EXPLORE. STAY. VISIT.
Explore Colorado. Stay local. Visit Campus.
Golden, Colorado
Visitor’s Guide
Experience world-class outdoor recreation, shopping, perfect food and drink options and more. Here you’ll find Recommendations on things to do, accommodations, parking and more.
Up-to-Date Visit and Event Status
All visits are operating as scheduled
Weather delays, cancelations and other important information will appear here.
Mines Ore Cart Shuttle
The Ore Cart connects the Mines campus, downtown Golden and more. Operated as a partnership between Mines and the City of Golden and is free for all riders
RTD Light Rail and Bus System
The Light Rail A line links Denver International Airport to Union Station where it connects riders to the W line, taking them to the Jefferson County Government Center in Golden.
Car Rental
Because of the distance from the airport to golden and surrounding areas – a rental car is a good option. Denver International Airport also offers car rental options on property.
Hello from Golden, Colorado
Colorado School of Mines is located in Historic Golden, Colorado – just 15 minutes from downtown Denver and 45 minutes from the mountain slopes.
Golden Fast Facts
- A population of just ~20,000 people
- Elevation 5, 675 ft.
- A former gold rush town
- Home to Coors Brewing
- Founded in 1859
You can also check out more information from our friends at Visit Golden.
EXPLORE
You have arrived… so explore a little! Check out some top suggestions for things to do while you are here.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Home to Colorado events and live music. Red Rocks is one of the top music venues of the world but is also open to explore during most days.
Babes Tea Room
A modern destination for afternoon tea featuring over 90 loose-leaf varieties, plus brunch, sandwiches and a riverside patio.
Thai Gold
Casa Bonita
A landmark Mexican restaurant in Denver known for its cliff divers, cave-themed decor and over-the-top dining experience.
Golden Mill
A food hall and taproom in downtown Golden featuring a rooftop patio, self-pour beer and wine wall and a variety of local food vendors.
Atomic Cowboy
A casual spot known for serving Fat Sully’s pizza, Denver Biscuit Company sandwiches and craft beer all under one roof.
Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
A local theater in downtown Golden that hosts professional plays, concerts and community events in an intimate setting.
Mines Museum of Earth and Science
Home to one of Colorado’s two moon rocks and the world’s largest vivianite specimen, this museum showcases minerals, fossils and gems from around the globe.
Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza
Known for its all-you-can-eat pizza, salad bar and laid-back vibe, this local favorite serves wood-fired pies just steps from downtown Golden.
Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar
Offering a relaxed, upscale atmosphere, this bistro features globally inspired dishes and an extensive wine list in the heart of downtown Golden.
Clear Creek Trail and Kayaking
Running through the center of Golden, this scenic trail and waterway is popular for walking, biking and kayaking, especially during the summer.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Set atop Lookout Mountain, this historic site explores the life and legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody, with panoramic views and his gravesite overlooking the plains.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Featuring historic locomotives, railcars and hands-on exhibits, this museum offers a look at Colorado’s rich railroad history with rides and events throughout the year.
Coors Brewery Tour
This iconic tour takes visitors through the world’s largest single-site brewery, showcasing Coors’ brewing process, history and, of course, beer samples at the end.
D’Deli
A longtime local favorite, this sandwich shop in downtown Golden is known for its creative subs.
Cafe 13
Located in a historic building near downtown Golden, this cozy café serves coffee, breakfast and lunch with plenty of space to study, meet or relax.
Cheese Ranch Artisan Deli
Tucked away in Golden, this artisan deli is known for its handcrafted sandwiches, specialty cheeses and laid-back, neighborhood feel.
Windy Saddle Cafe
Right off Washington Avenue in downtown Golden, this welcoming café offers coffee, smoothies, breakfast and lunch with a cozy, mountain-town vibe.
STAY
Check out suggested lodging option both in Golden and nearby. Some even offer special promotions and rates.
Table Mountain Inn
This adobe-style boutique hotel welcomes guests with warm Western hospitality with spacious accommodations and modern amenities
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel
This casual retreat features rooms designed for outdoor enthusiasts, honoring Golden’s rich industrial history.
for special rates use code:
OREDIGGER
The Golden Hotel
Overlooking the scenic clear creek, this hotel with mountain lodge ambiance will instantly put you at ease.
Pansy’s Parlor Bed and Breakfast
This 1879 victorian home offers gracious accommodations and delicious food, at reasonable rates.
The Dove Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Dove Inn is a Golden staple with new look and an old soul. This beautiful old home is renovated with modern conveniences.
Cleer Creek RV Park
This is a great place to park and stay with your RV or trailor. Open year round this quaint park against the creek is close to everything in Golden.
Hampton Inn by Hilton
Explore the mountains and the shops. This hotel offers rooms and suites and is conveniently located just a few miles from campus.
Origin Hotel Red Rocks
With a location just minutes from downtown Golden, Origin Red Rocks, a Wyndham Hotel, blends rock and roll energy with mountain town vibes.
VISIT
Take a look at all visits and events and sign up to attend. Or you can stop by and grab a self-guided tour map and explore campus on your time. We want you to get to know mines and experience campus.
Getting Here
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Starzer Welcome Center1812 Illinois St. |
Starzer Welcome Center
Office Hours & Info
Questions?
Reach out to the Office of Admissions regarding visit opportunities.
Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: (303) 384-2027
Email: admissions@mines.edu
Graduate Admissions
Phone: (303) 273-3247
Email: grad-admissions@mines.edu
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Hours subject to change depending on events on campus, staff travel schedules and major holidays.
Parking
There are two suggested lots for visitors directly next to the Starzer Welcome Center. Both lots are indicated by visitor parking flags.
If you are attending an admissions event or campus tour, check your confirmation email for the best place to park along with a validation code to enter at the parking kiosk along with your license plate number to waive your parking fee.
Pay station parking locations and map can be found on the parking services site. All parking, including streets are zoned and monitored so be sure to look for posted signs.
Campus parking is free after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends.