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Golden, Colorado

Golden, Colorado is rich with culture, outdoor activities, scenic beauty, thriving businesses, and friendly people, but the City’s origins are largely thanks to another valuable resource – gold. A small amount of gold discovered in Clear Creek attracted the area’s earliest settlers in the mid-19th century and Golden City quickly became an important supply stop for gold miners seeking their fortunes in the adjacent mountains. 

Farmers soon discovered the rich soil in the valley that is now home to the Coors complex, and Golden City further swelled as coal mining and clay extraction industries settled in the area, utilizing the region’s ample natural resources.

Golden City became the capital of the federally recognized Colorado Territory in 1862, and the territorial legislature met from 1862 to 1867 in the building that is now home to the Old Capitol Grill restaurant. By the end of the 1860s, Golden City had been elected the seat of Jefferson County and the capital of the provisional Jefferson Territory. Locals were outraged when neighboring Denver snagged the honor of becoming capital of the newly formed state in 1876, but the loss of name distinction did nothing to dampen Golden’s vital growth – business was booming.

Today, with the official name of City of Golden, the town continues to thrive. It offers residents and visitors an abundance of recreational, cultural and culinary opportunities. Come visit this modern town with an old west flair.

Far reaching view from Windy Saddle Park looking at the Lariat Trail and mountains beyond in Colorado.
Statue of a Buffalo on a car-lined street in downtown Golden with a red arch that goes over the street that says "Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden, Where the West Lives"
Three lane highway with beautiful mountain range in the distance. View from Genesee Park in Jefferson County, Colorado.
View of the town of Golden, Colorado in winter with snowy mountains in the distance.
Evening view of city lights in the town of Golden, Colorado at dusk.
View of Clear Creek History Park in Golden, Colorado during autumn with many trees turning yellow.
A bison herd grazes on a snowy hill with snow covered mountains in the distance.
View of Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colorado with foggy mountains in the distance.
View of an SUV driving on the Lariat Trail from Windy Saddle Park in Colorado with a town in the distance.
Small white historic building in Clear Creek History Park in Golden, Colorado in autumn with trees showing autumn color.
Herd of bison in Genesee Park grazing with evergreen trees and mountains in the distance.

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Gallery images courtesy of Tim Sandsmark and the Lariat Loop.

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The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway is led by a passionate group of volunteers. Help us survive and thrive by Becoming a Member today.

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Photos for the 2018 Brochure/Map courtesy of our local affiliates, partners, members and photographer David Lieberman. Reproduction of any portion is strictly prohibited without the express consent of Smart Marketing, LLC. ©2018

Home Hero image courtesy of Kent Kanouse.

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