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North Table Mountain - Short Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 3.7 (26)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Golden
  5. North Table Mountain
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“A quicker way to check out the North Table Mountain mesa in a loop without going all the way around. ”

Cam Morton
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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

Loop

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 hike 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 hike. 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 hike to view the mountains around you, then this is a great option.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Cam Morton with improvements by Brian Huber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 26 votes

#2

in North Table Mountain

#1725

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

#2

in North Table Mountain

#321

in Colorado

#1,725

Overall
29 Views Last Month
6,903 Since Sep 19, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
7%
18%
75%
0%
0%
0%
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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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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 47 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 11, 2024
Mark Douglas Dally
Beautiful views of Golden and Denver and old quarries at the top.
Apr 3, 2024
Gardner Allen
Oct 22, 2023
Jeff S
Aug 14, 2023
J Hollada
3.6mi — 1h 03m
Jun 11, 2023
Private User
May 7, 2023
Michelle Williams
Nice quick way to get outside from Denver. Path wasn't muddy and we saw some deer. 3.2mi — 1h 05m
Mar 25, 2023
Vane Z
Mar 25, 2023
Zachary Henry
3.6mi

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