Here are some pics of downtown Golden, Colorado I took over the weekend. Golden was established in 1859 during the gold rush and is located on the westside of Denver next to the Rocky Mountains. The town is home to the Colorado School of Mines (4,000 students) the Coors facilities, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The town's current population is about 20,000. RTD's new western light rail line is currently under construction and will extend out to the town.

 

Colorado Mountaineering Center

 

Park next to downtown on Clear Creek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coors Plant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good photos and a beautiful natural setting.

 

This bridge puzzles me; it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense either from an aesthetic or a structural aspect. The brick balusters would add a lot of weight, especially if they're real, and visually they don't blend with a cable-stayed or suspended deck. I'd expect masonry elements to be part of a supporting structure, not a load on the supporting elements. Strange.

 

I haven't been out to Golden since '93.  Thanks.

That looks like a cool place.

 

 

"Howdy Folks!" arch? Uhm... lol

What a cute town!

Looks pretty nice.  I was thinking of more of a Western looking town.  Lots of new construction, which I like.  Seems very touristy and looks like it's doing pretty well.  Thanks!

Looks pretty nice. I was thinking of more of a Western looking town. Lots of new construction, which I like. Seems very touristy and looks like it's doing pretty well. Thanks!

 

It does have a touristy component to it but, it more a place for the locals to go and enjoy the mountain surroundings. No ski resorts, etc... are nearby. It also has a good mixed of local establishments and a strong residential base. I am sure the light rail line will help that grow even more.

Good photos and a beautiful natural setting.

 

This bridge puzzles me; it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense either from an aesthetic or a structural aspect. The brick balusters would add a lot of weight, especially if they're real, and visually they don't blend with a cable-stayed or suspended deck. I'd expect masonry elements to be part of a supporting structure, not a load on the supporting elements. Strange.

 

 

It was hard to tell. It looked like they were more decorative than actually part of the support system.

 

  Those cable stays are fake, or at least if they are real, they are poorly designed. What a goofy bridge.

 

  Nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

Looks upscale and tidy.  But something about it I just don't like.

I lived in Golden for 6 years.  Surprisingly, very uninspiring place, bland architecture, and dry people to go with the dry climate.  Eastern Colorado (Denver metro and east) is one of the most overrated places in the U.S., with approximately 300,000 illegals in Denver metro alone, poorly funded schools, and more crime than you would think. 

 

Western Colorado is scenic and very untamed, but accessing it (mountains) is a challenge due to limited roads and too many people trying to get up and back.  Not uncommon to take 2 hours to get up, but 6+ to get back because of traffic.

How long ago was it that you live in Golden?

 

My understanding of Golden is that its a pretty progressive place, with a liberal slant (near Boulder), and a strong urban infill and redevelopment movement.

I lived in Golden from 2001 to 2007, actually still own a house there that I can't sell.  Golden is conservative, the only similarity with Boulder is that it is near the foothills.  It has a small technical university (School of Mines), about 1/3 the size as Case Western, no other colleges or universities in Golden.

 

Boulder calls itself a liberal stronghold, but is about the whitest city you'll ever see; the University of Colorado (in Boulder) is the 2nd whitest university in the U.S., behind only BYU.  I'm not a liberal (or of color), but my imagination of an ideal liberal city is not entirely "white"..

^ interesting observation.

 

i'll say this. take notice ohio. rail transit is on the way to golden. um hmm.

 

nice shots of the town, it looks active and cared for. the western mountain background is very scenic.

What an amazing park in those shots!

I agree with 8Titles completely. I lived in several cities along the front range and spent time in all the rest like Golden. Colorado period is so over rated it's sick. What is unmistakable is some of the incredible beauty of some areas like the Continental Divide (Aspen) etc. but your description of the dry people is hysterical and right on the money. When I finally got the hell out of that state, I floored it the entire way until I reached the state line. The most annoying thing is native and non native Coloradoans talk endlessly about how sunny it is there like that's something inspiring.

I guess every place has its positive and negatives. I really am enjoying Colorado. I find it very progressive in its urban and historic preservation movements. The scenery is stunning from the front range westward and I do enjoy the extra sunshine. I guess its all about perspective.

Looks very cute.  It's nice to see that a lot of the new buildings are built to the street and engage the pedestrian.

Thanks for sharing, I'm in Denver right now myself.