American Mountaineering Center

The American Mountaineering Center is the national headquarters of the American Alpine Club, the country's oldest and largest climbing organization. The building houses the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum, one of the world's premier collections of mountaineering history and artifacts.

For anyone interested in climbing, alpinism, or mountain exploration history, this is a pilgrimage site. The collection includes gear from legendary expeditions, personal items from famous mountaineers, and archives documenting over a century of American climbing achievement.

Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum

Named for Bradford Washburn - explorer, cartographer, and pioneering mountaineer - the museum occupies a significant portion of the center. Exhibits trace the history of mountaineering from early Alpine exploration through modern extreme climbing.

Highlights include gear from the first American ascent of K2, equipment used on the 1963 American Everest Expedition, and artifacts from legendary climbers like Paul Petzoldt, Willi Unsoeld, and Conrad Anker. The evolution of climbing technology is fascinating - seeing the primitive ice axes and hemp ropes used on early Himalayan expeditions makes modern achievements seem even more remarkable.

Rotating exhibits highlight different aspects of climbing culture - from women in mountaineering to the history of Colorado's Fourteeners to cutting-edge first ascents happening today.

Henry S. Hall Jr. American Alpine Club Library

The library is one of the world's largest collections of mountaineering literature. It holds over 40,000 volumes including expedition accounts, guidebooks, journals, and rare first editions dating back centuries. The archive includes photographs, maps, and documents from major expeditions.

The library is open to researchers and visitors. Even if you're not doing serious research, it's worth a peek - the reading room is filled with mountaineering artwork and historic photographs. Staff can point you to interesting materials if you're curious about specific peaks or climbers.

American Alpine Club

The American Alpine Club was founded in 1902 and has been based in Golden since 1993. Beyond the museum and library, the center houses the club's administrative offices and hosts regular programming including lectures, film screenings, and member events.

Non-members are welcome to visit the museum and library. Membership offers additional benefits including accident insurance, discounts on gear, and access to climbing resources. If you're an active climber, it's worth considering.

Planning Your Visit

Time needed: 45 minutes to an hour for a casual visit. Climbing enthusiasts could easily spend longer exploring the exhibits and library.

Combine with: The center is in downtown Golden, a short walk from Washington Avenue restaurants and shops. The nearby Clear Creek Trail makes for a pleasant pre or post-visit walk.

Best for: Climbers, mountaineering history buffs, and anyone curious about exploration and adventure. Even non-climbers find the stories and artifacts compelling.

Events: Check the American Alpine Club website for upcoming lectures, film screenings, and events. Many are free and open to the public.