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A rolling grassland trail that circumnavigates North Table Mountain.


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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.3

KM

91%

Runnable

6,486' 1,977 m

High

5,851' 1,783 m

Low

1,058' 323 m

Up

1,056' 322 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views

Rattlesnakes are commonly seen on North Table Mountain!

Snakebite Identification and First Aid

Overview

This is a nice run that feels somewhat remote despite being right on the edge of Golden and Denver. There's a decent amount of elevation change so this isn't a trivial run, but it's not overly technical, and the trail is easy to follow.

Be sure not to miss the viewpoint off of Lichen Peak, the park's highest peak.

Description

Start this trail at the northern end of the main North Table parking lot, located just east of CO-93. Follow the mesa's contours as you take in the beautiful views of the nearby Hogsback hills, White Ranch Park and the surrounding front range mountains.

After bearing left at the junction with Mesa Top Trail you'll encounter a small climb that quickly becomes a descent after the Y-intersection with Tablerock Trail. Continue to follow the contours of the mesa as North Table Loop Trail skirts the northern end of North Table Mountain.

Shortly after the trail passes the other end of Mesa Top, you'll encounter the most difficult feature of this trail - a steep, switchbacked climb. Take this torturous ascent past Cottonwood Canyon Trail, and Neighborhood Access Trail. Shortly after these trail junctions, the climb becomes shallower and you'll find yourself on top of the mesa! Take in the beautiful front range views, but don't linger long... The smells from the Coors water treatment plant can be brutal depending on wind direction.

Once North Table Loop passes the Tilting Mesa Trail, you'll encounter a minor, but steep descent directly into the North Table parking lot.

Flora & Fauna

Species Highlights:
  • Cliff-nesting Golden Eagle
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Rattlesnake

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 112 votes

#122

Overall
  3.9 from 112 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
22%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
3%
Recommended Route Rankings

#39

in Colorado

#122

Overall
81 Views Last Month
17,380 Since Dec 24, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

1%
2%
72%
8%
16%
1%

Photos

Junction of North Table Loop & Mesa Top Trail
Feb 26, 2018 near Golden, CO
Beginning of trail.
Nov 4, 2020 near Golden, CO
North Table Loop and Cottonwood Canyon Trails split
Apr 29, 2018 near Golden, CO
View of Coors Brewery and the town of Golden from the base of the North Table Cliff
May 21, 2015 near Golden, CO
Going up North Table Mountain
Sep 19, 2017 near Golden, CO
North Table Loop looking northeast toward Denver.
Mar 14, 2020 near Applewood, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 5 days ago
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