Golden, Colorado, is about 12 miles west of Denver and makes a manageable day trip for downtown streets, Clear Creek and foothills scenery. For things to do in Golden, start in the historic center, then walk the creekside loop or continue toward Clear Creek Canyon Park.
- Golden is west of Denver, connected by several highways.
- The Clear Creek Trail offers an easy, paved 2-mile loop.
- The RTD W Line connects Denver Union Station with Jefferson County Government Center–Golden Station.
- Downtown Golden is about 2.5 miles from that station.
At a glance
5 places · swipe
01Getting from Denver to GoldenGolden sits west of Denver, and you can reach it by road or by combining rail and local transit.
02A walk through downtown GoldenDowntown Golden gives you a compact first stop, with Main Street at the center of the walk.
03Creekside and foothills stopsThe Clear Creek Trail is an easy, paved 2-mile loop running along 10th Street from Ford Street to the 6th…- 04Planning the return to DenverAllow for your chosen connection back to Denver, especially if you are relying on a local shuttle or bus…
- 05FAQsGolden is about 12 miles west of Denver.
Getting from Denver to Golden
Golden sits west of Denver, and you can reach it by road or by combining rail and local transit. Visit Golden identifies I-70, U.S. Highway 6, Highway 58, Highway 93 and C-470 as routes connecting to the city.
For a car-free trip, RTD’s W Line runs between Denver Union Station and Jefferson County Government Center–Golden Station. Downtown Golden is about 2.5 miles from the station, with an estimated walk of about one hour, so plan a local connection if you do not want to walk that distance.
If you are sorting out city connections before leaving, the guide to getting around Denver covers transport from the downtown area.
A walk through downtown Golden
Downtown Golden gives you a compact first stop, with Main Street at the center of the walk. The 58-foot-long Welcome Arch spans the street and has greeted visitors since 1949.
Take time to walk along Main Street before heading toward the creek. The historic center is a natural place to begin the day, and it sets up an easy progression from town streets to the nearby public trail.
For a second city day, a one-day downtown Denver itinerary offers a different way to structure your time in the region.
Creekside and foothills stops
The Clear Creek Trail is an easy, paved 2-mile loop running along 10th Street from Ford Street to the 6th Avenue bridge. You can use it for a creekside walk, or bring a bike, stroller, roller blades or skateboard.
Pedestrians and tubers should use the trail on the north side of Clear Creek. Dogs must be leashed, and glass and alcohol are not allowed at the creek. Trail access is described as dawn to dusk; check the official site before you go for current trail and access details.
If you want to continue into the foothills, Clear Creek Canyon Park has multi-use trails. One described route is 3.25 miles one way; many visitors make it a 6.5-mile out-and-back or a loop. The park’s trails are open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, and electronic gates enforce a no-overnight-parking policy.
How do you get around Golden without a car?
Local transit can bridge the gap between the rail station and downtown, but check the operator’s current service before setting out. RTD Route 17 serves downtown Golden and connects to Oak Station on the W Line and Federal Center Station.
RTD Route GS connects Golden with Boulder and Lakewood via the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines and Federal Center Station.
The free Ore Cart shuttle has Gold, Silver and Tungsten routes. Its Tungsten route connects Jefferson County Government Center RTD station with downtown Golden and the Colorado School of Mines. Golden FlexRide operates Monday–Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; no Sunday or holiday service is available.
Planning the return to Denver
Allow for your chosen connection back to Denver, especially if you are relying on a local shuttle or bus as well as the W Line. If you drive, free parking is available at the Clear Creek Parking Lot at 304 10th Street, near Vanover Park.
Jackson Street garage parking costs $2.50 per hour, with a $10 daily maximum; the first two hours are free when you register the vehicle’s license plate.
Public garages and lots require registration even for stays under two hours, and parking is free after 5 p.m. except in neighborhood permit zones. On 10th Street west of Washington Avenue, parking requires a permit or license-plate registration, including during the free first two hours.
A public shuttle operated by Adventure West runs between Vanover Park and the Gateway Trailhead. Two upstream rides cost $15 per person, with walk-ups accepted if space allows. Inflated tubes are not permitted on the Ore Cart.
FAQs
How far is Golden from Denver?
Golden is about 12 miles west of Denver.
Is there a train from Denver to Golden?
The RTD W Line runs from Denver Union Station to Jefferson County Government Center–Golden Station. Downtown Golden is about 2.5 miles from that station.
How long is the Clear Creek Trail loop?
The paved loop is 2 miles and follows 10th Street from Ford Street to the 6th Avenue bridge.
Can you walk from the Golden rail station to downtown?
Yes. Downtown is about 2.5 miles from Jefferson County Government Center–Golden Station, and the estimated walk is about one hour.