Golden

Golden is the county seat of Jefferson County in Colorado and sits at the base of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains along Clear Creek at an elevation of 1729 meters. The main street runs parallel to the creek and is lined with low brick and wood buildings, while steep rock faces rise immediately behind the western neighborhoods.

The settlement began in 1859 as a mining camp during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush and drew prospectors and traders into the valley. Between 1862 and 1867 it served as the capital of the Colorado Territory before that role moved to Denver.

The Coors Brewery at the edge of town has brewed beer for over a century and offers guided tours through its production halls. In the center, preserved brick buildings recall the gold rush origins while students and mountain climbers shape the town's character today.

The W line of the RTD light rail connects the town to the Denver metropolitan area and stops several times daily at the station downtown. Most shops and restaurants sit along Washington Avenue, which can be crossed on foot in a few minutes.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory west of town researches technologies for sustainable energy production and develops solutions for photovoltaics, wind power, and storage systems. Visitors can gain insights into ongoing research projects and test facilities during scheduled tours.