I had the opportunity to experience Golden, Colorado and although it was in the midst of a snowstorm and a quick overnight stay, I was so excited to share its small-town charm with you. Here is my 24-hour guide to this lil’ mountain town just 25 minutes outside of Denver.
Where to stay in Golden, Colorado
I can’t recommend this B&B enough, The Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado. I first found The Dove Inn through Instagram and knew immediately I needed to stay there. I could feel it’s sense of home just through the photos. And that feeling didn’t disappoint at check in. It’s a newly renovated old home complete with all of the modern conveniences whilst maintaining its Victorian roots.
Owners, Libby and Regan, say: ‘Our vision for The Dove Inn is that you would find a place to relax here in Golden where you feel like a local. We give you everything you need, but don’t burden you with anything you don’t. From self check-in and check-out to a warm place to sit and read with a view out over 14th St, we want this to feel like an even better version of home from the moment you walk in. We’re really excited to have you stay with us.’
It’s located at the beginning of the main street of downtown Golden which means easy access to all of the shops and restaurants. I loved how convenient it was!
Check in and check out are both automated. This means you receive check in, stay and check out details prior to your arrival. Each morning, breakfast is ready for you in the fridge. Served continental style, and there is a complimentary coffee and kombucha bar that is available 24/7. I’d never seen a coffee bar in a B&B before, quite like The Dove Inn. There are several methods of brewing and a tablet handy to guide you through making the perfect cup of coffee from local roasters like Huckleberry, Coda, and Two Rivers. I opted for the pour over method! Many steps up from your typical Keurig brew.
What to do in Golden, Colorado
To my surprise, there was so much going on in Golden. Here are a few of the experiences awaiting you upon arrival.
Hike
There are several trails in and around Golden. Some of the most popular are Windy Saddle Park to Buffalo Bill’s Grave, Lookout Mountain, walking along North Table Mountain Trail , Clear Creek trail, and South Table Mountain. This goes without saying, but I must, be sure to check the weather and trail conditions before heading out- as we know by now: the mountains have their own mini climates. PS all of those trails are all season hikes as long as you have the right gear!
Winter Activities
Snowshoeing at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, afternoon climbing, North Table Mountain on a fat tire bike or even ice climbing in Clear Creek Canyon, are just a few of the outside adventure options in the Winter! For gear, Golden’s gear shops have everything you need to prepare for your adventure.
White Water Kayaking
For those of you that will be adventuring in Golden in the summer, I am told this is an epic experience. Built for recreational canoeing and kayaking, the course is ¼ a mile of adventure with drops and pools, flat sections and more extreme surf and wave drops. I would love to experience this for myself in the summer!
Indoor/Outdoor Rock Climbing
North Table Mountain, Clear Creek Canyon and Lookout Mountain Crag are some of the rock climbing hot spots outside. In the winter, Earth Treks Climbing Center and Golden Community center are the places to be for indoor rock climbing!
Walk through town
There is really one main street through the town and a couple of side streets. In Golden, Colorado you’ll find thrift shops, coffee houses, restaurants, Coors Brewery (perhaps what they’re most known for), theaters and art galleries.
Eat
An obvious statement. But I had to highlight my favorite spots I dined at during my 24h stay in Golden, Colorado! The coffee after the coffee at The Dove Inn, a coconut milk and honey latte from Generous Coffee. Why I loved Generous out of all of the other coffee shops: 10% of every purchase from Generous Coffee goes directly to Health Clinics for Haiti and Jobs for Honduran Women. Breakfast, lunch or brunch in Tributary Food Hall and Drinkery. The two spots I loved most there were Woodgrain Bagels because they had homemade gluten free bagels and Kona Bowls Superfoods for their delicious green bowl options. I was in the mood for comfort food during the mini snowstorm that was happening while I was visiting so I went to Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza for dinner. The wood-fired pizza is prepared to order with fresh and homemade ingredients, and they have gluten free crust and dairy free cheese! In addition to pizza, Woody’s has a salad bar and full menu offering beer-cheese soup, steaks, burgers, pastas, sandwiches, wings, with 15 ice cold beers on tap, plus a full selection of wine and liquor.
Your best bet for spending 24 hours in Golden, Colorado is planning your itinerary around the adventurous activity you’re looking to do! This is how I always plan my days on the road because the adventure is always the most time consuming, and really everything is secondary to that. So, for Golden, have breakfast at The Dove Inn, head out to hike, climb, kayak or whatever adventure you’re into, return to town for lunch, explore the downtown area in the afternoon and dine in town. Retire to The Dove Inn and fall asleep in their very comfy rooms, fire place ON, and enjoy breakfast once more on property or head to Tributary Food Hall to savour your last few moments in this quaint little town.
Heading to other spots in Colorado? Check out these posts: How to Hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park and A Summer Road Trip Guide to Colorado.