Activities and Cabins at Golden Gate Canyon State Park

I have to say that I have been to many of the amazing parks that Colorado has to offer but this is honestly one of my favorites. Golden Gate is huge, and it’s not far from Denver. Its only about 30 miles away.

If you are a Colorado resident or planning on visiting Colorado in the near future this is a park you should make the time to see. The expansive park is approximately 12,000 acres. There is room for hiking, camping, hunting, picnicking, fishing, bike riding, and horseback riding just to name a few activities.

There are 5 cabins in Golden Gate which you can rent year round for a price of $60.00 per night and an $8.00 non refundable reservation fee. These cabins do not have refrigerators and the park official’s prefer that you do your coking outside due to ventilation issues but will allow it inside during bad weather. All but one of the cabins is pet friendly and will sleep up to six people. Although if you plan on bringing your pets make sure you plan for the additional $10.00 charge per night per pet.

You can also stay in one of the two Yurts located within the park. Yurts are round tent structures on a wooden frame with skylight windows. These range in the same accommodations as the cabins as in price and rules. Make sure you bring blankets and pillows whether staying in the cabins or yurts.

The campsites are far from shabby. The prices are really reasonable averaging from $16.00-$18.00 a night depending on the time of year. Select campsites have the following amenities: electric hookups, flushing toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

There are thirteen trails which you can map out online for your convenience. There is no way you could explore this massive park in one day, so it’s advisable to make several trips! The views alone are gorgeous, and well worth the drive. Don’t miss out on visiting the Panorama Point view which is an unbelievable sight, you can see over 100 miles of the Continental Divide.

There are also a myriad of activities to do in the winter in the park. Some of the activities are:

Ice fishing
Ice skating-weather Dependant
Sledding or tubing
Cross country skiing
Snow shoeing
Hiking
Hunting with a limit of 50 hunters per day. Please follow park rules and regulations.

Here are some heads up tips to consider before planning your trip:

Make sure that before you enter the park you have a vehicle or walk in pass. You can get these passes at any local ranger station or your local national forest station. You can also buy them online if you are planning your trip far enough ahead. Although if you are buying it online, I believe at this time the only ones for sale are the year long passes which run $55.00.

I suggest a few things before heading out to the park (not including camping)

Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking or other physical activity. Take water with you, a small first aid kit, and a map of where you are going. It’s not a bad idea to take a few snacks with you as well for energy.

Also if you are bringing small children with you make sure those who are old enough are all wearing a whistle in case your party gets separated.

Whatever your interest there is something for everyone at this magnificent park.