Golden Gate Canyon State Park

State Park in Golden, CO

Hours:

Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center: Tue-Sun, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Monday.
Campground Office: Closed for the season

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $10

Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

Leashed Dogs
Service Animals
Horses

Park Address:

92 Crawford Gulch Road
Golden, CO 80403
United States

Contact:

303-582-3707

[email protected]

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

State Park in Golden, CO

Hours:

Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center: Tue-Sun, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Monday.
Campground Office: Closed for the season

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $10

Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

Leashed Dogs
Service Animals
Horses

Park Address:

92 Crawford Gulch Road
Golden, CO 80403
United States

Contact:

303-582-3707

[email protected]

Navigate to:

Mountain Base Road Closed for Winter -

To get up to the campgrounds or any trailheads off of Gap road, please go 4 miles west on HWY 46 to the intersection of HWY 119. Head North for 3 miles and turn right onto Gap road.

A group of hikers crosses a bridge

Park Highlight

Explore Trails

Over 35 miles of hiking trails draw visitors to the park. The 12 trails at Golden Gate Canyon are each named after an animal and marked with a two-letter abbreviation that corresponds to that animal.

Activities

Hiking

All trails are open for hiking year-round, unless otherwise posted. Dogs are permitted only on designated dog trails, and they must be on a six-foot leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets.

Biking

Mountain bikers can use trails designated for multiple use — approximately 19 miles of trails.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders can use trails designated for multiple use —approximately 19 miles of Golden Gate Canyon's trails.

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

All trails in the park are open to either of these activities during the winter. The best trails for skiing and snowshoeing are Horseshoe Trail to Frazer Meadow, Raccoon Trail Loop and Mule Deer Trail. Many of the roads and camping loops are closed and not plowed in the winter, making this an ideal play park for beginners.

Trail Facilities

Facilities

Vehicle Parking

Trailhead parking areas are easily accessible from the main roads in the park. Please only park in designated areas and limit any impacts to vegetation.

Horse Trailer Parking

Nott Creek, Kriley Overlook and the entrance to Aspen Meadow Campground offer parking for horse trailers. Ample parking space for horse trailers is provided at the Nott Creek Trailhead, located near the Red Barn Group Picnic Area and at Kriley Overlook above Kriley Pond.

Trails

Trail Conditions

(as of 11/16/24) All trails are icy and snowy, we recommend wearing traction devices (Yaktraxs or Microspikes).

Did you notice any trail issues in our park while hiking?

If you noticed anything needing the park's attention, such as downed trees, poor signage, bridge repairs, or similar items, please fill out the maintenance request form so the park team can get things fixed in a timely manner. We appreciate your help to keep our trails safe!

Easy Trails

Visitor Center Show Pond Trail

0.25 miles
Walking only
Dog friendly
ADA accessible

Moderate Trails

Blue Grouse Trail

0.8 miles one way
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Dog friendly

Buffalo Trail

1.2 miles one way
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Dog friendly

Horseshoe Trail

1.8 miles one way
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Mule Deer Trail

8.8 mile loop
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Dog friendly

Raccoon Trail

2.5 mile loop
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Dog friendly

Visitor Center Nature Trail

0.10 miles
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Reverend’s Ridge Nature Trail

0.25 miles
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Difficult Trails

Beaver Trail

2.3 mile loop
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Black Bear Trail

2.5 miles one way
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Burro Trail

4.1 mile loop
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Coyote Trail

2 miles one way
Hiking only
Dog friendly

Mountain Lion Trail

6.7 mile loop
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Dog friendly

Snowshoe Hare Trail

3 mile loop
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Dog friendly

Trail Map

Know Before You Go

Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides a home for a great number and variety of wildlife, including moose, bighorn sheep, black bear, mule deer, elk, snowshoe hare, coyote, bobcat, beaver, weasel, marten, fox, marmot and porcupine — all animals to keep an eye out for while you visit.

Crossing Paths with Wildlife

Learn what to do if you encounter wildlife on trails.

Stay Safe on Trails

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a six-foot or shorter hand-held leash. Please keep Golden Gate beautiful and pick up after your dog.

Clean Your Gear: Hiking with a Dog

Invasive Species

Help Protect Colorado's Lands

Learn how to clean, drain and dry hiking gear used by your dog to help prevent the spread of noxious weeds in Colorado and protect forests from invasive species.