevation gain.
If you do attempt this hike, the views from top are incredible at sunset.
Wildlife sightings on this trail are fairly common and you can see elks, deer, birds, and hares.
Rim Rock Trail
Rim Rock Trail is also located at North Table Mountain Park.
The challenging hike is 8 miles long and has little shade.
It is pretty steep in the beginning then evens out at the end, the views from the top are gorgeous!
It can also be done as extension to the North Table Loop Trail.
The trail is popular with mountain bikers as well as hikers.
This North Table Mountain Trail is seasonally closed from February to end of July to protect the raptor nesting habitats.
Meadow and Forest Loop Trail
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is great for family hikes in Golden area.
Meadow Loop Trail is 0.8 miles long while the Forest Loop Trail is just over half a mile.
Kids can easily do both hikes for a 1.6 mile loop.
This Lookout Mountain Trail is popular for its easy difficulty, fantastic views, and plenty of wildlife encounters.
The nature center has many exhibits on Colorado wildlife for kids and is a must visit.
Beaver Trail
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of the best hiking destinations near Golden, Colorado.
The park is home to many great trails; each named after an animal.
Beaver Trail is a 2.3 mile long challenging trail with an elevation gain of over 685 feet.
You can hike the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise, park rangers recommend clockwise to avoid a steep climb.
The hike has plenty of shade and takes about 3 hrs.
Sightings of moose, elk, and other wildlife on the trail is very common.
Horseshoe Trail
Also located inside Golden Gate Canyon State Park, this is a great trail for wildflower sightings through early summer.
It is 1.8 miles one way and of moderate difficulty level.
The trail begins at Frazer Meadow trailhead and follows a stream.
Points of interest on the trail include an old homestead, wildlife sightings, and gorgeous fall colors.
Older kids can easily complete this Golden hiking trail.
Racoon Trail
If you are looking for an easy trail at Golden Gate State Park, the Racoon Loop Trail is a great fit.
It is 2.5 miles long and takes less than an hour to complete.
The path will take you through open meadows and forests and the aspen groves on the trail look just stunning in fall.
In fact, it is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado.
At the end you will reach Panorama overlook from where you can see majestic views of the Continental Divide.
Kids can complete this hike easily, making it good for hiking families.
Chimney Gulch Trail
In the beautiful Windy Saddle Park on Lookout Mountain, you will find the challenging Chimney Gulch Trail.
It is 6.8 miles long out and back and has a steep climb with an elevation gain of over 1700 feet.
The trail can be pretty strenuous depending on your fitness level, however the views from top are worth all the effort.
On a clear day you can see snow-covered peaks, Golden downtown, and even Denver skyline!
This lookout mountain trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete at a moderate pace; kids may find it too challenging although teens may enjoy it.
The trail crosses Lookout Mountain Road at several points; be on the lookout for traffic.
Beaver Brook Trail
Beaver Brook Trail Loop is also located in Windy Saddle Park; it is a great day trip from Denver.
The hike is 13 miles long and has an elevation gain of over 3290 feet.
The trail passes through meadows, pine forests, and lovely mountain streams.
It has some areas with steep climbs and scrambling over large boulders.
Wildlife sightings are very common on the trail including elks and deer.
You can also enjoy wildflowers through late summer on this evergreen hike.
While the trail is long, you can hike as much as you want before turning back.
Apex to Enchanted Forest Loop
Apex Trail to Enchanted Forest Trail Loop in Apex Open Space Park is a 3.5 miles long hiking trail in Golden, CO.
The trail is open to hikers only on odd dates and to bikers and horseback riders on even dates.
It is a great trail for families with older kids as the hike has some rock scrambles and steep spots.
The elevation gain on the trail is 790 feet, so plan accordingly.
The woods around the trail are home to many wildflowers, wildlife, and birds; however it should be noted that there are rattlesnakes and mountain lions in this area.
Mount Galbraith Loop Trail
If you are looking for a great hiking adventure near Golden, you should head to Mt. Galbraith Park located off Golden Gate Canyon Road.
This park is just 10 minutes away from downtown Golden and home to several fun trails.
Mt. Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail is a 4 mile long moderate route that is famous for its spectacular scenery.
The loop trail is a combination of 2 trails; Cedar Gulch and Mt. Galbraith.
It has an elevation gain of around 920 feet and takes about 2 to 4 hours depending on your speed.
Along the trail you will find incredible views of Golden, the Coors Brewery in downtown, Denver skyline, and Rocky mountains in the distance.
Elk Range Trail
Elk Range Trail is a moderate trail located in Centennial Cone Park, half hour west of Golden, CO.
It is 6 miles long and has an elevation gain of around 800 feet.
You get to enjoy stunning views on the trail as it circles Centennial Cone, with some overlooks offering panoramas as far as Denver.
The trail passes through meadows, pine forests, and meandering streams and is a nice, easy walk for the most part.
Wildlife sighting is quite common in this area; you may spot elk and deer herds if you are lucky!
The trail is closed in the elk birthing season to protect the calves.
Gateway Segment Trail
Gateway Segment Trail is located in Clear Creek Canyon Park near Golden.
It is a part of the larger Peaks to Plains Trail and is perfect for those seeking local history on their workout.
This 1.8 mile trail is easy and connects with downtown Golden at Clear Creek.
The trail goes through the canyon and follows the creek; it is very scenic.
You will find historical features along the trail including old gold mining sites, homesteads, and remains of a railroad.
It takes about two hours to complete this segment; you can expect great views of Clear Creek Canyon and its surrounding mountains throughout the hike.
Rawhide Trail
Rawhide Trail is a 5 miles long trail in White Ranch Park, just minutes away from Golden downtown.
This easy trail passes through meadows and pine forests; you can see wildflowers in summer and fall colors in autumn.
Wildlife sightings are common on this hike; you may spot deer, elk, birds, and foxes if you are lucky!
Dakota Ridge Trail
Dakota Ridge Trail is a 5.5 miles trail with much more challenging terrain.
It is located in Matthews Winters Open Space Park.
The hike in Golden is quite popular with mountain bikers and trail runners as well.
You can enjoy beautiful views overlooking red rocks on the trails.
It can get quite muddy after a storm.
Golden, Colorado, is a hiker’s paradise with endless trails to explore.
Many of the trails near Golden can also be used by mountain bikers and horseback riders.
The trails offer spectacular views of the towering mountains and the clear blue sky.
They loop through serene pine forests and over lush alpine meadows and leave hikers feeling refreshed and invigorated with the time spent in nature.
What are your favorite Golden hiking trails? Did we miss any amazing hikes in Golden? Drop a comment below.