June 20, 2024
Earlier this week, a friend asked if we’d like to have breakfast and go walking beside Clear Creek on Thursday. That sounded like fun to me, so we agreed to meet at the Bridgewater Grill in downtown Golden at 8:30 AM.
This morning, Bruce drove to Golden and parked at the welcome center lot. We crossed the bridge over Clear Creek along Washington Avenue to get to the Bridgewater Grill.
We sat on the patio overlooking Clear Creek at the Bridgewater Grill. The weather was beautiful and the sound of the creek was refreshing and restful.
Bruce ordered avocado toast with smoked salmon and greens. I ordered blueberry pancakes. The pancakes were light and fluffy. Our friend ordered the three egg omelette with selected his three filling items from a list of fillings. We were all pleased with how good the food and service was.
After breakfast, we headed to the Clear Creek Trail. Clear Creek had one red flag, meaning no tubing or swimming was allowed. Kayaking was still allowed.
We walked west on the trail, getting into the mountains.
After the trail dead ended at a closed bridge, we turned around and headed back.
We decided to cross the suspension bridge and walk along the Welch Ditch Trail. This trail was a flume that once brought water from the mountains to the nearby towns, cities, farms and ranches.
We came down the very steep steps from the Welch Ditch Trail. You can see the steps in the pictures above; the caption is “Steps to Climbing Access.”
As we got into Golden, we saw a kayaker playing in the water. He went back and forth on this small waterfall.
As we passed the Golden History Museum, I took a picture of this mural.
Once we got to Washington Avenue, we parted ways with our friend and headed home to Nox.
We walked 4.78 miles and climbed the equivalent of 46 floors. Bruce has blisters on the balls of his feet and the ends of my toes are slightly blistered.
Blackberry Homestead 
Usually when someone crosses the bridge, it’s not such a happy occasion! 😆. Gorgeous photos!
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Thank you! It is such a beautiful walk.
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Lovely photos – BUT rock climbing is NOT for me – too scared!
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It isn’t for me either, I find it too scary as well.
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Wowsers! That must hurt! It was a pretty area, though. Do hops grow wild there?
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Yes, hops escaped from the farmers that grew hops for Coors and grow wild in the mountains and along the creeks.
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That sent me down the rabbit hole!
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Rabbit holes can be fun!
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Wow! 46 floors is impressive!
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I was super impressed as well. Most of it was a long slow climb, but the hike up to the flume was up steps.
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What a beautiful place 😍.
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I agree! I am so glad we went hiking.
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Blisters are no fun – especially under the thick skin on the bottom of the balls of the feet! You had what looks like perfect weather, and gorgeous views, so I hope it was worth it.
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It was absolutely worth it. Bruce heals quickly and his feet are already on the mend.
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I rented a condo off Washington Ave for a year (just moved 3 months ago) But am very familiar with the area. I’ve also had that avocado toast from Bridgewater Grill and agree that it’s fantastic. I’m glad you both had such a wonderful time! That area is very beautiful.
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It is a lovely area! Clear Creek is so beautiful and the farmers market is fun on Saturday morning.
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