Instead of schlepping up and down I-70 in a snowstorm, why not take the easy drive to Golden for a mountain getaway? Tucked into the foothills just west of Denver, Golden offers its own little slice of mountain-town paradise.
While the peaks surrounding the historic town aren’t suited to downhill skiing, they do offer other kinds of winter recreation. That could mean snowshoeing, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, or, if it happens to be a 65-degree day in January (not out of the question), hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking.
Founded in 1859 and the original capital of the Colorado territory until Denver swiped the title when Colorado officially became a state in 1876, Golden maintains much of its Old West architecture and charm.
In addition to offering a wide range of outdoor activities, Golden offers an impressively eclectic assortment of breweries, restaurants, and an ever-growing arts and culture scene.
Where to stay
There are only a handful of lodging options in downtown Golden: the 62-room Golden Hotel on Clear Creek, Table Mountain Inn (dating back to 1925), and the small boutique Dove Inn (situated in a home from circa 1866).
Two blocks from downtown, lying on the other side of Clear Creek, teeming with kayakers and tubers in summer, The Eddy Hotel & Taproom offers everything in an easy mountain getaway.
Built five years ago where the historic Rocky Mountain Fire Brick Works once stood, The Eddy’s four-story red brick building features 49 spacious units — king rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, two rooftop patios with sweeping views of the surrounding foothills, and one of the tastiest restaurants in town.
The Taproom (and open seasonally, food truck) serves elevated pub fare and barbecue, including scratch-made salads, sandwiches, a lengthy beer list, and creative cocktails with house-infused elixirs. There is free live music every Friday and Saturday evening, and when it’s warm enough, one of the most poppin’ patios (think cornhole and lawn games) around.
Hotel guests get a free continental breakfast, complete with a waffle station, pre-cooked omelets, and chef’s special salsa, plus access to a variety of excursions and activities, including yoga, cycling classes and in winter, ski trips, ice fishing, ice climbing, and snowshoe tours.
The hotel also offers free use of high-end mountain bikes and e-bikes. The Taproom launches a Miracle pop-up bar from Thanksgiving through December, typically offering a wax and whiskey ski/board wax event.
“As far as the winter escape aspect, Golden is your place close to home,” says Eddy General Manager Chris Lursen.
“We might get a couple feet of snow, then it will be 70 degrees the next day. Winter is our quietest time of year. What’s attracting people is that you get a little bit of the mountains without going all the way to the mountains, which is a huge relief when the I-70 map is red. It’s relaxing and scenic, but also an adventure-seekers getaway.”
Outdoor adventures
No matter the time of year, one of Golden’s most alluring recreational thoroughfares is the Clear Creek/Peaks to Plains trail that runs right through town alongside the creek.
On the east side, the path takes you to the Platte River in downtown Denver. To the west, it will eventually take you to the Continental Divide on Loveland Pass.
At sunset, people walk on the Peaks to Plains trail in Golden, Colorado on August 27, 2021. The trail extends up 1.4 miles up Clear Creek Canyon from the junction of U.S. 6, Colorado Highway 93 and Colorado Highway 58. (Photo by Rebecca Slezak/The Denver Post)
Still, for now, this section of paved path delves just over a mile and a half into Clear Creek Canyon, an instant entrance into the Rocky Mountains.
The path branches off to numerous hiking trails (if there’s snow and ice, you’ll need a pair of snowshoes or Yaktrax), including Welch Ditch Trail, Chimney Gulch Trail, and Gateway Trail. It also has many easy access points to some of the state’s most beloved, year-round rock climbing venues.
Golden Mountain Guides offers guided climbing, including an introduction to ice. North Table Mountain, Apex Trail, and Green Mountain are fantastic for mountain biking or fat biking in the early a.m. (don’t forget to bundle up) when the trails are frozen. If there aren’t storms, it could be a rideable day.
To escape the crowds and feel truly in the mountains, head to Golden Gate Canyon Park, where the snow often adds up and sticks around to the point you can cross-country ski on trails like Elk, Buffalo, Horseshoe, and Mule Deer.
Where to eat
Abejas is an excellent brunch or lunch spot specializing in farm-to-table fare with seasonally changing ingredients.
At the same time, nothing beats a massive bowl of steaming ramen on a cold winter’s night at its sister restaurant, Nosu Ramen.
Smack in the middle of downtown, Windy Saddle’s saloon vibe has made it a breakfast and lunch favorite for almost two decades, while Café 13 is an ideal place to saddle up and work for a couple of hours with a fancy coffee, mimosa, or all-day breakfast.
No matter the weather, there’s always a lunch line out the door for the fresh sandwiches at D’Deli.
Families flock to Woody’s Pizza, while The Sherpa House is the go-to spot for spicy and authentic Nepalese fare.
Nothing beats the hot comfort of chile rellenos or crispy pork belly at the always-busy Table Mountain Grill and Cantina or, on the lighter and more hipster end of the Mexican fare spectrum, tacos at the newly opened Pancho & Jane.
Hit the Golden Mill food hall for a quick bite any time of day.
Where to drink beer
One of the trademark features of Golden’s landscape is, of course, Coors Brewery. It’s been around nearly as long as the town since 1873. A brewery tour helps you understand the intricacies of concocting a brew and comes with a libation or two at the end.
For the suds lover looking for something more varied, every craft brewery in town boasts its unique personality and gamut of creative brews.
Launched in 1993 by founders Charlie and Janine Sturdavant’s patio, Golden City Brewery is still located on the couple’s now expanded property a couple blocks from downtown. It pours an eclectic tap list of ever-changing sours, IPAs, and German-inspired brews.
Also in town, Mountain Toad Brewing brings a cozy ambiance and a steady, well-oiled beer list.
Don’t skip Cannonball Creek Brewing on the outskirts of Golden. The brewery (taking the original title of Clear Creek, named for its cannonball-sized rocks) has won top honors at The Great American Beer Festival for several of its cleverly named brews.
Coda Brewing is tucked unassumingly into a residential neighborhood on the south end of town. However, it still serves up some of the best suds in the Centennial State, all crafted in the apothecary-themed space that sports a few iconic pinball games.
Situated directly at the base of North Table Mountain and an ideal spot for post-hike or post-ride refreshments, New Terrain Brewing, with its sprawling patios, fills up with families and dogs every weekend. It offers award-winning brews, many of which return every season, much to the relief of its ravenous fanbase.
There’s at least one food truck, weekly live music, and yoga every afternoon and evening.
Visit Goosetown Station for a sample of several local brews (including the all-gluten-free Holidaily) and live music.
Entertainment
Stroll through the Golden History Park & Museum to appreciate the town’s pioneering history. The Mines Museum, situated on the School of Mines campus, is also worth a visit, especially for those who appreciate sparkly things.
Also, Golden is shaping up to be a hub for art and culture, with the transformation of the historic Astor House into the Foothills Art Center, complete with free gallery exhibits and an array of classes.
There’s also a thriving theater scene thanks to Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, which offers a stacked lineup of plays that appeal to audiences of all ages.
Meanwhile, the first iteration of Buffalo Rose has served as Golden’s go-to entertainment spot since the city’s earliest days (1859). It continues to be the epicenter of nightlife in its newly renovated form. With two stages delivering everything from folk singers to swing quartets to established rock bands, Buffalo Rose is the place to plant yourself for dinner (the burgers, cauliflower wings, and even salads all have a spicy flare) and stay well into the evening hours.