Denver is a big and beautiful city full of unique people (650,000, to be exact!), stunning skyscrapers, and something new to do or see every weekend. However, amidst all of hustle and bustle, it is sometimes nice to escape to some place small and quiet, right? If you crave a little extra peace, it is time to visit this small town near Denver that you have never heard of but will fall in love with:
Located a mere 10 miles from Boulder, Gold Hill is a tiny town of 300 that is situated alongside Left Hand Canyon at a whopping 8,300 feet.
Flickr/Guy Huntley
Established in 1859, Gold Hill is a historic mining camp that is significant in that it housed the first gold discovery during the famous 1859 Colorado Gold Rush!
Wikimedia Commons
During its peak in the late 19th Century, Gold Hill was home to more than 1,500 residents, most of who worked in the mining industry and took advantage of not only the original gold boom, but the later tellurium boom as well.
Flickr/in-boulder
Once the mines began to dwindle, so did the population, leading to the fewer friendly and proud residents who still call this charming mountain town their home.
Flickr/Ard Hesselink
When you visit this National Register of Historic Places community today, you will find a number of the original, still-intact homes and buildings…
Flickr/Lizard10979
…unforgettable hiking (or scenic strolling) opportunities…
Flickr/Jonathan Hover
…and jaw-dropping drives along both the back-country roads and nearby Peak-to-Peak Highway.
Flickr/Carol Jacobs-Carre
For more information on the history of Gold Hill, community info, and upcoming events, please visit the Gold Hill Townsite’s website.
Flickr/CL.Baker
Flickr/Guy Huntley
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/in-boulder
Flickr/Ard Hesselink
Flickr/Lizard10979
Flickr/Jonathan Hover
Flickr/Carol Jacobs-Carre
Flickr/CL.Baker
For even more nearby tiny towns, check out these 15 Slow-Paced Small Towns Near Denver Where Life Is Still Simple.
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