North Table Mountain Park
North Table Mountain Park is a prominent mesa located on the northern edge of Golden, Colorado, offering expansive views of the Front Range and the Denver metropolitan area. The park features unique geological formations, including extensive basalt flows dating back approximately 60 million years, and supports diverse plant and wildlife species, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and raptors such as red-tailed hawks and golden eagles. Its combination of open grasslands, rugged cliffs, and scenic overlooks makes it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and bird watchers. The park is managed by Jefferson County Open Space, preserving its ecological and geological integrity while providing public recreational access.
Things to Do
Hiking: Multiple trails of varying difficulty lead to the summit and scenic overlooks. Bird watching: Opportunities to see raptors and other wildlife. Photography and nature observation: Panoramic views and unique rock formations provide natural photo opportunities. Trail running and mountain biking: Some trails are suitable for non-motorized recreation.
Good Traveler Tips
- Stay on marked trails to protect native plants and prevent erosion.
- Do not disturb wildlife, including nesting raptors.
- Carry water and snacks; there are no food services in the park.
- Bring sun protection and appropriate footwear for rocky terrain.
- Dogs must be leashed to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Plan Your Visit Seasons and Hours of Operation: Open year-round, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrance fees: Free Water and food availability: None onsite; bring your own. Bathroom facilities: Limited; portable restrooms at main trailheads. Wheelchair accessibility: Trails are mostly unpaved; limited accessibility. Alerts: Check Jefferson County Open Space alerts for closures, trail maintenance, or fire restrictions. (Jefferson County Open Space Alerts) Maps: Detailed trail maps available from Jefferson County Open Space website. Weather: Exposed areas; high winds and thunderstorms can occur in summer. Getting Here: From Golden, take Golden Gate Canyon Road to North Table Mountain Trailhead. Hiking access is via parking lots at 1700 19th Street or North Table Mountain Trailhead on 19th Street. Parking: Limited lot available; street parking prohibited in some areas. No shuttles. Nearby lodging recommendation(s) (optional): Table Mountain Inn, Golden Guest Lodge Nearby dining recommendation(s) (optional): Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza
Get Involved
Volunteer: Trail maintenance and habitat restoration through Jefferson County Open Space programs. Donate: Support open space preservation via Jefferson County Open Space Foundation. (Jeffco Open Space Foundation)
Location
Street address: 1700 19th Street Municipality: Golden State/Province: Colorado Country: United States Google Maps link: ZbCg2HPR5X82 Coordinates (decimal degrees): 39.7751, -105.2223 Links to Learn More Official website: Jefferson County Open Space – North Table Mountain Official social link(s): Jefferson County Open Space Facebook & Instagram pages Related resources: VisitGolden page for local trails (Iconic Hikes)
Contact Information
Name: Jefferson County Open Space Email: info@jeffco.us Phone: +1 303‑271‑5900 Direct Message/Chat: N/A Language(s): English
