Between Denver And Vail Is Colorado's Unique City Full Of Outdoor Adventure

Full of parks, trails, rivers, and mountains, Golden, Colorado, sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, on the edge of the Great Plains. This charming former gold rush town has its fair share of history too, with plenty of Wild West stories just waiting to be shared around the campfire.

Located just 15 miles west of Denver and around 90 miles east of Vail, Golden makes for a unique getaway in the Rockies. The surrounding area has ideal terrain for hiking and mountain biking, with 360° views once you make it to the top. Running right through the center of town is Clear Creek, a natural playground perfect for splashing around, while you can also go kayaking, tubing, or whitewater rafting further up the canyon. There's plenty to keep you occupied downtown too, with a fairly compact historic center that's easy to explore on foot.

Golden was once the territorial capital of Colorado before Denver claimed that title. Traditionally the lands of the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne people, before white settlers arrived, the town was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush. Despite its shiny moniker, it wasn't actually named after the precious metal but after prospector Thomas L. Golden. But undoubtedly the most famous person to be associated with Golden is "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who is buried on nearby Lookout Mountain overlooking the Rockies.

To really appreciate the landscape around Golden, there are several outstanding trails. One of the most popular is the 19-mile Clear Creek Trail, which winds alongside the creek as it flows out of the canyon from Golden to Commerce City. While the trail takes about six hours to complete, the mostly paved surface makes it suitable for bikes, wheelchairs, and prams, with only a couple of steeper sections to look out for. Additionally, more than 15 miles of trails await at North Table Mountain. The trails are wide and well marked, and the stunning panoramic views overlooking the Denver skyline make it very popular, especially at sunset. The network of trails are of varying lengths, but you should check the website before going, as some may close seasonally for wildlife protection.

The highest point above Golden is Lookout Mountain, and its forested terrain is great for sunny days, providing much more shade than you'll get at North Table. You can take the 7-mile Chimney Gulch and Lookout Mountain Trail to reach the summit or opt for the car, as the winding mountain road climbs right to the top. Whichever way you go, take the time to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on the way. Learn more about his life, see some fascinating memorabilia, and find out why he chose Lookout Mountain as his final resting place.

When it's time to quench that thirst after a day's hiking, you'll be pleased to know that Golden just happens to be home to the largest single-site brewery in the world. One of the things you should experience in Colorado is the Coors Brewery Tour for around $20, which gives you an insight into the brewing process and a chance to sample some of their products.

Hiking and biking are just a tiny part of the outdoor lifestyle in Golden, but a lot of the action takes place in the water. Clear Creek is one of Colorado's most popular whitewater rivers, but the calmer waters around Golden are perfect for kayaking, tubing, or some light rafting. At Clear Creek Whitewater Park, the course is divided into sections suitable for different experience levels. If you need to hire a kayak, head to Golden River Sports, where hiring a single kayak costs around $55 per day.

The canyons surrounding Clear Creek are a favorite spot for rock climbing. While there is climbing year round at North Table Mountain, thanks to its south-facing cliffs, Clear Creek Canyon Park, just 10 minutes from the city, is one of the best places to climb near Golden. Suitable for beginners and more advanced climbers alike, there are plenty of climbing routes to choose from. For those who want to build confidence, it's worth hiring a guide at Golden Mountain Guides, who will literally show you the ropes in a number of different locations.

For wildlife watchers, the mountains and plains are home to a variety of animals. Raptors glide through the canyon, and deer and elk are often spotted. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is only a 30-minute drive away, and Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour and a half drive from Golden if you want a better chance of spotting the larger wildlife, such as moose or black bears. Here are five more underrated towns in Colorado for a scenic getaway.