Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Golden is a historic mining town that was founded during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of 1859. It was named after Thomas L. Golden, a Georgian miner who was one of the first to prospect in the area, and is now home to the innovative Colorado School of Mines.
Things to do in Golden
Golden’s mineral richness is showcased at the Mines Museum of Earth Science, which is packed with minerals, meteorites and fossils. You can get up close to mining artefacts and marvel at two “Goodwill” moon rocks collected by the Apollo 17 mission. Don’t miss the Miss Colorado Crown, which is decorated with more than 600 gemstones.
A short drive east of Golden is the Colorado Railroad Museum, which occupies an 1880s-inspired depot. Its exhibits detail the fascinating history of the region’s railways, including its pioneering narrow-gauge mountain lines. Admire original photographs by the American West photographer William Henry Jackson or ride the rails on one of the museum’s “Steam Up” days.
Kayakers flock to Golden to run Clear Creek White Water Park’s challenging course, which is a popular destination for U.S. Olympic athletes wanting to sharpen their skills. Opening to paddlers in 1998, it boasts 240 metres of drops, eddies and waves, with natural boulders diving each of its sections. In addition to offering lessons, the park regularly hosts events, including the Eddie Bauer Invitational and the Clear Creek Whitewater Festival.
Getting around Golden
Golden is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Denver and 45 minutes from Denver International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Golden and the city centre can easily be explored on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.