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A quicker way to check out the North Table Mountain mesa in a loop without going all the way around.


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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

87%

Runnable

6,479' 1,975 m

High

5,990' 1,826 m

Low

520' 159 m

Up

525' 160 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

Overview

This loop just outside of Denver has enough elevation gain to raise your heart rate while offering close views of the Front Range foothills and Flatirons to the north. It also offers views of the Denver Skyline from afar. You can connect with other trails in the North Table Mountain trail network for additional routes/views.

Description

This trail is mostly easy—don't let the first half mile fool you. Take your time and enjoy the views of Golden on the ascent if you're getting used to the Colorado elevation. It starts at a decently steep grade, but is very well groomed and easy to maneuver.

Once you get on top of the mesa in about 0.7 miles, the run becomes a breeze for the rest of the way, as you've completed basically the entire ascent. Even though you're only 20 minutes from Denver, it can seem like you're in the middle of nowhere up top due to the expansive trail network on the mesa. On a late Monday afternoon after work, my dog and I encountered 3 other hikers, 4 trail runners, and 6 mountain bikers throughout the entire run. The trails are wide with plenty of room for others to pass.

In terms of views, you get: Golden behind you in the first half mile, long distance views of the Denver Skyline once up top on Tilting Mesa Trail, and then pretty decent views of the Front Range and Flatirons once you round the corner on Mesa Top. This isn't the most impressive trail around, but if you're seeking some solitude outside of the city, it can be an enjoyable respite. If you're in the Denver area and looking for a close, easy run to view the mountains around you, then this is a great option.

Contacts

Shared By:

Cam Morton with improvements by Brian Huber

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 26 votes

#1706

Overall
  3.7 from 26 votes
5 Star
19%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
42%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#320

in Colorado

#1,706

Overall
29 Views Last Month
6,903 Since Sep 19, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

7%
18%
75%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

North Table Mountain Flowers with permission from David Broome
Jan 8, 2015 near Golden, CO
North Table Loop-Golden.
Oct 29, 2020 near Golden, CO
Beginning of trail.
Nov 4, 2020 near Golden, CO
Mesa Top
Oct 29, 2020 near Golden, CO
View of Denver
Nov 4, 2020 near Golden, CO
North Table Loop
Oct 29, 2020 near Golden, CO

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 31, 2024
Andrew Lee
Clockwise. Added on random bits 4.1mi — 0h 45m
Apr 3, 2023
Radhika Ratnabalasuriar
Dry, good temps- go get it before the snow comes!
Feb 3, 2023
David Mini
Nov 13, 2021
Andrew Chavkin
Jun 12, 2021
Matt Klein
3.1mi
Dec 10, 2020
Atsuko Ohtake
Jul 21, 2020
David Smulson
Jul 11, 2020
Alec Butler
0h 34m
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