Photo: Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0
- County
- Jefferson (county seat)
- Elevation
- 5,784 ft
- Population
- About 20,000
- Downtown Denver
- 12 mi · about 25 min
- Nearest ski area
- Loveland · about 50 min
- Schools
- Jefferson County Public Schools
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Golden
What it's like to live in Golden
Golden is the Jefferson County seat, founded in 1859 as Golden City, with about 20,000 people today. It sits in a valley between Lookout Mountain and the Table Mountains, and Clear Creek comes out of its canyon and runs straight through town.
Colorado School of Mines sits a few blocks south of downtown, and Coors has its headquarters and brewery here, so the town mixes students, engineers, county workers, and longtime residents. Downtown is small, walkable, and historic, with museums, a playhouse, and events like Buffalo Bill Days.
Golden suits people who want open space at the edge of town and a short drive into Denver. I-70, US 6, and Highway 93 make it easy to head into the mountains or north toward Boulder.
Where it is
Where Golden sits on the Front Range
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Golden
Downtown Golden
The historic core along Clear Creek, with low-rise buildings, museums, and a farmers market, all walkable.
Mesa Meadows
A residential area north of downtown with hilly, winding streets near North Table Mountain trails.
South Golden
Residential neighborhoods along South Golden Road with a mix of home styles, near Fossil Trace Golf Club.
Mesa View Estates
Custom homes on higher ground with larger lots and mountain views.
Applewood
Mid-century and newer single-family homes on bigger lots on Golden's east side.
Get outside
Things to do in Golden
- 01
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
On Lookout Mountain, open daily with free parking.
- 02
North Table Mountain Park
A lava-capped mesa with more than 15 miles of trails.
- 03
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
A 12,000-acre park northwest of town with 42 miles of hiking trails.
- 04
Clear Creek
The creek runs out of its canyon and straight through downtown.
- 05
Colorado School of Mines
A campus a few blocks from downtown, home to the Mines Museum of Earth Science.
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FAQ
Golden questions, answered
How far is Golden from downtown Denver?
About 12 miles, usually around 25 minutes depending on traffic.
What county is Golden in?
Jefferson County. Golden is the county seat.
What is the elevation of Golden?
About 5,784 feet.
Which school district serves Golden?
Jefferson County Public Schools.
Is there hiking close to town?
Yes. North Table Mountain Park has more than 15 miles of trails, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just northwest of town.
How close is skiing?
Loveland Ski Area is about 44 highway miles west on I-70, roughly 50 minutes or more depending on traffic.
Nearby