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Starting from a less-crowded lot, this offers rougher terrain and easy climbing access. Great views of downtown Golden.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

75%

Runnable

6,431' 1,960 m

High

5,896' 1,797 m

Low

529' 161 m

Up

536' 163 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

This is a short loop with some steep sections to get a workout in, but some flat sections up top to enjoy the views. The ascent goes by numerous top rope climbing and bouldering opportunities. The trail connects to other trails within the North Table Mountain trail network for easy access to longer loops if desired. The trailhead/parking lot is minutes from downtown Golden. The top of the mesa offers great views of Golden as well as Denver in the background.

Need to Know

Free parking and an overflow lot is connected as well. Be mindful of rattlesnakes in the warmer months.

Description

From the parking lot, head northeast up the trail. It begins pretty steep but levels out once the climbing area is reached. From there, you steadily circumnavigate the mesa until it levels off completely at the top.

Once you meet the North Table Mountain Trail on top of the mesa, you want to take a right at the North Table Loop sign (to follow the Golden Cliffs Trail). It will eventually take you back around to the trail you came up. Alternatively you could remain left and do the North Table Loop which adds several miles of relatively flat terrain.

Around this side loop you should have nice distant views of the the downtown Denver high rise buildings. Be mindful of the agave and prickly pear cacti along the trail. Eventually, you'll meet a rocky staircase on the Golden Cliffs Trail which takes you down to the climbing access trail you used to get up the mesa. Take in the up-close view of Golden (and the massive Coors Brewery directly in sight) before descending back to your car along the same trail you came up.

Flora & Fauna

Agave, prickly pear cacti.

Contacts

Shared By:

Cam Morton

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 7 votes

#2930

Overall
  4.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#433

in Colorado

#2,930

Overall
10 Views Last Month
2,826 Since Apr 10, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
33%
17%
0%

Photos

Looking north at the looming cliffs of North Table Mountain from the start of the climbing access trail.
May 30, 2015 near Golden, CO
A gorgeous blue-sky vista looking south over Golden from the trailhead of the North table Mountain climbing access Trail with the Coors Brewery and Golden's Castle Rock in view.
May 30, 2015 near Golden, CO
Looking back at trail from top, facing west.
Jun 19, 2016 near Golden, CO

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