Often referred to as the heart of Golden, Clear Creek is frequented by fishermen, kayakers, sunbathers, runners and bikers year-round. Clear Creek has been the center of Golden’s commerce since the City was founded and continues to be Golden’s central hub of activity.

Golden prides itself on its natural beauty and Clear Creek is our masterpiece! Clear Creek Trail is part of Golden’s extensive trail system, and the award-winning Clear Creek White Water Park hosts annual events such as the Golden Kayak Rodeo Competition and The Colorado School of Mines E-Days Cardboard Boat Races. And fishermen enjoy the “Golden Mile,” a mecca for fly fishing up creek.

The paved Clear Creek Trail winds through Golden along the creek's banks, with multiple access points throughout the city. From Golden, the trail reaches east into Wheat Ridge and connects with the broader Denver Metro trail network. Heading west, visitors can currently explore about three miles across four segments: Grant Terry, Gateway, Tunnel 1, and CCR Trailhead. The trail is one piece of a larger regional effort called the Clear Creek Trail (formally Peaks to Plains), a 65-mile corridor that will eventually run from Denver through Golden all the way to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass. In Downtown Golden, the trail is easily accessible at Vanover Park at Water and Ford Streets, the Golden Welcome Center at Washington Avenue and 10th Street, the Golden Public Library at 10th Street and Illinois Street, and Lions Park at 10th Street and Maple Street. Additional parking and trail access are available at Clear Creek Canyon Park off Highway 6, making it convenient for visitors to start their walk, run, or bike ride from multiple points throughout the city.

Golden Clear Creek Trail Information

• ​The loop trail is an easy, paved 2-mile trail

• Bikes, strollers, roller blades & skateboard are allowed

• Clear Creek Trail is open dawn to dusk and runs along 10th Street
  from Ford Street to 6th Avenue bridge

• Connections with 6th Avenue Trail, the Greater Clear Creek Trail

• Map & parking information

Play Etiquette

Golden Park Rangers patrol the Clear Creek Trail to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience for all who enjoy the creek. Golden has a zero tolerance policy for dogs off leash. Please remember to keep dogs leashed and scoop the poop. Golden has two dog parks. You can enjoy the natural beauty of North Table Mountain at the Tony Grampsas dog park or let your dog run free at Homer’s Run dog park at Ulysses Sports Complex.

Also, leave the glass and alcohol at home please, they are not allowed on the Creek. But please be our guest at one of Golden's many restaurants, taverns or craft breweries and we will be sure to toast your visit!