Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center — Attraction in Idaho Springs

Edit to this review: The new employees are wonderful. I have had surgery and am walking better but still need my dog. I was very hesitant to go again, but am better.

They let me in and out that back door that was right there and just plain were nice. I am glad the ones from last year are no longer there. -If you are handicapped and have problems walking, don't bother.

The ramp and stairs will cut up a service dog's feet. You have to go all around the lake.

The last time I was told we could shortcut through the building. Nope. The man and woman behind the counter did not care.

A nice park ranger told us a shortcut. Was difficult but easier than walking around the lake.

My sister walked him to the building for me. I had the walker but easier with my trained dog.

They also took out the benches and replaced with chairs that were more difficult.

Next year I will find someplace else to...

The employees were helpful in explaining how I can purchase a park pass when I renew the tags on my car.

However, just know that there is no cell service at the park. One would think that a visitor center would allow guests to use their wifi. They do not. I needed to download a map from my AllTrails app. There are two Wi-Fi’s in the center, one ironically called “public wifi”. However, I was told that I would just need to drive around until I found a signal. I ended up having to drive 10-15 minutes away from the center to a gas station (which had no problem with me using their wifi). At the very least, this was an unnecessary inconvenience. The center insisted that it’s a popular park that 1.5 million people visit each year and that they can’t let everyone use their internet. Maybe they could use the $10 to park from this 1.5 million people and invest in providing a minimal amenity to...

Great views and trails all around. Would recommend paying the $10 entry fee at the visitor center, especially if you plan to pay with card. Also a good place to get free (and updated) trail maps. Once done at the visitor center park elsewhere though since the visitor center spaces are limited to 15 min. Note there are only a few spots closer to the trail you plan to do, however everything essentially connects so if you don't find a spot at "A", drive to "B" and hike back to "A". Don't plan a trip when there is snow on the ground if you don't have the proper tires as roads in and leading to the park are narrow, steep and...