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Golden Summit Trail

 4.1 (23)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Golden
  5. South Table Mountain
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Map Key

1.8 Miles 3.0 Kilometers


79%

Runnable

449' 137 m

Ascent

-447' -136 m

Descent

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

6,281' 1,914 m

High

5,833' 1,778 m

Low

Conditions

All Clear 2 days ago
Dry - Trail is in good shape. Minimal rutting, all clear. History
Getting forecast...

“This is the classic trail to ascend the backside of Golden's signature rock formation, Castle Rock.”

— Johnny Muir-Addleman
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

This well-maintained trail takes you from downtown Golden to its most prominent geological feature, Castle Rock, which allows for 360-degree views of the Front Range and the Great Plains. Not as steep or technical as the Sleeping Elk Trail, this is manageable by most if taken at a moderate pace.

Runner Notes

This can be difficult and crowded at times, but is a common way to access the miles of flat trails on top of the mesa.

Description

From the neighborhood just east of downtown Golden, locate the trailhead and move through some switchbacks for a quick start to your climb.

After some straightforward but somewhat steep running, you'll join the South Table Top Mesa Trail and head west from there along the top of the cliff. At the base of Castle Rock, start a series of concrete steps up the final stretch where a large flat area and expansive views await.

History & Background

Since its founding in 1859, Castle Rock has always looked out over the city of Golden and is visible on its town logo. In 1873, a little brewery was also founded in its shadow by Adolph Coors.

Contacts

Land Manager: Jefferson County, CO - Open Space Dept.

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Nov 4, 2018
Matthew Macfarlane
Trail conditions great. Beautiful views. Easy hike
Sep 19, 2018
Mills Pablo
Trails break off quite a bit once you summit 3mi — 1h 00m
Aug 15, 2018
juggy
Sep 10, 2017
Jack Tynan
First one 2.9mi
May 27, 2017
Alex Naber
With Mom and Dad
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 23 votes

#1

in South Table Mountain

#430

Overall
  4.1 from 23 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
26%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in South Table Mountain

#96

in Colorado

#430

Overall
231 Views Last Month
8,805 Since May 30, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
8%
56%
32%
4%
0%
0%
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Photos

Golden's South Table Mountain and Castle Rock from the head of the Sleeping Elk Trail
Golden's South Table Mountain and Castle Rock f…
 4
Peak of South Table Mountain Park Overlooking the city of Golden, CO
Peak of South Table Mountain Park Overlooking t…
 4
Steps up to the top of the mesa.
Steps up to the top of the mesa.
 4
The Front Range north of Golden's Castle Rock from its summit. In view are the Coors Brewery and North Table Mountain.
The Front Range north of Golden's Castle Rock f…
 5

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