Golden Gate Canyon State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Golden Gate Canyon State Park is located in Colorado, northwest of Golden. Covering 11,998 acres, the state park comprises of 36 miles of hiking trails, 22 miles of trails for cycling and horseback riding, over 100 campsites, over 100 picnic sites, and a visitor’s center. Average temperatures in Golden Gate Canyon State Park vary drastically. Spring and summer see daytime temperatures reaching maximums of 55.4°F and 73.4°F, whilst winter and fall reach daytime temperatures as high as 33.8°F and 64.4°F.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park features a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, Abert's squirrel, pine squirrel, and moose. Flora such as Ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, Douglas Fir and Aspen are found in forested areas, while Wetland and riparian plant communities are found along Ralston, Nott and Deer creeks and small ponds within the park.
If you’re planning a visit to this state park anytime soon, or are just curious to know what else makes this such a popular destination for campers, read on.
Spring 19.4°F - 55.4°F
Summer 41°F - 73.4°F
Fall 21.2°F - 64.4°F
Winter 14°F - 33.8°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Golden Gate Canyon State Park
If you choose to visit the state park in an RV, you’ll be less exposed to the elements, have a more secure place to sleep, and can enjoy your own fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom! If you don’t own an RV, you can easily rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget and individual needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park has over 100 campsites of its own, equipped with flush toilets, shower and laundry facilities, a dump station and some electrical hookups. Spaces can fill up quickly, however, so the additional RV parks and campgrounds nearby can provide an excellent back-up plan.
Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday
Located just 18.5km away from the state park,Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday is a popular RV park. It’s big-rig friendly and packed full of amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable TV, hot tub/sauna, showers, pavilion, shuttle van to town
Cottonwood RV Campground
Just 37.4km away isCottonwood RV Campground, nestled in a picturesque mountain valley in Clear Creek County. While this place offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, it’s still close to all of Colorado’s most famous attractions.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable TV
Cold Springs Campground
Located just 6.6km from the state park isCold Springs Campground, which features 31 sites suitable for RV camping. The campground offers hiking, scenic viewing, and fishing opportunities, as well as facilities such as restrooms, water and a playground area.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: no
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: vault toilets, playground, picnic tables
What to Do at
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Inside Golden Gate Canyon State Park
While Golden Gate Canyon State Park is very popular among campers, it’s also home to a wide range of fun, outdoor activities that the whole family will love. With 36 miles of hiking trails (of which, 22 miles allow bicycling and horse riding), as well as over 100 picnic sites, and seemingly endless backcountry to explore, there’s certainly something for everyone.
Bicycling : Mountain bikers can utilizeseveral trails designated for multiple use. These include the Blue Grouse Trail, Buffalo Trail, Mountain Lion Trail, Mule Deer Trail, Raccoon Trail, and Snowshoe Hare Trail.
Hiking :All trails are open for hiking year-round, unless otherwise posted. The twelve trails at Golden Gate Canyon are each named after an animal and marked with the animal's footprint and trail head parking areas are easily accessible from the main roads in the park. For a trails map,click here.
Fishing : Fishing is permitted in any stream or pond at Golden Gate Canyon State Park with the exception of the Visitor's Center Show Pond. These ponds include Kriley, Slough, Dude's Fishing Hole, Forgotten Valley and Ranch Ponds. Please note the daily bag limit at Golden Gate Canyon is four fish and a Colorado fishing license as well as a daily or annual vehicle pass is required to fish.
Horseback Riding : Like bicycling, horseback riders can utilize trails designated for multiple use. There is also parking for horse trailers at Nott Creek, Kriley Overlook, and the entrance to Aspen Meadow Campground.
Rock Climbing : There are multiple rock climbing opportunities within the state park and access to these areas requires hiking into the backcountry. It is important to note that Golden Gate Canyon does not maintain climbing areas for rock-fall, nor are they responsible for the safety, reliability, or safety of any of these areas. Rock climbers must do so at their own risk.
How to Get to
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is located just 15 miles northwest from Golden, its closest city. If travelling from this region, take Highway 93 north from Golden one mile to Golden Gate Canyon Road. Turn left and continue for 13 miles to the park. Note: Most GPS will instruct you to take the Crawford Gulch turn 5 miles up the canyon. This is a windy dirt road that will take longer. For the most direct route to the park, it is advised you stay on Golden Gate Canyon Road.
Entering Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Daily passes to the state park start at $8.00. For a full list of fees and requirements,click here.
We’re stoked for you to get out there and visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park. You’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time here – including both inside and outside of the park. Don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and some details to [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels!
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Spring is the best time of the year to visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The period experiences the best weather conditions and is less crowded than other times of the year.
This park and its environs enjoy warm weather conditions throughout the year. Daytime temperatures during spring and summer go up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 73 degrees Fahrenheit, while daytime temperatures in winter and fall reach 33 degrees Fahrenheit and 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
A wide variety of wildlife creatures inhabit Golden Gate Canyon State Park, including elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, pine squirrel, and Albert’s squirrel. Band-tailed pigeons, turkey vultures, and wild turkeys are common birds in this park.
This park boasts a total of 152 designated camping spots. The sites have electricity, picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Book camping spots in advance during busy months to guarantee your space.
Guests have to reserve a spot before visiting Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This is a requirement in all Colorado state parks. The cost of reserving a space is $10.