Hotels in Golden, CO

Take a cultural exploration back in time and plan an exciting visit to Golden, a city and former gold rush town at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in Colorado. What was once a thriving mining town is now a buzzing arts and cultural hub rich with culture, incredible outdoor activities, scenic views in all directions, and mouthwatering restaurants to explore all across town. Spend the week touring all the top sights and enjoy the many excursions offered in Golden, including the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum with exhibits on earth science and mining history, or check out the Colorado Railroad Museum to discover vintage trains and an 1800s-style railroad depot. For some active time outdoors, make your way to the Clear Creek Trail and take advantage of this network of paths running along a stunning local waterway. Stay at top Golden hotels to see all this and more during your Rocky Mountain wander through the best parts of Colorado.

Craving some serious nature? Carve out an entire afternoon to explore the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, a 12,119-acre Front Range park perfect for enjoying an array of outdoor excursions. Head just northwest of Golden to Gilpin and Jefferson Counties and take advantage of Golden Gate Canyon’s 42 miles of hiking, horse, and bicycle trails, plus other offerings including a fun visitor center, over 100 campsites, and 125 picnic sites. Look forward to spotting the many varied trees local to the forested area of the park, including Ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, Douglas fir, and aspen. And of course, this is the perfect place for wildlife spotting—you might just catch a glimpse of creatures like mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, Abert's squirrel, pine squirrel, mountain chickadee, Clark's nutcracker, and occasionally even moose among many others.

Get outdoors from the striking Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve in Jefferson County, Colorado, not far from Golden hotels. This 110-acre preserve offers epic trails and guided tours of ponderosa pines and meadows, a nature center, and breathtaking views. Head to the center to explore a small museum, a shop that serves great food, homemade fudge, and even hot chocolate for cold morning hikes. With free parking, clean indoor bathrooms, and incredible vistas in all directions, this place doesn't miss!

Nearby the best Golden hotels in Colorado, you’ll find the fascinating Mines Museum of Earth Science, a free geology museum that offers stunning gem exhibits, rare samples, and great prices on mineral and gem samples available for purchase. Based in the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, it was established in 1873 and opened in 1874 to offer two floors displaying fossils, gemstones, meteorites, minerals, and mining artifacts, including the Colorado lunar sample displays. With an informative staff and a great museum layout, you’ll have a blast touring this gem all afternoon long.

Enjoy your time in Colorado, and don’t forget to check out our other hotels nearby in Aurora, Loveland, and Montrose.