Located halfway between Golden and Nederland, this massive 12,000-acre state park has plenty of hiking trails and climbing opportunities. Camping is permitted both at established campsites and in the backcountry. A visitor center near the southeast entrance has lots of maps and info on the park. This is the best spot to see aspen trees close to Denver.
Shutterstock / Robert O Hull
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Colorado
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.8 MILES
When the setting sun brings out a rich, orange glow from the rock formations and the band on stage launches into just the right tune, Red Rocks…
22.49 MILES
Gorgeously restored, historic Union Station is Denver's main transportation hub, used by RTD light-rail lines, commuter buses and Amtrak. But it's way…
23.34 MILES
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is home to one of the largest Native American art collections in the USA, and puts on special multimedia exhibits that vary…
22.02 MILES
Where Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet is the nexus and plexus of Denver's sunshine-loving culture. Thousands of outdoorsy Denverites flock here…
23.3 MILES
Dedicated exclusively to the work and legacy of 20th-century American abstract expressionist Clyfford Still, this fascinating museum's collection includes…
13.48 MILES
This historic landmark park is the gateway to Boulder’s most magnificent slab of open space adjoining the iconic Flatirons; its wide, lush lawn attracts…
Children’s Museum Denver Marisco Campus
21.69 MILES
This is one of the hottest tickets in town…well, at least for kids. Highlights include an enclosed three-story climbing structure (helmets provided), a…
Colorado School of Mines' Geology Museum
11.28 MILES
With a collection of 50,000 minerals, fossils and gemstones, the School of Mines' Geology Museum is worth a stop, even if rocks aren't really your thing…
Nearby Colorado attractions
1. Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center
10.35 MILES
This small nature center provides information about local trails as well as flora and fauna, mostly geared toward families. Workshops are offered year…
10.37 MILES
In the center of town, this 1910 carousel is a highlight for kids (and some grown-ups too!). A labor of love (and 26 years), the vintage frame and…
10.54 MILES
This small museum gives a peek into the 19th-century mining industry history in Nederland, the reason why the town exists. Heavy machinery, rusting tools…
11.15 MILES
Golden's History Center provides a timeline, albeit zigzagging, of the city's growth and citizens. Rotating exhibits showcase the 15,000 artifacts in the…
5. American Mountaineering Museum
11.17 MILES
If you’ve come to Colorado to climb, this museum will give you tingles of inspiration. There’s a pile of stunning photos, historic climbing gear (some of…
11.18 MILES
Explore the life of a homesteader by walking through this re-created pioneer settlement. Here, original and replica 19th-century buildings – a cabin, two…
7. Colorado School of Mines' Geology Museum
11.28 MILES
With a collection of 50,000 minerals, fossils and gemstones, the School of Mines' Geology Museum is worth a stop, even if rocks aren't really your thing…
8. Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
11.35 MILES
This museum celebrates the life and legend of William F ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody, an icon of the American West. At his request he was buried at this site…