Best Hikes In Golden Gate Canyon State Park. With beautiful mountains, 35 miles of trails and over 150 campsite

With beautiful mountains, 35 miles of trails and over 150 campsites, this state park is a great place to spend some time out in nature. 7 miles and about 2400' elevation gain. Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden, Colorado, is a nature lover’s paradise. Located about an hour and fifteen minutes south of Estes Park near Rollinsville, Golden Explore the most popular views trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Sep 26, 2015 · The Horseshoe Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a wonderful hike for older kids, experienced and non-experienced hikers. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park/golden-gate-canyon-state-park-camping-lodging This lollipop-style loop takes you through beautiful aspen and ponderosa pine woodlands to Frazer Meadow. Tim and I have hiked this trail multiple times and in multiple different seasons. 8 mile trail is is on the easy side of moderate with about 900 feet of elevation gain up to about 9100 feet in elevation. Aug 19, 2023 · Discover the thrill of adventure at Golden Gate Canyon State Park with our comprehensive trail guide. Windy Peak is a summit hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Explore the most popular lake trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Oct 1, 2025 · Located just 45 minutes west of Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of Colorado’s best hidden gems. Jan 8, 2025 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of the closest state parks to the greater Denver area, providing a quick and easy escape route to the mountains. This trail packs in plenty of elevation right from the get-go! Dec 5, 2023 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Discover the natural beauty and outdoor adventures at Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Denver. us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park • Access information: Golden Gate Canyon State Park requires a reservation for backcountry campsites. Activity, States, Canyoneering And More 1 day ago · About Anza-Borrego Desert State Park ® Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. Just an hour from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon has 35 miles of trails for your outdoor adventures. A reservation is required to camp at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and it’s easy to make one. Oct 30, 2022 · Explore the raccoon loop trail in the golden canyon state park. Jan 23, 2023 · Guide to Golden Gate Canyon State Park for families! Find the best trails, activities, and cool places to stay in the park. Explore all our Colorado Hiking Trails. The Mountain Lion Trail is all the quintessential Colorado Hikes wrapped into one. This Colorado state park offers a variety of year-round recreation within an hour of Denver or Boulder. Located within the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, visitors are required to purchase a day pass which typically costs around $6USD. Many visitors want to know the difficulty of these trails before traveling to the park. The parking lot for this trail is very small so consider arriving early or on weekdays. How to Hike the Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park If you’re looking for a beautiful hike in Colorado that offers stunning views but is short enough to tackle on a weeknight, look no further than the Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Explore Golden Gate Canyon State Park! Book a site at Reverend's Ridge or Aspen Meadows campgrounds, explore 35 miles of trails, or fish at Kriley Pond. The main attractions are camping, fishing, and lots of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. 04 km 2) Front Range park established in 1960 has 42 miles (68 km) of hiking trails. Several clear, well-signed trails whisk hikers to the summit of “Windy Peak” requiring only the most basic navigation skills. As one of the longest trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, the Mountain Lion trail will take you through aspen groves, open meadows, and evergreen forests. Worth checking out the park’s other trails and the yurts. This is my favorite GGCSP hike!!! We'll have views of the Continental Divide from Mount Blue Sky to Longs Peak with different variations throughout the hike. There are 12 marked hiking trails in the park that cover about 36 miles. It was 2/3rds snow covered and some ice in places: we were glad to be wearing our spikes. Practice Leave No Trace at Golden Gate Canyon State Park and leave this place better than you found it! Plan ahead and prepare: Cell coverage is limited in the entire park. Just a few minutes' drive from town, Golden Gate Canyon can be a winter wonderland with snow-frosted trees, or it can be a mild, dry hiking haven with spectacular views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in the distance. Choosing which routes to travel might feel a little daunting, but to soak in the most gorgeous views with minimal grunt work, opt for Golden Gate Canyon State Park Loop. Explore the most popular kid-friendly trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This is a great trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It’s a great trail for spotting wildlife, from birds to deer, viewing fall colors and wildflowers, and taking in the beautiful scenic view along the trail. The park has over 35 hiking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes. Explore the Golden Gate Canyon State Park Loop hiking trail with detailed trail maps, elevation, distance, trail difficulty, and trail photos. Sitting between 8 and 10 thousand feet, this place might Keep reading for the top 12 things to do on your next visit to Golden Gate Canyon. Dec 24, 2025 · Discover America's stories. The trail goes between aspen forests, conifer forests, open meadows and beautiful views. Last 100 yds very challenging. Located northwest of Golden, CO. Hiked to western peak Nice Sep 16, 2024 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park, nestled near the foothills west of Denver, holds a special place in the hearts of Colorado residents and visitors alike. us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park#230548828-3861253093 This lollipop-shaped route will take you on a hike to the gorgeous Panorama Point for 360-degree views. Drivers can cruise on paved roads all the way to several trailheads servicing the peak. Oct 16, 2025 · Colorado's Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting, making it an ideal destination. state. Whether you’re planning a day hike, a weekend camping trip, or a peaceful mountain getaway, this park is an ideal first-time destination filled with nature, views, and quiet moments. This day hike near Denver takes you 1. Its rich tapestry of trails, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging climbs, offers a perfect escape for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. A moderate to difficult 6. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities within an hour’s drive of the Denver Metro Area. Explore the most popular walking trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This is a review of Beaver Trail, a 2. Explore the most popular snowshoeing trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Explore the most popular trails in my list Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Reservations can be made for campsites, yurts and cabins online at cpwshop. There are miles and miles of hiking trails. Sep 3, 2025 · Chase Colorado fall colors on the Horseshoe Trail to Frazer Meadow, a golden aspen hike just 30 miles from Denver. Good challenging hike. The park has over 36 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, meandering through meadows, forests, and mountains, with breathtaking views along the way. 4. 6 days ago · For more information, please visit: https://cpw. Hiked up to Windy Peak via the Mountain Lion Trail. 5 mile loop hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Parked at Nott Creek Trailhead, super easy to find. Watch short videos about golden gate canyon state park activities from people around the world. Dec 7, 2008 · Just 16 miles northwest of Golden, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a nearby day adventure for residents of the Denver Metro. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 78 to 5,810 feet in elevation gain. In this article, we discuss the difficulty of these trails in depth. Sep 9, 2024 · Here are five great places to see fall colors in Golden: Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This family-friendly trail is great for hiking and biking! 1 of the best trails with views! Oct 9, 2015 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just 30 minutes from Denver and a good place to see fall colors. The park is about 15 miles west of Golden and about 45 minutes from our house. On the way, you'll hike along the Mule Deer Trail, which parallels Mountain Base Road. Explore the hiking trail profiles and camping information for more details. Chimney Gulch Trail (from Highway 6) Chimney Gulch is one of the best hikes near Golden, CO, especially if you’re training for a bigger adventure. Nov 17, 2018 · The park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails and some of the most accessible backcountry camping near Denver. First time hiking the Raccoon Trail on 10/21/25 at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Perfect for short hikes, kid-friendly excursions, and family-friendly outings, these routes offer something for everyone. Jun 1, 2025 · A short but steep trail that starts and ends at a fishing pond, the Beaver Trail is perfect for a quick morning getaway. Jan 14, 2020 · For more information, please visit: https://cpw. A 12,000-acre Colorado gem offering diverse landscapes, from forests to meadows, perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The parking area is limited to a few spots and there is usually a ranger stationed at the turn off to the road to the Golden Gate Canyon State Park is perfect for fall hikes and Raccoon Trail offers plenty of color and views. May 13, 2021 · Plan a getaway to the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, near Denver and Golden, with tips on things to do and where to stay. Located just 14 miles west of Golden, the 12,000-acre state park preserves a huge landscape of rolling evergreen-covered foothills, sprinkled with bright gold aspen groves. Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides a home for a great number and variety of wildlife, including moose, bighorn sheep, black bear, mule deer, elk, snowshoe hare, coyote, bobcat, beaver, weasel, marten, fox, marmot and porcupine — all animals to keep an eye out for while you visit. Nestled between the Front Range foothills and Rocky Mountains, Golden Gate Canyon is a patchwork terrain bustling with wildlife. The thin trail then runs alongside a river and is lined with aspens. Tucked within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, this park is renowned for its diverse landscapes offering rugged mountain terrain, tranquil meadows, and abundant wildlife. Some of the best hikes in the park are the Raccoon Trail and any of the trails leading to John Frazer Cabin. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Sep 16, 2024 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park, nestled near the foothills west of Denver, holds a special place in the hearts of Colorado residents and visitors alike. 5 mile loop trail is in the north part of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The twelve trails at Golden Gate Canyon are each named after an animal and marked with a two-letter abbreviation that corresponds to that animal. There are over 35 miles of hiking trails in the park - each named after an animal - from easy jaunts to challenging loops, including about 19 miles of multi-use trails for mountain bikers and horseback riders as well. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park that are great for the whole family. Jan 20, 2019 · I first hiked this trail as a tourist in the summer of 2010, and now I finally explored it again as a resident, this time in the winter. Oct 11, 2017 · This scenic hike explores the northwestern corner of 12,000-acre Golden Gate Canyon State Park, one of the gems of Colorado’s extensive park network. May 27, 2025 · Trip Hiking – Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Mountain Lion Loop We will start at Nott Creek and follow Mountain Lion Loop, with side trips to Windy Point and City Lights Ridge, making this hike 8. The Forgotten Valley in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a step back in time. Sep 7, 2022 · Crowd: moderately trafficked When entering Golden Gate Canyon State Park, stop at the park ranger station to purchase your parking pass for the day. Tell friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return. Over 35 miles of hiking trails in the park offer pleasures and challenges for everyone. Add Your Trails Oct 2, 2016 · Our kids loved this 2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides lush forests, meadows, and peaks for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing just outside Denver. From hiking and wildlife viewing to fishing, boating, and winter sports, this guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable visit. Bring extra food, water, layers, and a map. This family-friendly trail is great for hiking and biking! 1 of the best trails with views! Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a Colorado State Park located in Gilpin and Jefferson counties northwest of Golden, Colorado. Mar 5, 2024 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park has many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Aug 30, 2024 · Exploring Golden Gate Canyon State Park on foot is a delightful way to connect with nature. This 3. For more information, please visit: https://cpw. As a State Park, you need to pay a fee to enter, so we stopped at the Visitor’s Center, paid our fee and got some tips on where to hike and fish. We share our experiences and everything you need to know before you hike the park. Jan 10, 2026 · For more information, please visit: https://cpw. We usually see moose there in the fall, too. Uncover breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. May 29, 2024 · Hiking – Golden Gate Canyon State Park I call this hike: Black Bear/Horseshoe Loop and spur trail up to Coyote Trail Highpoint. There’s almost no cell service in the park so have your directions and trail info ready before you go. Some popular summer hiking trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park are Raccoon Trail, Mountain Lion Trail, Ralston Roost via Black Bear and Horseshoe Loop, Panorama Point via Mule Deer Trail and Raccoon Trail, and Snowshoe Hare Trail. Explore the most popular easy trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. Explore the most popular forest trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The endless wilderness of the Golden Gate Canyon State Park makes it easy to see why visitors flock to this state park for fun activities. Golden Gate Canyon features 12,000 acres of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Explore the most popular moderately challenging trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This park is not only beautiful, but it’s a great place to enjoy some fresh mountain air. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike, explore the park's scenic trails, engage in exciting activities, and Moved Permanently The document has moved here. To help you make the most of your adventures, we’ve compiled the top easy hikes and walks in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Here’s a quick guide to camping and activities in the park. 4-mile loop hike that follows meltwater creeks, crossing green meadows replete with wildflowers, and offers great views at the summit of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the West. Jun 22, 2021 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park is rated one of the top places in the state to view this once-a-year event! Hike through the golden aspens on Racoon Trail, located in the northern part of the park. Here are 5 of my favorite and most magical winter hikes that can all be easily done as a day hike or day trip from Denver! ️Mayflower Gulch Garden of the Gods ️Dream Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park Tallman Ranch - Golden Gate Canyon State Park ️Eagles View Trail Loop A few things to keep in mind for winter hiking: Always check the 5 days ago · Practice Leave No Trace at Golden Gate Canyon State Park and leave this place better than you found it! Plan ahead and prepare: Cell coverage is limited in the entire park. 5 days ago · Browse the best walks in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and see interactive maps of the top 10 hiking trails and routes. Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The trail sports lots of shade, panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, wildflowers, and trickling brooks. Feb 17, 2023 · When looking for a different place to hike with your furry friend, consider Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Golden Gate Canyon State Park has 42 miles of hiking trails. It all depends on the weather. 4 days ago · Practice Leave No Trace at Golden Gate Canyon State Park and leave this place better than you found it! Plan ahead and prepare: Cell coverage is limited in the entire park. Located 15 miles northwest of Golden, CO along Golden Gate Canyon Road is the expansive Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The 12,119-acre (49. Then we answer some popular trail questions that visitors might have. In addition to scenic vistas and aspen groves, it also has good wildlife viewing. . Feb 12, 2023 · From the mesa of North Table to Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Golden has some of the best moderate hikes near Denver. 4 mile hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with beautiful views and plenty of Aspen trees. Trail was well marked the whole time, as well as signs to other connecting trails and campgrounds. Golden Gate Canyon State Park Just a few minutes drive from town, Golden Gate Canyon can be a winter wonderland with snow frosted trees, or it can be a mild, dry hiking haven with spectacular views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in the distance. 📍 Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Windy Peak via Mountain Lion Trail 🚗 ~40 min from Denver Back in Denver for a few weeks and back on the trail. Plan your visit and explore the diverse landscapes, national parks, and cultural treasures managed by the National Park Service. In late spring there are lots of wildflowers, especially in Fraser Meadow. 5 days ago · For more information, please visit: https://cpw. Tucked into the foothills northwest of Golden, the park is easily accessible from the plains as well as the Peak-to-Peak Highway and offers great hiking, mountain biking, camping, snowshoeing Dec 13, 2025 · Discover essential information to plan your visit to the Grand Canyon National Park, including activities, attractions, and tips for an unforgettable experience. com or by phone at 1-800-244-5613. Oct 9, 2015 · Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just 30 minutes from Denver and a good place to see fall colors. Over thirty-five miles of trails await the outdoor enthusiast, providing access to high mountain meadows, lush streamside corridors, rocky peaks and dense forest. Explore the most popular short trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This moderate and beautiful ~3. Five hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and many miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert. Trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park - 14 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers over 42 miles of hiking trails. Sep 15, 2023 · With roughly 40 miles of trails, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers some of the best hiking, leaf-peeping, and wildlife watching near Denver. Golden Gate Canyon is a giant state park with more than 12,000 acres of terrain to explore. Nov 1, 2023 · 1. Explore mountain meadows, streams, rocky peaks and forests year-round. co. 8-mile loop that winds through golden aspen groves. Raccoon Trail is a 3. 5 miles to an old homestead. Jul 8, 2017 · Jessica, Scooter and I spent the day at Golden Gate Canyon State Park in early June for some fishing, birding and hiking. Sitting between 8 and 10 thousand feet, this place might No-show policy: If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. [2] Final Thoughts Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of Colorado’s most underrated escapes, offering a true mountain experience just minutes from the city.

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