Golden Gate Canyon State Park

I’ve stayed twice in the park, once tent camping and once in one of the yurts. The visitor center was very helpful and supplied maps of trails and nearby roads. There is also firewood for sale here along with souvenirs. The yurts and the cabins are a little close together and make for a community get together if you like that type of thing. The views are amazing at Panorama Point. Be sure to take photos from here at different times of the day as the view changes according to the light of the sun and the clouds. The yurt was clean and has available beds for six. (A double bunk and a singe bunk). There is electricity in the yurts and a pretty warm gas fireplace, a counter, a table and six chairs. Be ready to pay the $ 10 pet fee if your little one is coming with you. They will find out, so no since in hiding it no matter how small your little one is. The best time of year, in my opinion is the fall as the Aspen trees are really pretty here. Enjoy this very nice state park!

Visit this state park of you want a quick mountain escape without 1 – 70 traffic! It is 50 minutes outside of Denver. We visited for some snowshoeing in January. The trails were well packed so we didn’t need the snow shoes but it was fun nonetheless. We hiked raccoon trail up to Panorama Point. It’s a 3−4mile round trip loop with a nice combination of hills and valleys, trees and meadows, and a spectacular view at the end. The rangers at the visitor’s center were very helpful so be sure to stop on your way up. We will definitely be back.

Golden Gate Canyon is a lovely park close to Denver with nice hikes and friendly staff and rangers. I’ve camped there twice and would go again.
However, the park map is not accurate. Here are a few inaccuracies or vagueness on the map:
1. There is a trail icon for Snowshoe Hare trail way at the top of the map right above Panorama Point. I think they meant to put the Raccoon trail icon there, because Snowshoe Hare trail is a loop in a different part of the park.
2. The map has Damascus Road ending at Works Ranch Group Area. However, the road does not in fact end there. I drove along the road, and inadvertently passed Works Ranch, following the map to the end of the road, which is wrong. Finally I turned around and asked someone who lives on Damascus Road before it enters the park again how to get to Works Ranch. They told me and I got there. There is a sign for Works Ranch on Damascus Road, but it is not clear about where the entrance to it actually is, and the inaccurate map compounds the confusion.
Also, when I got to Works Ranch after 5pm, the gate was still locked even though my group had a reservation for that day.
There is a camp office up by Reverend’s Ridge open late, but the map does not say that. (There is a star.) I ended up driving all the way back to the Visitor’s Center where on the map it says «Visitor’s Center».
Given all this, I almost drove back to Denver.
3. Beaver trail:
We started where on the map it says «TH» across the road from the Visitors Center. We took two wrong turns because of unclear map and signage: First, a right at the very beginning of the trail that went to a not very scenic overlook. You can see it on the map as a tiny green line behind the «TH». The overlook is called something like Beaver Overlook, and it is not clear that it is not part of Beaver trail. Second, after we got back on Beaver trail, we took a right to Slough Pond because it was not clear at the trail intersection that going left was Beaver trail.
–
4. Snowshoe Hare:
This is not a map problem, but is a signage problem: The trail signs through the Aspen Meadow Campground area could be clearer. it is easy to accidentally walk off the trail and around the campground roads in that area.

This is a beautiful state park with great hiking trails and picturesque campsites. The park employees are very friendly and helpful too.

Absolutely gorgeous state park. Located reasonably close to town. Have been camping here several times over the years, and have enjoyed it every single time.
Great hiking for all skills, beautiful views, lovely rangers that are helpful and caring.
One of the best state parks.

I’m giving it four stars because of the location. It’s not far of a drive from Denver. We came at end of December when there is alot of snow so the scenery was gorgeous. The road up to the visitor center was beautiful, We stopped many times for pic. It’s a 7 $ fee if u want the day pass to stop and park at all the spots designated for camping and taking pics. It’s not as big a park as I was hoping it would be but it was still fun. Panorama point also wasn’t what We expected to be because We took better pics of views while driving there. Also during the winter or snow the road up to panorama point will be Closed. There’s map and alternate route on the map at visitor center.
On our way out the park We slid off the road and gotten stuck, within 10 minutes the local residents in the area came with truck and chains to pull us out. After saving us I gave him some money and he said, We don’t do that here and gave it back to me. Such wonderful residents.

Visited on a crisp October morning. Decided to hike the Raccoon Trail. To get there, you have to go off-​roading on a dirt path that will most certainly test the quality of your brake pads, but I made it safely in my Mazda 3.
The Raccoon Trail Loop is a moderate difficulty trail, with the beginning half definitely more difficult than the second half. You get to the top at Panorama Point, which has beautiful views of the Rockies.
I got there at 9:30 and were finished by 11:30, even with a lengthy stop at Panorama Point. The trail was pretty empty at 9:30, but starting to get busy by the time we were finishing up.

Just a short 45 mins from Denver and you’re surrounded meadows, mountains and treets. My family and I stayed overnight in the Aspen Meadows campground, Conifer Loop #27 to be exact. All your basics were included, a tent pad, table and fire pit with metal grill.
Pros: The Conifer loop is away from the main road so got less car traffic, the site was very close to the Dude Pond and a few trail heads. The State Park itself is great, lots of trails perfect for young kids to experienced hikers. They stock the multiple ponds with fish so its another great thing to do during the day.
Cons: The tent site was a a little walk to the parking lot which made unloading/​loading the car difficult. Site #27 also had very little afternoon shade. The shaded area was along the rocks making it difficult to sit and relax.
I’d love to make a yearly camping trip to Golden Gate Canyon!

I’ve always enjoyed the Golden Gate ride, but the traffic today was terrible. Really felt vulnerable on my bike. It seems as though this road is a major thoroughfare for cars and motorcycles. I will not ride it again on a weekend.

While the south offers a coastal lifestyle I love, I have transformed from a piña colada drinking-​palm tree loving-​bikini wearing-​Floridian to a four-​wheel driving-​campfire making-​IPA drinking-​cutoff shorts wearing-​tent camping-Coloradan…and I LOVE it. No joke.
Over the weekend, my parents, boyfriend and I spent a few days in Golden Gate Canyon State Park at the Columbine Campground, located right above Central City. I absolutely love this area of the state, as it’s one of the areas that aren’t on fire currently, and the fact that it’s close to town, yet creates a far away feel. Our campsite was nestled back into the «tent camping» area, which allowed us to have first come, first serve when picking spots, without needing a reservation. We chose the one in the far back, so other campers weren’t too close to us, which was perfect, as this place fills up for sure!
Also:
–Trails are perfect for hiking or 4 wheeling.
–Close to town, if you’re in a gambling mood!
–Bathrooms! While I enjoy peeing-​in-​the-​woods camping, I have to admit, having a bathroom near by, is nice :)
–Campfires galore!
–Adorable pond for fishing!
What a fabulous weekend with fabulous company :)

Just went camping there and had a good time considering we went during the weekday. It wasn’t very crowded, yet it was still noisy with daily trucks going by and light pollution from public restrooms. This is camping in luxury with running water, automatic toilets, hand dryers, dishwashing sink with warm water, and groomed campsites. If all sites were filled, it would have been deplorable because the sites were so close to each other.

I used to be a bit of a snot, and laughed at people secretly when they told me they camp or hike here. I thought, how lame… but now, now that life has taken over-​we are both in school and working full time, and we got a dog, I take it all back. Golden Gate is fantastic! So close to Denver, yet you feel so far.
Hiking-​yes, great trails for all skill levels. There are some fantastic views and great hidden spots. Dude’s hole is a fun little hike to take, and a sweet spot to chill at before venturing off further. There are several trails that combine, so you can turn a small hike into an all day event. The trails are clearly marked, so grab a map and have at it!
Camping-​awesome. There is camping for everyone as well. Concrete slabs for RV’s and great dirty spots for tents. We go with friends and get 2 spots beside each other. Each spot offers privacy. I’m kinda bummed you can’t car camp, but oh well. The walk isn’t long from parking areas to the camp spot. Bathroom facilities aren’t far either. Each spot has a great fire pit and picnic table. The area where we camp is down in and there are only a few spots in each circle. There are larger camping areas with more spots in each, like the concrete slab, but that’s not our cup of tea.
So, great hiking trails with beautiful views and private camping only about 45 minutes from Denver makes for 5 stars, if I could give more, I would!

Went cabin camping here this weekend and had a great time!
We got an unexpected winter storm, so the weather wasn’t particularly pleasant. But, the propane heater in the cabin worked quite well, no chance of getting cold in the cabin. The snow did cover the fire pit & bbq, so we opted to use the plug in grill that we brought. They will allow you to cook indoors with appropriate devices when there are adverse weather conditions. We used the plug in grill on the covered patio and it was just fine.
Inside the cabins there are 2 sets of bunk beds, one twin size and one full size. There is also a table and chairs and a countertop with cabinet underneath for food storage. The 4 of us were very comfortable and had plenty of room for all our stuff and our large coolers of drinks, inside.
Yes, there are outlets. So, bring the iPod. Because of the weather, we ended up watching a few movies on the laptop.
The cabins are $ 60/​night plus the ridiculous Reserve America booking fee (which you cannot get around, I have tried, these guys are worse than ticketmaster).
My only complaint would be the proximity of the cabin to the bathroom and to the parking. We were in cabin #2 and had to haul our stuff up a hill from the car (plug in grills are heavy!). And, its a pretty icy, cold hike to the bathrooms in the dark (especially after having watched a scary movie in the cabin). It would be really nice if there were at least a couple of pit toilets near the cabins, rather than just the flush type at the visitor center. Also, that is where the only water is, so byo gallon jugs or be prepared to hike.

Gorgeous place. Lots of hiking trails. However, I ran into quite a predicament there. We rented out a cabin for a night. When I was on the phone with Reserve America, I specifically asked how secluded the cabins were, because we were going to be a bunch of young people wanting to stay up late, and have an appropriate amount of fun. I was told that cabins were secluded, AKA removed from other people. When we got there, there were cabins twenty feet to either side of us, not exactly secluded.
There were a bunch of families staying around us, so we had to be a lot more respectful than we were planning on. It felt like we moved into a quiet suburb. Bathrooms were available just down the path, with showers… Not exactly roughing it.
So I guess getting a cabin or yurt there can be a good thing, depends on what you are looking for. You have been warned.

Gorgeous place for hiking! I was here in September 2008 while on vacation and it was deserted, which is especially nice when you’re surrounded by such beautiful views. There is a visitor center, which was closed when I was there, but looked to be pretty nice and informative. My only regret is that we didn’t have more time to check out more of the trails.

As good as State Park camping can possibly get. Aspen Meadows is very secluded and super quiet tent camping (closed in the winter). The main campground is open for winter camping, if you’re in to that.
The day hikes are nice, and they also have «backcountry lite» for folks who are just getting acquainted with backpacking. One huge con on that one– no fires in the backcounty.
They also have Cabins and Yurts if you’re not down with sleeping on the ground.
I was able to hike here quite a bit this winter as there wasn’t much snow, and it was pretty secluded. Not so in the summertime, but SP camping is what is it.
Hint: from the Peak to Peak– there are some awesome wilderness/​national forest areas that make kick ass camping spots with far fewer people. And unless the county says no, there are fires allowable in the backcounty. But just don’t burn down the gdamn forest or I will find you.

I did a hard long uphill hike here I forget the name, but it was very gorgeous. Great location to Denver and Boulder.
The lodge is nice and people there are helpful.
Lots of hikes to choose from.
I like that it connects to the peak to peak.
I really need to get back here, but was a bit put-​off by all the people the last time.
There is an amazing panoramic view in one of the parking lots of all the mountains in the Denver area.

Golden Gate State Park is an absolutely gorgeous place to view golden aspen leaves in October. It’s only 30 – 40 minutes from Denver, and parking is only $ 6 per day. There are lots of trails for a scenic hike. We did the Raccoon Trail at the top of the mountain, and got a splendid view of the Continental Divide from Panorama Point. Other scenic trails that were recommended to us were the Horseshoe Trail that goes to Frazer Meadow and John Frazer’s barn, as well as the Beaver Trail where you brush shoulder with aspen every step of the hike. There are more than 125 picnic areas in the park, and some of them are nestled right in the middle of a golden aspen forest — can’t beat that view for an autumn picnic!
One thing I do have to warn you about is the tremendous amount of horse poop along some trails. They are HUGE. How these softballs come out still amazes me; all I have to say is «ouch.» I thought the dog poop situation around my apartment is bad, but the horses put the dogs to shame. Anyway, you’ve been warned.

Since last weekend was supposed to be the peak time to check out the fall colors in the high country, our family packed into the Subaru and headed to Golden Gate Canyon to check it out. This place is such a hidden gem. It only takes about 30 – 45 minutes to get there, and a day pass is only $ 6.
The Visitor’s Center has a trout pound that is really fun for the kids, and once in the park, Panorama Point is a can’t miss attraction with over 100 miles of the Continental Divide to ogle and photograph. The pine beetles haven’t hit this area, and it is absolutely resplendent with color. In less than four hours we managed to drive there, visit the Visitor’s Center twice, take a 30-​minute mini-​hike, take about 150 pictures, and get back home.
I would totally recommend it for anyone wanting to get out of town without totally wanting to GET OUT OF TOWN, if that makes sense. It’s a fantastic park!
The only word of warning I’ll throw out there is the roads are REALLY curvy going into the park just west of Golden, and if you’re at all worried about car sickness, make sure you’re sitting in the front seat.

4^th of july, we have to get out of the house before the evening bbq, right. Go to golden gate canyon. There were so few people it was amazing. I love this park. It is not that far from denver, and it is remote at the same time.
This time we did a loop that consist of the coyote trail, deer mule and elk trail (about 7 miles) and it was amazing. It does go up and down like mad, but you see so many different landscapes, meadows, pine forest, aspen forest, rocks everywhere. AND there are still a lot of wild flowers so it is time to go.
The rancher house is worth visiting. They will give you maps and info on where to go depending on your time and level of difficulty. They also have a list of animal sighting.