Hikes in Golden

Golden, BC is a prime location if you are looking for a centrally located hub from which you can explore the rugged wilderness of British Columbia’s mountains. Situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, this charming town is perfectly positioned to provide access to six national parks -- Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke -- creating an endless supply of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery in every direction, a trip to Golden will allow you to fully disconnect from the outside world and get in touch with the natural environment. Whether you are looking to summit challenging peaks in the Purcell, Selkirk, or Rocky mountains; navigate the region’s winding rivers and tranquil alpine lakes, or simply visit heritage and historical sites from the distant past, an excursion in the Golden area will truly open your eyes to the natural beauty in this part of British Columbia.

What’s New in 2027

• This is grizzly and black bear country, so come prepared. Golden sits among the Purcell, Selkirk and Rocky Mountains, all core bear habitat, and several of these trails, including Thompson Falls, pass through areas bears are known to frequent. Carry bear spray in an accessible holster, make noise on wooded and berry-heavy trails, keep a clean camp, and never approach or run from wildlife. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is even home to a grizzly bear refuge, worth a visit to learn about the animals.
• Many trailheads need a high-clearance 4x4. Some of the best hikes, such as Gorman Lake, sit at the end of rough forest-service roads that a regular car cannot manage, which can turn a short hike into a full-day outing. Check road conditions locally, and if you are not driving something suitable, the resort-based trails at Kicking Horse and the Moonraker network near town are easier to reach.
• Snow lingers on the high trails, and the valley trails open early. The main hiking season runs from about late May to October. The valley and Moonraker trails around town open early and stay walkable late, while the higher summits such as Mount 7, Table Mountain and Quartz Lake can hold snow into early summer. The gondola at Kicking Horse also gives easy access to high-country trails like Grassy Knoll and Terminator Peak once it opens for summer.

Best Hikes In Golden

While there are countless outdoor activities to experience in Golden, the region’s rugged mountains, dense forests, and picturesque alpine meadows create the perfect type of terrain for hiking. From beginner trails within close proximity to the town, to remote treks that require a 4x4 vehicle to access the trailhead; you will certainly be able to find the perfect trail to meet all of your hiking needs.

The mountainous terrain that surrounds Golden and makes it such a great place to explore the outdoors can also be its downfall when it comes to accessibility for inexperienced hikers. Long seen as a fairly remote area, Golden and many of its hiking trails can seem daunting to beginner hikers that are unfamiliar with the rugged terrain. This has begun to change, with easy access to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and its network of mountain top trails, even the greenest of hikers can gain some confidence in the mountains before extending their adventures out into the remote wilderness nearby. Check out this amazing list of Golden hikes that we’ve put together below:

• Grassy Knoll (T2 Peak): This hike is a short out-and-back that sets out from the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and takes you along a ridge for some amazing views overlooking Golden. For the minimal effort required, the views along this trail are truly spectacular.
• Mount 7 Trail: The Mount 7 Trail is a right of passage for anyone in the Golden area, taking you up to the summit of this iconic peak for sweeping views of the town and surrounding mountains. The name derives from the “7” shaped patch of snow that can be found on the slopes of the mountain in the early summer. If you are only going to attempt one hike in Golden, this should probably be it.
• Cedar Lakes Trail : This hike is a peaceful stroll through a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain that will take you to a series of four tranquil lakes. The ease of accessibility of the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site and well-maintained paths make this perfectly suitable for hikers of every skill level.
• Table Mountain and Navvy Peak: This is a challenging, but rewarding climb through some steep terrain that will take you up to the summit of these two peaks. Views from the top are spectacular and include a sweeping sightline of the valley and surrounding mountains.
• Quartz Lake: Hiking up to Quartz Lake is a scenic route that will expose you to some amazingly beautiful scenery. While out on the trail, you will pass through intermittent forests, charming meadows, and climb up steep terrain to reach the picturesque alpine setting of the emerald lake.
• Frenchman’s Ridge: This is a short but steep route that climbs uphill for some amazing views overlooking the Columbia Valley. Often compared to Vancouver’s Grouse Grind, Frenchman’s Ridge is a bit more rugged, with no stairs to help you in your climb to the top of the trail.
• Canyon Creek Loop: This longer loop through the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site links several multi-use paths past the Cedar Lakes and through the wetlands to a lookout over Canyon Creek. A great way to get the most out of a day in this dense network of forest trails, with cyclists to share the path with.
• Gorman Lake Trail: This stunning trail is a fairly short adventure west of Golden that will lead you to the shores of a charming lake. While the hike itself isn’t overly challenging, the drive into the trailhead is a rugged adventure that should only be attempted with a high clearance vehicle, making this half-day hike into a full-day adventure.
• Lower Certainty Mine Trail: Hiking the Lower Certainty Mine Trail is an amazing experience that will take you along an old mining access path for views over the valley. Try combining this with the Upper Certainty Mine Trail nearby for an even longer adventure.
• Thompson Falls: This trail is an amazingly scenic riverside adventure that will lead you through the forest alongside the Blaeberry River for views over its rushing waters. Near the end of the trail, the dense cover of the forest will break, offering an awesome sightline over the river as it plunges into a rugged canyon.

More Hikes in Golden

• Moonrakers Classic Short Hike
• Moonrakers Classic Medium Hike
• Cedar Camp Trail
• North Star Trail
• Terminator Peak
• Upper Certainty Mine Trail

When is the Best Time to Hike in Golden?

As with many mountain towns, Golden sees a fair amount of snow in the winter, some of which can remain on the higher trails into the summer season. Depending on the type of hiking you are looking to do, the best overall time to hike in Golden is from late May to October. In this window you should be able to explore the plethora of hiking trails along the valley floor, as well as most of the routes that climb a bit higher into the rugged mountains. If you are aiming for the beginning of the season, make sure to hike the Mount 7 Trail in order to see the “7” shaped sliver of snow that remains on the mountain in the early summer. Those adventurous enough can also ski or snowboard the “7,” an iconic pastime in the area.

Other Outdoor Activities in Golden

With a wealth of stunning landscapes surrounding the town, Golden offers access to a number of different activities that will get you out exploring the rugged terrain in no time. From hiking and mountain biking through the forested slopes surrounding the town, to rock climbing and mountaineering expeditions high above the valley floor, there is no shortage of leg-driven activities to experience. If you would like to let the forces of nature take over, try paragliding high above the mountainous landscape or paddling the coursing rivers that carve up the valley floor. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, a weekend of camping in the wild or fishing on a tranquil lake will allow you to recharge and unwind from the hectic aspects of everyday life. No matter the type of adventure you are after, Golden and its stunning landscape will have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden

What is Golden known for?

When it comes to the world of outdoor exploration, Golden is known for its stunning landscapes and its position as a central hub that offers easy access to six national parks. Within driving distance are Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke national parks; all of which mean that your next big adventure is never too far away.

Why is it called Golden?

The town began as a Canadian Pacific Railway survey base camp known as McMillan’s Camp. In 1884, when a nearby lumber camp named itself Silver City, the residents of McMillan’s Camp decided not to be outdone and renamed their settlement Golden City. In time the “City” was felt to be a little too grand and was dropped, leaving simply Golden, which has remained the name of this charming town ever since.

How far is Golden from Banff?

The distance from Golden to Banff is 98.0 km, although the actual road distance is 139.2 km. This is largely through mountainous terrain, with a driving time of 1.5-2h.

Are there grizzly bears near Golden?

Yes. The Purcell, Selkirk and Rocky Mountains around Golden are home to both grizzly and black bears, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort runs a well-known grizzly bear refuge. Bears are usually shy and encounters are uncommon, but you should carry bear spray in an accessible holster, make noise on the trail, keep dogs leashed, and never approach or run from a bear.

Plan Your Trip to Golden

Golden is one hiking base in the wider region of hiking in British Columbia and hiking in Canada. Nearby, you may also like hiking in Yoho National Park. If you would rather have the planning handled, browse our Guided hiking tours in Canada.