20 favorite scenic hikes near Golden

Written for and published in the Summer/Fall publication of Golden Magazine

Golden, Colorado’s moniker as the Gateway to the Rocky Mountains has an obvious benefit for all lovers of the great outdoors: incredible and scenic hiking trails surrounding Golden.

Whether you’re hoping to go on a stroll or an intense ascent, the trails around Golden are plentiful and diverse—offering a little something for everyone. Here are 20 scenic hikes near Golden.

1. North Table Mountain Trail

(1.5 miles, moderate – difficult)

This trail traverses the southwest side of North Table Mountain, exposing views of the Golden Valley and the Denver skyline in the distance.

2. South Table Mountain Trail

(1.4 miles, easy)

The South Table Mountain Trail is relatively quick and highly rewarding. It begins minutes from downtown Golden on a semi-steep, narrow dirt trail with towering city views across the mesa.

3. Lookout Mountain Trail

(4.4 miles, moderate)

Embark on this historic trail to reach the iconic Lookout Mountain. You can admire sweeping vistas while traversing Windy Saddle Open Space to the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve and back.

4. Apex Park

Golden’s Apex Park has interconnected trails that cater to hikers of all abilities. The setting allows for exploring dense forests, rocky outcrops, and cascading streams.

Top trail options include Magic Mountain – Argos – Apex – Enchanted Forest Trail (5.5 miles, moderate), Apex – Enchanted Forest Loop (3.7 miles, moderate) and Apex – Pick ‘N Sledge Loop (3.9 miles, moderate).

5. Clear Creek Trail

(2 miles, easy)

Golden’s Clear Creek Trail is a multi-use loop that follows the banks of Clear Creek through several neighborhoods, including the downtown area.

This loop connects to the Greater Clear Creek Trail, a 19.1-mile system extending from Golden to Wheat Ridge, eventually connecting with other trails in the Denver Metro area.

6. Chimney Gulch Trail

(6.9 miles, moderate – difficult)

Chimney Gulch Trail is an out-and-back trail that climbs to the summit at Lookout Mountain Nature Center. It passes through a mix of grass prairie and pine forests, crossing streams at several places.

7. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is home to over 35 miles of trails that meander through dense forests, alpine meadows and shimmering lakes.

Hike recommendations include Beaver Trail (2.3 miles, difficult), Black Bear Trail (2.5 miles, difficult) and Blue Grouse Trail (0.8 miles, moderate).

8. Mount Galbraith Loop (via Cedar Gulch Trail)

(4.2 miles, moderate)

This loop trail impresses with a mix of canyon and far-reaching valley views. It’s popular for avid hikers but still accessible for beginners, with shaded forests, open meadows and a blend of wildlife such as cliff-nesting eagles and big horn sheep.

9. Matthews/Winters Park Trails

Matthews/Winters Park has 2,435 acres of open space and 13.6 miles of trails, notably surrounding Red Rocks Park. Several hikes capture the beauty of the iconic formations and the rolling foothills in the background.

Hikes to check out include Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Loop (3.2 miles, moderate), Red Rocks Trail – Cherry Gulch Loop (2.9 miles, easy) and Dinosaur Ridge (3.7 miles, moderate).

10. Raccoon Loop Trail

(2.5 miles, easy)

Raccoon Loop Trail is accessible and beautiful. It’s located in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and features wildflowers, trickling brooks, aspen trees, snow-capped peaks and plenty of shade.

11. Golden Cliffs Trail

(3.5 miles, difficult)

The trail to the renowned climbing destination Golden Cliffs Preserve provides challenging, steep terrain with grades that exceed 25 percent. Enjoy views of sheer rock faces against the dramatic backdrop of Clear Creek Canyon.

12. Bill Couch Mountain (via Golden Eagle Trail)

(6.9 miles, moderate)

Located within Deer Creek Canyon Park in nearby Littleton, the Bill Couch Mountain Trail provides a peaceful retreat among towering ponderosa pines and tranquil meadows in a wilderness setting.

13. Grant Terry Trail

(0.7 miles, easy)

Part of Golden’s expansive Clear Creek trail system, the Grant Terry Trail is a paved, 15-foot-wide path that runs alongside Clear Creek up the canyon. It’s a family-friendly pedestrian walk that’s especially pleasant during summertime.

14. Elk Range Trail

(6.6 miles, easy – moderate)

The Elk Range Trail within Centennial Cone Park offers scenic, high-alpine views of snowcapped mountains and highland meadows. As its name suggests, it also has incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Note: Elk Range Trail is closed from February 1 through mid-June to protect elk during their calving season.

15. Fairmount Trail

(3.7 miles, moderate)

Fairmont Trail follows a narrow, artificial waterway from Arvada to Golden on the east of North Table Mountain. It passes through residential areas on a flat, gravel and dirt pathway, with stunning views from the mesa.

16. Mount Zion Trail

(1.3 miles, moderate)

You might recognize this trail by the giant “M” at the top, representing the local college, Colorado School of Mines. Mount Zion Trail is a short hike with a few punches of strenuous incline, ending with impressive valley views.

17. 6^th Avenue Trail

(3.5 miles, easy)

The 6^th Avenue Trail follows its namesake highway from Colorado School of Mines to Colfax Avenue. It offers expansive views of the surrounding foothills and passes by Jefferson County’s 125-foot glass-enclosed dome government building before connecting to the Clear Creek Trail and History Park.

18. Lubahn Trail

(2.5 miles, moderate)

The Lubahn Trail loops to South Table Mountain’s Castle Rock. It climbs about 400 feet to the base of the cliffs and gives an intimate look at the iconic formation.

19. Nightbird Gulch Trail

(3.4 miles, moderate – difficult)

Nightbird Gulch Trail leads into the Mount Galbraith Open Space Park. This trail is a fun excursion that explores the Front Range Foothills and is known for rough, rocky steps and ledges.

20. Tucker Gulch Trail

(1.10 mile, moderate – difficult)

The Tucker Gulch Trail is an uphill trek that starts in town at Vanover Park and travels along the Tucker Gulch drainage. It’s a steady climb along an abandoned railroad bed, making for a unique hike with scenic views.

Ready for adventure? Check out one of these scenic hikes near Golden to experience the Colorado foothills’ fresh air and majestic beauty on the trails.

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