Gold Beer and the Rockies: Audio Walking Tour of Golden's Past

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Golden is where frontier dreams, engineering innovation, and brewing history converge in Colorado’s scenic foothills. On this self-guided audio walking tour, you’ll hear about the town’s gold rush beginnings, and how it became home to a world-renowned engineering university. You’ll also find out the story behind the iconic Coors Brewery complex – the largest single-site brewery in the world. You’ll walk along Washington Avenue under the iconic “Welcome to Golden” arch, and explore the Golden History Park with its authentic pioneer-era buildings that were relocated from a nearby ranch. Along the way, you’ll discover how Golden briefly served as the territorial capital, and see the Colorado School of Mines campus with its famous “M” on the mountainside. The tour ends along the peaceful Clear Creek Trail, where kayakers and nature lovers now enjoy the same waters that once drove the town’s economy.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts near the Golden Visitors Center. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour ends at the Clear Creek Trail.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Start your journey at this visitor center near Clear Creek, where gold prospectors first discovered fine gold flakes in 1859. Learn how this discovery transformed a quiet mountain valley into a bustling frontier town.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll along this peaceful riverside path where kayakers and nature lovers now enjoy the same waters that once drove Golden's economy. Experience the beautiful convergence of outdoor recreation and frontier history in Colorado's scenic foothills.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore authentic pioneer-era buildings that were relocated from a nearby ranch to preserve Golden's heritage. Walk through structures that bring the town's gold rush past to life with period details and furnishings.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass beneath the iconic "Welcome to Golden" arch as you walk along Washington Avenue through the heart of this historic town. Discover lovingly preserved Victorian and Craftsman homes, many built with bricks salvaged from downtown fires.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit this historic temperance-supporting boarding house that operated for over a century before becoming an art center. Marvel at how this 1867 building symbolises Golden's evolution from frontier hospitality to creative community hub.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Admire how Golden transformed a 1872 Presbyterian church into a thriving center for contemporary art. Experience the town's creative spirit in this beautifully preserved historic building.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See the campus of this world-renowned engineering university with its famous "M" carved into the mountainside. Discover how Golden evolved from mining camp to become a center of scientific innovation and education.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Marvel at the largest single-site brewery in the world, founded by German immigrant Adolph Coors. Learn how Coors chose Golden not for its gold, but for its pure water perfect for brewing.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stand where prospectors first retrieved gold flakes in 1859, launching Golden's transformation from wilderness to territorial capital. Experience the natural beauty of the waterway that sparked Colorado's gold rush dreams.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk through the commercial heart of Golden lined with buildings that reveal the town's resilience through booms and busts. Enjoy the architectural details that tell stories of mining prosperity, devastating fires, and determined rebuilding.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore exhibits that trace Golden's journey from frontier outpost to modern mountain town. Discover how the community preserved its pioneer spirit while embracing innovation and creativity.

    Admission ticket free
  • Golden (Pass by)

    Stroll past beautifully maintained historic homes that showcase Golden's architectural heritage. Admire the craftsmanship and character of residences built during the town's prosperous mining and brewing eras.Retry

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Spring Break
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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