Golden Vacation Rentals

Although it’s smaller than some other popular resorts, locals refer to Eldora as a “hidden gem.” It offers a wide variety of trails for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. While you’re there, keep an eye out for future superstars, as Eldora’s Jr. Race Program has been known to churn out more than a few champions. Eldora also offers a host of other activities, such as alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding trails, snowshoeing, and tubing.

Beginners and intermediate skiers will find lots to love at Echo Mountain. While there’s no village, this location offers affordable ski passes, night skiing, tubing, and a variety of solid runs that cater to newbies and freestylers, alike.

If you’re looking for late-season skiing, “A-Basin” has you covered. While most of the area closes up shop in April, Arapahoe Basin often extends into June or early July. With nearly half of the trails rated advanced and a quarter rated expert, it’s easy to see why A-Basin is a favorite amongst the serious skiers and snowboarders. Check out Pallavicini if you dare. It’s one of the longest and steepest runs in Colorado.

Winter Park was originally constructed by the City of Denver to serve as a–you guessed it–winter park for residents. This family-friendly resort has two mountains that are home to plenty of beginner and intermediate trails. Mary Jane Mountain also offers open alpine bowls, tree skiing, and world-class moguls. The resort and village also offer many dining and shopping options.

Once you see Granby Ranch’s pristine slopes, diverse terrain, and stunning scenery, you might be surprised to find out that Granby Ranch is actually one of the most affordable skiing and snowboarding locations in Colorado. Its 42 runs cater to all skill levels, making it the perfect destination for winter adventure seekers. The Ski and Ride School offers a wide variety of lesson options, including private and group instruction.

Ski by moonlight at Keystone Ski Resort. Take a ski or snowboard lesson or explore the new Bergman Bowl, which features a high-speed detachable chairlift, 16 new trails, and more than 500 acres of terrain. Channel your inner kid and play in the snow at Dercum Mountain, featuring the world’s largest snow fort.

The foothills of the Rockies await your visit! If you want to stick in town, Clear Creek Trail’s paved paths traverse downtown Golden, making this an easy trek with tons to see. Discover hidden gems in the more than 250 acres of park space in Golden. If you want a workout, harder climbs await you at North Table Mountains where you’re rewarded for views for days. Golden Cliff Trails give adventurers new thrills and challenges. The Front Range mountain views provide the South Table Mountain hiking backdrop and hikers love its challenge. Don’t leave Golden without a hike at Golden Canyon State Park. Check out the 25 miles of trails and spy the wildlife who make this park home.

The Golden Mile of Fly Fishing caught its name for a reason. This stretch of fishing heaven for the trout–rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat fill these waters, so cast a line and reap the rewards. From the spring until Thanksgiving (save for the June runoff), Clear Creek Canyon has 20 miles of access perfect for trying your luck with some of Colorado’s bigger fish. Make sure you secure all necessary licenses before hitting the water.

Nestled in the foothills, Fossil Trace Golf Club will have you teeing off against craggy peaks, quaking aspens, and some unique features not seen on most courses. When you’re on the 12th green, look down and see Triceratops footprints and other prehistoric creatures’ fossils that carved their place in the Earth long before the bunkers and fairways–now the name makes sense!

Kayakers, Golden is, well, golden for on-the-water adventures. A must-ride is the one-quarter mile Clear Creek Whitewater Kayaking Park. Natural boulders divide the run into sections ranging from drops and pools to flats and eddies. Experience kayakers, Slaughterhouse Gulch’s Class IV-V get your blood pumping as you ride the waters. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is another paddling favorite. With multiple waterways to tailor your ride, Golden’s waters make summer hot.

Colorado: skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. These three sports spring to top-of-mind, and when the weather is right, Golden is a vertical playground. Scale North Table Mountain for moderate and easy routes that let you see the landscape from a whole new point of view. Looking for a challenge? Clear Creek offers something more suitable for experienced trekkers. Oh, and if the temps are in the single digits or the rain is coming down, Golden offers indoor climbing spaces, so you never need to sacrifice your A-game.

Simply put, there is nothing like traversing Golden’s paths, hills, and meadows on horseback. Feel a whisper of the Old West as you set off on trails with names like Magpie Gulch, Olivine Trail, and Windy Saddle Park. For those looking for a guided experience, Bear Creek Stables hosts guided trail rides that will have you galloping on Golden’s top paths.

Of course the mountains serve up thrills for skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers, but that doesn’t mean the Rockies don’t shine from the comfort of your car. If a more laidback exploration of the mountain range fits your sense of adventure, gas up and head out on the Lariat Loop. Forty miles of road lassos through the Rockies, hitting points in Golden, Evergreen, and Morrison. Since it’s a loop, you can pick it up at any point and enjoy the two-to-three hour ride or make a day of it by stopping off at key spots like Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, or the shops and galleries dotting the way.

Calling all budding paleontologists! Before Golden was the bustling hub of today, dinosaurs roamed its grounds and have left their trace for people to observe and wonder what this landscape looked like so long ago. Uncover the past along the 1.5 miles of trail that feature dinosaur traces and invertebrate tracks. Not your ordinary walk, the Triceratops Trails bridges the very distant past with today.

Let the stillness of the park’s lakes quiet your mind as you listen to the rustle of the aspens dancing in the wind. Hit one of the park’s summits and push yourself to new heights. See glaciers and waterfalls as you hike the mountain trails. Rocky Mountain National Park has it all, including 8,000 foot elevations in the wetlands to more than 14,000 feet at top of Longs Peak. Late summer features alpine blooms and autumn provides the backdrop for the elk rut. The park is open for year-round splendor.

Not for the faint of heart, ice climbing is a serious adventure. Clear Creek Canyon’s frozen walls beckon intrepid adventures to scale its frozen heights. Popular faces include Coors Lite Area, Mickey’s Big Mouth, and the Beer Garden. This isn’t a sport to be taken lightly–check weather conditions and maybe book one of Golden’s guides for the best experience.

Skiing and snowboarding are Colorado winter staples, but don’t overlook the fitness and fun when you strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore Golden’s winter wonderland. This low-impact workout gets you out and prospecting for fun in Golden’s parks and surrounding areas. Bring your own gear or head to one of the town’s outfitters for everything you need to get you on the snowy trails.

Neither rain, sleet, or snow keeps avid mountain bikers indoors! Winter means new terrain to explore. Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Apex Park Loop’s approachable terrains make them spots tailored-made for beginner snow bikers. Skilled snow bikers, head to Golden Cliffs Preserve for a snowy challenge. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned rider, Golden’s terrain choices only enhance your game.