I had a fun hike in my favorite Colorado State Park today – Golden Gate Canyon! It is the best state park because it isn’t too crowded, the scenery is prefect and I love the ride to it! Even though it sits about 10 miles from Black Hawk/Central City, I come from the Golden side down Golden Gate Canyon Rd off of 93. It is about 13 miles down that road until you hit the park and the visitor center. You can drive past the visitor to the many parking areas along the sides of the road and enjoy those trails or go high up the peaks to Panorama Point and enjoy a trail on the mountain road (only open in summers) or from Panorama Point itself. 
I chose an easy hike on Horseshoe Trail which is a gentle grade up in the beautiful pine forest leading to Frazer Meadows. There usually is a stream alongside the trail, but due to the drought in Colorado it is all dried up. My dogs were a little disappointed with that, but thankfully I brought water for them. 
Such a beautiful day – temps in the 70s with bright sunshine. All along the trail were wildflowers of varying colors and sizes. I was happy to find sunflowers, paintbrush and columbines! Everything is blooming early this year partly due to drought and partly due to the warm, early spring we have had here. I also enjoyed the many aspen in this park. 
Hope you enjoy the photos and some day get a chance to check out this fabulous park! There are even campsites in campgrounds and backcountry for you to enjoy a multiple day stay at this beautiful tucked away state park.
