Located halfway between Golden and Nederland, this massive 12,000-acre state park has plenty of hiking trails and climbing opportunities. Camping is permitted both at established campsites and in the backcountry. A visitor center near the southeast entrance has lots of maps and info on the park. This is the best spot to see aspen trees close to Denver.
![Bull elk with herd; Shutterstock ID 157172153; Your name (First / Last): Emma Sparks; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best_in_the_US_POIs](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/c825258187d91e68c35e254e7b7a6983-golden-gate-canyon-state-park.jpg?w=1920&h=640&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cedges&auto=format&q=75)
Shutterstock / Robert O Hull
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Colorado
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