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
Golden, CO
Boulder, CO
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.
Outside Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Since Golden Gate Canyon State Park is located just 30 miles from Denver, the state’s capital city, it’s conveniently located near the region’s most popular sights, activities, and experiences. If you thought there was plenty to do inside of the park, you’re sure to also get excited about what lies beyond its boundaries.
Restaurants
Abrusci's Fire & Vine
Abrusci's Fire & Vine serves classic wood-fired pizza proudly made from local ingredients, paired with exceptional wines and craft beers from around the world within a contemporary, rustic environment. For a hearty family feast just 20 miles from the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, you can’t go wrong.
Type: Italian
Location: Lakewood, CO
Bob's Atomic Burgers
If hamburgers, hot dogs and milkshakes are more your thing, then you’ll love Bob’s Atomic Burgers, a retro-style eatery with 1950s décor and sidewalk seating. You’ll also find vegetarian options, wheelchair accessibility, and a popular kid’s menu.
Type: Retro American diner
Location: Golden, CO
Mountain Toad Brewing
If you love your craft beer, then you’re sure to enjoy Mountain Toad Brewing. This snug microbrewery and taproom is located in a historic building, offering craft beers, an outdoor patio, and food trucks with mouth-watering menus.
Type: Brewery and food trucks
Location: Golden, CO
Shopping
Colorado Mills
If poor weather is stopping you from partaking in activities in the state park, then this is your next best thing! Colorado Mills is one of the largest retail malls in the area. It offers upscale shopping across a wide variety of stores and is even home to an IMAX movie theater. You’ll also find an exciting range of dining options if you’re feeling peckish.
Sightseeing
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of just two Denver National Historic Landmarks. This rock structure near Morrison, Colorado, hosts a number of large, open-air concerts each year. It can seat over 9,500 people and its unique setting provides the perfect acoustics for performances big or small.
Location: Red Rocks Park, CO
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
This 15,988-acre National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 330 species of wildlife. Here, visitors can enjoy open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands and woodlands, as well as activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, fishing, and more. Entry is free.
Location: Commerce City, CO
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 23-acre park which features a conservatory, a variety of theme gardens and a sunken amphitheater, which hosts various concerts in the summer. It features North America's largest collection of plants from cold temperate climates around the world, as well as 7 diverse and beautiful gardens. Tickets start at $9. Children two and under are free to attend.
Location: Denver, CO
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!