If you get far enough North, you can just take E-470 into the Tech Center during inclement weather and by-pass the 2-3 hour shit show through the city.
Then again, you are talking about going to downtown, so never mind.
I grew up in Golden and I feel like it is much easier to get into/out of Denver from the West/East than it is from the North/South. From Golden/Lakewood you can take I-70, 6th ave, or Colfax in.