Golden Gate Canyon State Park
About
Golden Gate Canyon State Park (GGCSP) is over 12,000 acres of aspen groves, conifer forests, lush meadows and views of the Rocky Mountains. Nestled between Gilpin and Jefferson counties, GGCSP provides hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping and educational opportunities to all park visitors alike. With elevation ranging from 7,600 to over 10,000 feet, the topographical landscape features of GGCSP help block any light dome from the Denver metropolitan area only an hour away providing dark skies that are accessible for the population on the front range of Colorado.
Park staff have been implementing dark sky education opportunities for visitors and local community members by collaborating with local astronomy clubs and experts to hold star viewing parties, night hikes and educational talks in the campground amphitheater. Night sky quality measurements will be taken quarterly by Park staff to survey and log any effects of light pollution from surrounding communities. Staff have also been working on updating all light fixtures within the Park to become 100% compliant with DarkSky International standards within the next 10 years.
GGCSP is open year- round, seven days a week from 5:00 am-10:00 pm for day users, but hours can be extended for people with a valid camping reservation or for educational programs held by Park staff. There are multiple trailhead parking lots that are accessible with open sky views for stargazing. A park pass fee is required for Park entry at any time of year and camping reservations and fees due apply.
Area
48.56 km²
Designated
2026
Category
Urban Night Sky Place
Address
92 Crawford Gulch Rd
Golden, CO 80403
Google Maps
Contact
Kara Van Hoose
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
(303) 829-7143
[email protected]
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual reports
