Golden Gate Canyon State Park Camping and Activities
Golden Gate Canyon State Park features 12,000 acres of preserved wildlife with miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding adventures!
Fifteen minutes from the bottom of the trail, the Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT is a must-visit destination after your hike. It has shopping, dining and arts to enjoy while you recharge.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park Camping
Golden Gate Canyon State Park camping is legendary with backcountry campsites, private cabins and yurts deep within nature, and even a captivating historic ranch!
Backcountry Campsites
The Golden Gate Canyon State Park camping areas are throughout the park. Most of these are just a couple of miles in, with beautiful views the whole way. These must be reserved before use, and they tend to go fast, so be sure to plan your trip and book early.
There are no campfires allowed at the backcountry campsites to protect the wildlife, but you can pack gas stoves or other non-fire camping resources; all can be found at Basin and Bend, located in Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT.
Cabins and Yurts
Want to level up your experience? Check out the cabins and yurts available for public use year-round. You can house up to six people in these cabins and yurts, and there is electric lighting and outlets. Each place also has a grill and picnic tables outside for cooking and dining. Pets, family and friends are welcome!
Guest House
There’s no Airbnb at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park; even better, there’s Harmsen Ranch. This ranch house sits above 9,000 ft on a 40-acre meadow. It has four bedrooms, a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas and easy access to trails and hiking. Historically it was called the “Lazy Squaw Ranch” before the name was changed to the Harmsen Ranch when Bill and Dorothy Harmsen acquired it in 1954. After it was restored, it was sold to the State of Colorado to become a landmark and the piece of living history it is today.
You can stay at the Harmsen Ranch with up to 7 guests! Camping at the ranch is camping in luxury, boasting running water and electricity. A large meadow surrounds it, overlooking the Denver skyline and the Colorado mountain range.
Are you looking to add a few more guests? There are RV hookups for reservations on Harmsen Ranch. Most of the Golden Gate Canyon State Park camping, cabins and yurts are also nearby.
Activities
You don’t have to stay at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park to enjoy all the activities you can experience here. Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT is a short drive or an exhilarating bike ride away. You can head to the quaint town for some craft cocktails, good meals and eclectic locally-owned shops.
Hiking and Biking
Golden Gate Canyon State Park has 42 miles of hiking trails, with biking allowed on 27 miles. These trails wind through the wilderness and open up to amazing views and backcountry campsites along the way. For those lodging in the guest house, visitors have easy trailhead access and a short commute to the Hard Money trailhead located in the Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is available to visitors and those enjoying the Golden Gate Canyon State Park camping. A corral can accommodate up to eight horses, and there are 27 miles of trails to ride. Horses are also welcome at the guest house.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and hunting are allowed at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and acquiring a permit is easy! They allow up to 35 hunters a day on dedicated land, and you can fish on any lake, stream or pond. There’s ample fishing near the tent sites if you are here for the Golden Gate Canyon State Park camping, and the “Dude’s Fishing Hole” is connected to a trail just outside the guest house. Here’s a map of all the great fishing spots!
Black Hawk
Camping trip concluding and looking for a place to grab a warm lunch, have some drinks or shop? Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT is just a short drive away with plenty of options.
The Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT is the heart of arts and culture located on Gregory St. It’s a pedestrian-friendly center of town filled with preserved historic buildings and exciting activities. Enjoy craft cocktails, fine dining and artisan shops only at the Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT. It’s a must-visit if you plan to enjoy some Golden Gate Canyon State Park Camping.