Grant Terry Park, right at the edge of Golden along Highway 6, is a great place to get to the creek. A small network of trails begins at the Gateway Trailhead and weaves through the forest and beside the water. Shade is plentiful, and you can dip your feet whenever you want. This is a swift-flowing river, however, that can be dangerous. Be sure to stay out of the current, and keep a close watch on your children if present.

The Grant Terry Trail and everywhere else along Clear Creek are quite lively in summer. Families come to relax, swim, go fishing, and even pan for gold along the banks. Rock climbers scale the cliffs above, and kayakers brave the whitewater rapids. You can expect to encounter a wide diversity of people and activities along the creek, which makes it an enjoyable place in the bustle of the warm months. If parking is full at the Grant Terry Park entrance, you can access the trail from the Clear Creek Greenway in Golden.

The colder months are quieter, but still a great time to visit. In fall, leaves change and surround the creek in warm colors. In winter, the creek can partially freeze over, and snow alights on the surrounding hillsides. Even if it’s too cold to swim, you can escape the city and enjoy a hike in the canyon at any time of year.

Sources: https://www.cityofgolden.net/play/recreation-attractions/trails/grant-terry-trail/ https://www.cityofgolden.net/media/TrailMap.pdf