The Best Fall Activities in Golden, CO for a One-Day Visit
Where to Eat, Explore, and Enjoy the Season
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden, Colorado is one of the best fall destinations for both Colorado locals and out-of-town visitors. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains front range, it’s the closest mountain town to Denver, making it an easy day trip filled with autumn beauty and adventure. Golden combines western charm, Gold Rush history, and stunning natural scenery — especially in the fall, when the trees glow with shades of gold and amber, and the crisp mountain air makes every stroll or hike feel refreshing.
Whether you’re interested in exploring historic downtown, sipping craft beer, hiking among golden aspens, or simply soaking in the slower pace of a mountain town, Golden has something for everyone. This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of a single fall day here, offering the perfect blend of outdoor activities, local dining, and seasonal experiences that showcase the magic of Golden in autumn.
Morning
Get a giant cinnamon roll or sticky bun from Cafe 13
There’s nothing more comforting for breakfast than a warm cinnamon roll and hot cup of coffee. Cafe 13 has exactly what you need.
Cafe 13 is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Golden, CO and it serves breakfast all day, along with fresh bakery items and healthy lunches.
The also have some of the most unique lattes in town. Make sure to ask the barista what their seasonal drinks are.
It opens at 6:30 a.m. so it’s the perfect stop before your morning hike.
Take a fall foliage hike at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon is where you will find some of the best fall colors in Golden, CO.
Located about a half hour away from downtown Golden, you can explore miles of trails dotted with the brightest yellow aspens you’ll ever see.
Be prepared to face heavy traffic at this state park during peek foliage season since it is the most popular state park near Denver for leaf peepers.
As always, please respect the wildlife. I saw a moose last time I was here!
Recommended Trails for Leaf Peepers:
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Sherpa House
This is the coziest lunch spot in Golden — it even has a fireplace! All the dishes have warming spices, like curry, that will make you feel so comforted.
I couldn’t decide what I wanted, so I ordered the sample platter which consisted of a variety of different Nepalese dishes.
It’s the perfect restaurant after spending a morning outside in the brisk, autumn air.
Choose your own fall activity
Peaks to Plains Trail
There are so many things to do in Golden in the fall, so I couldn’t possible pick just one. Here’s a list of activities you could do in Golden depending on your interests:
Golden Hayride Beer Tour — This is a hayride bar crawl that will take you to the best breweries in Golden (starts at 4pm on Saturdays). It’s one of the main fall weekend events in Golden, CO every year and you don’t want to miss it.
Coors Factory Tour — Take a tour of one of the largest beer factories in the country. It’s a great way to spend a fall day, especially if the weather isn’t great and you want to take a break from being outside.
Walk or bike Clear Creek Trail or the Peaks to Plains Trail — you don’t have to leave downtown Golden to access nature. The Clear Creek Trail follows the creek from downtown all the way to Clear Creek Canyon, which connects to the Peaks to Plains Trail. This is a great trail for people of all ages and abilities since it is paved and pretty flat with little elevation gain.
Learn more about the trail here: Everything You Need to Know about the Peaks to Plains Trail
Visit the Golden Performing Arts Center or Miners Alley Performing Arts Center — Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show put on by local performers! This year, 2025, the Miners Alley is acting out the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a very fitting autumn performance. Visit their websites to find current plays that fit your schedule.
Buffalo Bill Museum — Learn about a local legend and western icon. If love history, this is a must visit cultural destination. Stop at the scenic Windy Saddle Park on your drive up for some epic mountain views.
Evening
Shop local on Washington Ave.
Downtown Golden has a wide variety of shops and boutiques that you’ll love.
Update your fall wardrobe and find some cozy pieces at Truly BoHotique, YoColorado, or Toad & Co.
Looking to spice up your kitchen pantry? Find local products at Bjorn’s Colorado Honey and Old Barrel Tea Company. Don’t forget to buy a beautiful, handmade quilt from the Golden Quilt Company, so you can stay nice and cozy during the cold months ahead.
Golden’s main street has a little something for everyone.
Eat dinner at Abejas
End your day with a hearty meal.
Abejas has a seasonal fall menu offering dishes with autumn favorites that feature ingredients like squash, apples, corn, and wild mushrooms.
