Want a hike to please everyone? This is it. It’s got shade, the kids can bring their bikes, and you can finish your hike with a stroll around downtown. We might get some flack for calling this a hike, because it runs through the business district of Golden, CO. But you can wear the soles of your shoes down on this one. Jefferson County even has plans to expand the trail several miles into Clear Creek Canyon.

When you have small children, some mornings can be harder than others to get through the foothills and into the mountains. This trail is made for those mornings. We like to park downtown, grab coffee at the Windy Saddle, then stroll down the trail. A local training school is often seen near the Washington Street Bridge doing water rescue training. It’s highly entertaining and a great opportunity. Visiting family and friends will find this trail accessible, easy, and refreshing.

Tips:

• Bring a Picnic and throw down a blanket at one of the several parks along the way (see map)
• You can start outside of town at the 6th Ave parking area and you have two options: Hike into town, or hike west in Clear Creek Canyon for .7 miles of the Grant Terry Trail
• Don’t miss the cliff swallows that have built their nests along the 6th Ave. bridge.
• The Windy Saddle Cafe, on Washington Street offers a kids’ playroom and their coffee is fantastic.