10 Easy Hikes in Golden
Castle Rock, Golden Colorado
Looking for breathtaking views without a long drive into the mountains? Golden, Colorado offers an array of stunning trails just a stone's throw away. These nearby hikes are not only convenient but also cater to various skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone. The trails are arranged from the easiest to the most challenging, so you can pick one that suits your adventure level. Before you head out, be sure to check the latest AllTrails reviews for up-to-date trail conditions. Links for each trail are included to help you plan your perfect hike.
1. Triceratops Trail
Location: Triceratops Trailhead, 3050 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401
Driving time from Golden: 4 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 1.0-mile out-and-back trail
Trail Time: it takes an average of 23 min to complete
Trail Highlights: Fossilized dinosaur foot prints!
Hike Review: This is probably the easiest, and most unique, trail in Golden. If you’re looking for a short hike just outside of town, this is perfect. This is a flat trail with excellent views of Castle Rock and dinosaur foot prints. You do have to walk down a set of stairs to see some of the fossils. Great for kids and families.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/triceratops-trail
2. Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
Location: Trading Post Trail, Golden, CO 80401
Driving time from Golden: 16 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 1.6-mile loop
Trail Time: it takes an average of 50 min to complete
Trail Highlights: This is such a cool trail at the Red Rocks Amphitheater with unique rock formations.
Hike Review: Easy dirt loop that takes you around Red Rocks. This is another great place to bring guests from out of town. You can also check out the amphitheater while your there.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/red-rocks-trading-post-trail
3. Clear Creek Canyon Peaks to Plains Trail
Location: Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403
Driving time from Golden: 4 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 7.7 mi out and back trail (can turn around at any point)
Trail Time: it takes an average of 2 hours to complete
Trail Highlights: This trail is paved the entire way, unless you choose to make it a loop and take the flume trail on the way back. Otherwise, it’s a straight, flat out and back trail.
Hike Review: This trail follows the rushing waters of Clear Creek into the canyon and is jaw droppingly beautiful. The trail is incredibly easy to walk or bike and is paved, making it easy for families, although it can be crowded on the weekend. This is a great place to take out-of-town guests since there is no incline and you still get to experience the gorgeous Colorado landscape.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/clear-creek-peaks-to-plains-trail
4. Lookout Mountain Trail
Location: 1277 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401
Driving time from Golden: 13 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 3.0-mile out-and-back trail
Trail Time: 1.5 hours
Trail Highlights: Easy walking trail in the forest and has some good lookout spots as well.
Hike Review: So I’ve only been on this trail in the winter time, but I loved it even when it was cold and covered in snow. Unlike most of the other hikes on this list, this trail is in a more wooded area. The feeling of being surrounded by trees is comforting and calming.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lookout-mountain-trail-via-windy-saddle-trailhead
5. Flatirons Vista Trail
Location: Flatirons Vista North, Boulder, CO 80303 (just outside of Golden!)
Driving time from Golden: 16 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 3.5-mile loop
Trail Time: it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete
Trail Highlights: Relatively flat most of the way, great views of the flatirons in the distance, wildflowers in the spring.
Hike Review: I was blown away at how beautiful this trail was. I went in early June where there were tons of wildflowers, adding a pop of color everywhere I looked. The downside is that there is little shade along the trail, so bring water.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/flatirons-vista-trail
6. South Table Mountain - Basalt Cap Loop
Location: 2051-2001 Ellis St, Golden, CO 80401
Driving time from Golden: 11 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 3.7-mile loop
Trail Time: it takes an average of 1 h 30 min to complete
Trail Highlights: Great place for sunrise and sunset hikes. Catch the sun rising over Denver in the morning or watch it set over the mountains in the west. Great spot for wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Hike Review: I love this trail because it has a little bit of everything. It has a slight, steady incline to the top of South Table Mountain, so I can get my heartrate up without pushing myself too hard. Once you reach the top it is completely flat, making it a lovely spot for a brisk walk.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/basalt-cap-loop-trail--2
7. Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop
Location: Parking lot, Lakewood, CO 80228
Driving time from Golden: 17 minutes
Difficulty: moderate
Trail length: 1.8-mile loop trail
Trail Time: it takes an average of 55 min to complete
Trail Highlights: Great trail for wildflowers in the spring time.
Hike Review: The trail itself is a bit rocky, but you’re surrounded by tall green grass and flowers in the spring months. Similar to South Table, you have great views of both Denver and the mountains.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/green-mountain-and-hayden-trail
8. Olivine Trail Loop to Castle Rock
Location: 300-364 19th St, Golden, CO 80401
Driving time from Golden: 3 minutes
Difficulty: moderate
Trail length: 1.5-mile loop
Trail Time: it takes an average of 49 min to complete
Trail Highlights: Stand on top of Golden’s iconic rock formation, Castle Rock, and experience a bird’s eye view of downtown Golden and the valley in which it lies.
Hike Review: Steady switchback incline, although it does get a little steeper as you near the top. I was absolutely blown away by the views. Crazy that this trail is just minutes away from downtown Golden.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/olivine-trail-loop
9. Apex and Pick N Sledge Loop
Location: Apex Trail, Golden, CO 80401
Driving time from Golden: 8 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 3.9-mile loop
Trail Time: takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete
Trail Highlights: Excellent views of Golden and the mountains to the west. You actually get to see some evergreens on this hike.
Hike Review: You must know the date before you get on the trail since hikers are NOT allowed on the trail on even calendar dates. Hikers are allowed to use the trail on odd dates. I did find this trail to be a little steep in the beginning with quite rocky terrain. It’s a great trail if you’re wanting a little bit of a challenge without pushing yourself too hard.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/apex-and-pick-n-sledge-loop
10. North Table Mountain - Lichen Peak
Location: N Table Loop, Golden, CO 80403
Driving time from Golden: 13 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 1.6-mile out-and-back
Trail Time: 1 hour
Trail Highlights: Great for watching the sunset.
Hike Review: This is probably one of the more difficult trails on this list. The start of the trail does have a rather steep incline, so bring water and be prepared to take breaks on the way up.
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lichen-peak-trail
