Near Golden Cliffs Loop
Looking north at the looming cliffs of North Table Mountain from the start of the climbing access trail.
Near Golden Cliffs Loop
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.
Near Golden Cliffs Loop
Looking back at trail from top, facing west.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Golden Cliffs Loop

4.4 (8 Ratings)
Starting from a less-crowded lot, this offers rougher terrain and easy climbing access. Great views of downtown Golden.
1.6
mi
Distance
591
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
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Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.63mi
Distance
591ft
Elevation Gain
591ft
Elevation Loss
75%
Max Grade
6,433ft
High Point
5,863ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
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.

Route Conditions

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Some Issues
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All Clear
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All Clear
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All Clear
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Contributors
Cam Morton