A Boulder day trip from Golden can combine a ride on RTD Route GS with time downtown or a visit to Chautauqua. The bus connects the two cities via Colorado Highway 93, while Chautauqua offers a short out-and-back trail and access to other paths.
If you’re staying in Golden, a bed and breakfast in Golden can be your starting point for the day.
- Between the cities: RTD Route GS connects Golden and Boulder.
- For a trail stop: Chautauqua Trail is 1.2 miles out and back.
- Trailhead: Chautauqua is at 900 Baseline Road.
- Trailhead access: The City of Boulder says there is no fee, and the trailhead is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
How do you get from Golden to Boulder?
RTD Route GS is a bus connection between Golden and Boulder via Colorado Highway 93. It also serves the Colorado School of Mines and Federal Center Station, so you can use it for a transit-based day out without planning a drive between the cities.
Check RTD’s current schedule before you go, since bus timetables can change. If you’re making the trip by transit, check where the route stops and plan your Boulder day around those connections; the schedule details may vary.
Golden offers other ways to get around town before or after your Boulder outing. Visit Golden describes the Ore Cart as a free shuttle, with routes serving North Golden, the Colorado School of Mines campus and the W Line station-to-downtown-and-campus corridor.
Choose a downtown or outdoor day
You can make your Boulder day about downtown or head to Chautauqua for an outdoor stop. The choice affects how you’ll want to plan local transport and parking.
Most pay stations in downtown, University Hill and Boulder Junction have a three-hour parking maximum. The HOP bus fare also works as a three-hour pass, allowing unlimited rides and transfers, including to RTD routes, within three hours of issue. For real-time arrivals and service updates, the HOP page directs riders to RTD MyRide or the Transit app.
Check trail and park access
Chautauqua gives you a short trail option and access to additional paths in the area. The trailhead is at 900 Baseline Road and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with no trailhead fee.
Chautauqua Trail is a 1.2-mile out-and-back route that connects with other paths. The area also has a picnic area and restrooms at the Ranger Cottage and at the top of Bluebell Road.
Expect parking to take planning: the City describes the trailhead as popular and often crowded, with challenging parking, even though many trails are accessible.
Parking ordinances apply around Chautauqua during summer weekends and holidays as part of the Chautauqua Access Management Plan and Park-to-Park shuttle operation. Check the City of Boulder’s official site before you go for current trailhead and parking conditions.
For a closer-to-Golden hiking day, the North and South Table Mountain hikes offer a different local outing.
Return to Golden
Route GS connects Boulder back with Golden, making the same bus route an option for your return. Check RTD’s current schedule when arranging your day so you can plan around the service times in both directions.
If you drove to Boulder, parking rules may shape how long you spend in some central areas: most pay stations in downtown, University Hill and Boulder Junction have a three-hour maximum. For a Chautauqua visit, account for the area’s parking challenges and seasonal parking ordinances as you plan your return.
FAQs
Does RTD Route GS connect Golden and Boulder?
Yes. Route GS connects the cities via Colorado Highway 93 and also serves the Colorado School of Mines and Federal Center Station.
Is there a fee to access Chautauqua’s trailhead?
There is no fee for the Chautauqua trailhead, which is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
How long is Chautauqua Trail?
It is a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail with access to other paths in the Chautauqua area.