South Table Mountain
| Park Map |
Difficulty Rating (1-5 scale, 5 being the most difficult)
Physical: 2
Technical: 2
Navigational: 4
South Table Mountain bumps up against the E edge of Golden, on the S side of Clear Creek, across the creek from it's sister, North Table Mountain. The mesa is a mix of public (Open Space, federal, state and local) and private land. Much of the northern part of the mesa (as well as a few other pockets) are privately held and off limits; some of that is fenced off. The park is fairly new to the OS system and the trails are still being developed. The E part of the mesa, as well as the E and SE approaches, has established trails and signage. The W part has lots of trails, many of which will not be part of the final plan, and no signs. The top is fairly flat with few land marks, so finding your way can be a challenge. It's best to go with someone who knows the trails your first few times.
The Red Rocks trail is nice and rolling. Much of the N end is fairly smooth, there's a few technical spots to negotiate in the middle, and the S end drops moderately steeply down to Red Rocks Park. The mesa is accessed via the Morrison Slide trail. We usually climb it from the S, which is much rockier, and descend to the N. There are some nice views from the top.
Weather and Seasons
There is little vegetation and the trails are exposed. Thus, it's best to avoid the trails there when it's hot, windy, or during thunder storms. The best times to use it are fall through spring. It's a great place for night time running, especially during a full moon. The trails aren't that technical, so it's a good place to run over the winter. You should also avoid the trails when they're wet because the trails can turn to heavy, wet clay (you should avoid all front range trails when they're muddy). It's fun for snowshoeing with several inches of snow.
Driving Directions
There are many places to access S Table (new parking lots are in the plans). DTR usually gets there from one of two places on the SE side:
Denver West Marriott - Take I-70 to Colorado Mill Parkway/Denver West Marriott Parkway, exit 263. Go N at the exit. Turn left at the light onto Denver West Parkway. Take an immediate left into the Marriott. Go right to the far NW part of the lot. http://g.co/maps/f39mp
Tanglewood Park - Take I-70 to Colorado Mill Parkway/Denver West Marriott Parkway, exit 263. Go N at the exit. Turn right at the light onto Denver West Parkway. In 0.4mi, turn left onto Denver West Circle, then an immediate right into the lot by the ball fields and tennis courts. http://g.co/maps/b3a84
Running Routes
There are lots of unmarked and social trails on the mesa, and few landmarks. It's important to pay attention to where you are, take a mental note at all junctions (it's an out-and-back route), carry a map, and stay with someone who knows the way.
On Thursday nights, DTR has different routes at each run. The different routes are designed so that we can accommodate runners of different speeds and still start/finish at about the same time. See more info on choosing the appropriate route for you.
Physical: 2
Technical: 2
Navigational: 4
South Table Mountain bumps up against the E edge of Golden, on the S side of Clear Creek, across the creek from it's sister, North Table Mountain. The mesa is a mix of public (Open Space, federal, state and local) and private land. Much of the northern part of the mesa (as well as a few other pockets) are privately held and off limits; some of that is fenced off. The park is fairly new to the OS system and the trails are still being developed. The E part of the mesa, as well as the E and SE approaches, has established trails and signage. The W part has lots of trails, many of which will not be part of the final plan, and no signs. The top is fairly flat with few land marks, so finding your way can be a challenge. It's best to go with someone who knows the trails your first few times.
The Red Rocks trail is nice and rolling. Much of the N end is fairly smooth, there's a few technical spots to negotiate in the middle, and the S end drops moderately steeply down to Red Rocks Park. The mesa is accessed via the Morrison Slide trail. We usually climb it from the S, which is much rockier, and descend to the N. There are some nice views from the top.
Weather and Seasons
There is little vegetation and the trails are exposed. Thus, it's best to avoid the trails there when it's hot, windy, or during thunder storms. The best times to use it are fall through spring. It's a great place for night time running, especially during a full moon. The trails aren't that technical, so it's a good place to run over the winter. You should also avoid the trails when they're wet because the trails can turn to heavy, wet clay (you should avoid all front range trails when they're muddy). It's fun for snowshoeing with several inches of snow.
Driving Directions
There are many places to access S Table (new parking lots are in the plans). DTR usually gets there from one of two places on the SE side:
Denver West Marriott - Take I-70 to Colorado Mill Parkway/Denver West Marriott Parkway, exit 263. Go N at the exit. Turn left at the light onto Denver West Parkway. Take an immediate left into the Marriott. Go right to the far NW part of the lot. http://g.co/maps/f39mp
Tanglewood Park - Take I-70 to Colorado Mill Parkway/Denver West Marriott Parkway, exit 263. Go N at the exit. Turn right at the light onto Denver West Parkway. In 0.4mi, turn left onto Denver West Circle, then an immediate right into the lot by the ball fields and tennis courts. http://g.co/maps/b3a84
Running Routes
There are lots of unmarked and social trails on the mesa, and few landmarks. It's important to pay attention to where you are, take a mental note at all junctions (it's an out-and-back route), carry a map, and stay with someone who knows the way.
On Thursday nights, DTR has different routes at each run. The different routes are designed so that we can accommodate runners of different speeds and still start/finish at about the same time. See more info on choosing the appropriate route for you.