The Perfect Pair

Four calf-burning, lung-busting, heart-pumping hikes and the summer brews that make them worthwhile.

Golden Gate State Park Loop and Golden City Brewery

The Hike Golden Gate State Park Loop
From the parking lot, take the Burro Trail up, but turn left on the Mountain Lion Trail. Most of the first three miles are all uphill, so you'll earn the ensuing quick descent through pine forests and across log bridges over Deer Creek. At the bottom of the hill, you'll meet back up with Burro Trail, which leads back to your car. (Near Golden: Take U.S. Highway 6 to Highway 93. Drive north 1.4 miles before turning left on Golden Gate Canyon Road. Travel 12.3 miles to the visitor center and pick up a day pass. On Ralston Road, turn right and continue 1.9 miles to the Bridge Creek trailhead.)

The Effort 8.2 miles = 1,171 (men) and 926 (women) approximate calories burned

The Reward After a long hike, you need a substantial brew. The Evolution IPA at Golden City Brewery—the "second largest brewery in Golden"—will hit the spot. Calories: Unknown—GCB doesn't measure caloric content. Enjoy. 920 12th St., Golden; 303-279-8092