Best trails in Golden
4.5(143,556 reviews)
Looking for the best hiking trails in Golden? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 129 scenic trails in the Golden area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Explore one of 36 easy hiking trails in Golden or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Golden that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(12868)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 2h 11m
There is a well maintained gravel parking lot at the start of the trail, and it is easy to access off of Golden Gate Canyon Road. This beautiful hike follows the Cedar Gulch Trail and encircles Mount Galbraith with great views of Golden, Coors Plant and Denver. If you want to reach the peak, the elevation is just over 7200 feet. You will see interesting rock formations and lots of animal trails along the way. It can be narrow in places which makes passing difficult. Bikes are not allowed,...
2
(17620)
•Moderate
•5.1 mi
The Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail, located in Genesee Park, is the perfect hiking destination. Genesee Park, located west of Golden and Windy Saddle Park, features a great network of hiking trails and is home to Bald Mountain and Genesee Mountain. This shaded loop is especially great during summertime. The route follows and crosses a creek. You can stop to take a swim along the way. During the fall, the leaves change into their gorgeous autumn colors.
To get here, you’ll take the Chief Hosa...
3
(2028)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 2h 11m
The Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Extended Loop takes you to Matthews/Winters Park near Denver. This shared trail is popular among hikers, runners, and bikers. It's well-marked and well-maintained, featuring a mix of rocky and smooth sandy sections.
Be prepared for a lack of shade and a few steep inclines. Your effort will be rewarded with beautiful views of the red rocks and surrounding mountains.
Parking is limited at the trailhead, but additional space is available along the roadside.
4
(3306)
•Moderate
•3.7 mi
•Est. 1h 55m
You'll enter this popular Apex Park loop from the West trailhead. The forest here often lives up to its name, providing shade on part of the trail, and color in the autumn months. Keep your eye out for elk on this foothills trail. You may want to pack traction gear when trails are icy or snowy during the winter months.
5
(4529)
•Moderate
•5.5 mi
•Est. 2h 52m
This is a beautiful and popular trail in the Golden, Colorado area. It takes you through the foothills and woodlands of the park. During the winter months, this route can be covered in snow or ice and traction gear is recommended. Keep your eye out for wildlife such as elk on this trail. The route features a mix of forested, shaded areas and areas exposed to the sun.
6
(4693)
•Moderate
•3.2 mi
•Est. 1h 29m
This hike takes you to North Table Mountain Park near Golden, Colorado. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, featuring boardwalk sections and stunning views of Golden, Denver, and the Rockies.
Be prepared for steep inclines, no shade, and windy conditions. There's plenty of parking and restrooms available at the trailhead.
7
(3777)
•Moderate
•3.0 mi
Located in Windy Saddle Open Space Park, this short but amazing trail will offer hikers of all skill levels some beautiful panoramic views over the city of Denver and the surrounding hills and valleys, before taking the trail to Lookout Mountain, which is also marks the location of Buffalo Bill's grave.
8
(3642)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 2h 1m
The Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop leads to North Table Mountain Park near Denver. This is a multi-use trail, but is primarily designed for mountain biking.
Along the way, you'll see large, interesting rock formations and a small waterfall, offering great views of Denver and Golden. Be prepared for steep inclines, lack of shade, and windy conditions.
9
(1978)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 2h 30m
This lollipop-shaped route will take you on a hike to the gorgeous Panorama Point for 360-degree views. On the way, you'll hike along the Mule Deer Trail, which parallels Mountain Base Road. After crossing Gap Road, you'll hike along the Racoon and Mule Deer Trail to complete the trip to Panorama Point.
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. Bring extra...
10
(2104)
•Easy
•2.4 mi
•Est. 56m
The Peaks to Plains Trailhead offers access to several different trails, including the Peaks to Plains Trail and the Welch Ditch Trail. This loop starts off on a wide, paved path on the northern banks of the water. Once you cross the bridge to get on the Welch Ditch Trail, the path turns to fairly smooth dirt and takes a higher elevation path on the southern side of the creek for the return trip. You might see some bikers out on this loop, but know that the Welch Ditch Trail is only open to...
Showing results 1–10 of 129
Trail reviews for Golden
Slightly more than a moderate hike. Lots of great views of Golden and Denver
Conditions: Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained
Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail
Wet and snowy today, but this trail is always amazing!
Chavez and Beaver Brook Loop
Great views, and not much shade.
Difficulty: Moderate
This one truly lives up to its name - completely enchanting. It’s such a nice mix of meadow and forest, with some great elevation gain on either end. I arrived at 7 and had the trail to myself, but it started to get a bit more crowded as I finished up around 9. Trail was completely dry with a couple of tiny stream crossings.
Difficulty: Moderate
Apex and Enchanted Forest Loop
First thing…hikers, runners, etc on odd days (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.)…bikers on even days. The trail is stunning. Once you get into the thick of it it’s like you’re in another foresty world! Not hard but def not easy, gets chunky in a lot of places. Lots of parking but construction makes it a bit confusing.
Conditions: No bugs, Dry ground
Magic Mountain, Argos, Apex, and Enchanted Forest Trail
Steep at first but flat & downhill and easy after that .5 mile of uphill. Nice views of the city and landscape. Nice quick hike
Tilting Mesa to Mesa Top Loop
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails in Golden?
There are plenty of things to do on Golden's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 102 hiking trails, 84 running trails, 55 walking trails, and more.
What is the longest trail in Golden?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Golden is Denver Orbital Trail: Full Trail [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 177.5 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Golden?
Golden: With an ascent of 12,539 ft, Spring Gulch and Golden Gate Scenic DriveLoop has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Denver Orbital Trail: Full Trail [CLOSED] with 12,050 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail in Golden?
The most popular and difficult trail in Golden is Beaver Brook Trail with a 4.6-star rating from 1,560 reviews.
Are there camping trails available in Golden?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 camping trails in Golden and the most popular is Frazer Meadow via Horseshoe and Mule Deer Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 2,720 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Golden?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 84 running trails in Golden and the most popular is Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 12,868 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Golden?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 60 biking trails in Golden and the most popular is Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Extended Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 2,028 community reviews.
Top parks around Golden
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Top parks
Top trails
- Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail
- Chavez and Beaver Brook Loop
- Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Extended Loop
- Apex and Enchanted Forest Loop
- Magic Mountain, Argos, Apex, and Enchanted Forest Trail
- Tilting Mesa to Mesa Top Loop
- Lookout Mountain Trail via Windy Saddle Trailhead
- Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop