Golden is Paw‑fect for Your Tail -Wagging Friends!

You and your furry friend will have a doggone great time in Golden! Hiking trails, walking paths, water bowls and dog treats in many stores, dog‑friendly beer gardens and patios for socializing—what’s not to love?

GOLDEN LOVES DOGS! After all, the town shares its name with one of America’s most popular dog breeds—the Golden Retriever.

In February 2022, Golden set the unofficial world record and made international news when more than two thousand sweet, smiling, tail-wagging Golden Retrievers gathered for a historic photo under the “Welcome to Golden” Arch. The popular event was repeated in honor of National Golden Retriever Day on February 4, 2023.

But all dogs are welcome in this historic town at the edge of the mountains. Here are some ideas for wonderful dog day afternoons.

Hang Out In A Beer Garden

Golden is filled with dog-friendly outdoor beer gardens! The town brews more beer than any other place on the planet and while enjoying a craft brew, what’s better than having your fur baby with you? Many breweries offer live music, food trucks and firepits, making them a wonderful place to relax with your four-legged friends after a walk.

Take A Hike

Golden is surrounded by mountains with hiking trails. Walk your friend along the Clear Creek Trail, crossing the beautiful river again and again over bridges, with plenty of places where (keeping your pup on a leash) they can take a little dip in the cool, clear stream.

Trails wind up Lookout Mountain, Mount Galbraith, and North and South Table Mountains. If your pooch wants to play with other dogs, there are a number of off-leash dog parks such as Tony Grampsas Park where, on weekends, you might hear a locomotive steam whistle from the adjacent Colorado Railroad Museum

Dine With Your Dog

Golden residents love to be outdoors and with mountain views in every direction, why eat inside? Your pets can join you at Golden’s many dog-friendly outdoor cafés, food halls and restaurant patios. Or grab a sandwich to go and eat with your pal at one of the many free picnic tables along scenic Clear Creek. You’ll find that many of the shops in downtown Golden have snacks and a bowl of water for your tail-wagging pals.

Spend The Night

All of Golden’s downtown hotels are pet-friendly, including The Eddy Taproom & Hotel and The Golden Hotel (both located along the Clear Creek Trail) as well as the Southwestern-style Table Mountain Inn and the Origin Hotel, the “official hotel” of nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park, yet another adventurous hiking spot for dogs. •