North Table Mountain Park

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Park Notice - Trail Construction: Construction on Cottonwood Canyon trail will start up again in Spring of 2012. Rocky, unstable trail conditions exist in certain areas. If you use this area, proceed with caution. View trail notice (pdf).

Park Progress - You Can Help!
Together we are building an accessible park that protects natural systems, includes sustainable trails, and is respectful to our neighbors. With volunteer support, Open Space is building new trails and opening vistas. Read our Outdoor Insights newsletter for more info. You can help preserve the best of the park experience by using designated trails to protect vegetation and wildlife habitat and by volunteering for Trail Days or a group project.

History
The mountain is the result of three lava flows that originated from the Ralston Dike located about two miles northwest of the mountain. After centuries of weathering, North Table Mountain has been transformed into an area that contains several different types of habitat. These habitat types include grasslands, shrub communities, lichen rock gardens, riparian, shore and cliff habitat. Although human activity has occurred over the years, it is still considered high-quality habitat and in 1993 the Colorado Natural Heritage Program classified North Table Mountain as one of only twenty-seven Conservation Sites in the County.

Natural Resources NTM2
The mountain is home to prairie dogs and a population of 80-100 mule deer and provides habitat for golden eagles and red-tailed hawks and . Shore birds and ducks can be found around the three ponds that dot the top of the mountain. These spring fed ponds are the headwaters of two major drainages on the mountain that form narrow bands of riparian vegetation that almost completely bisect the property.

A seasonal closure of is in effect from March 15 to July 31 each year. This closure is for the protection of several species of cliff-nesting raptors that rely upon the mesa cliffs for habitat to raise young.

North Table Mountain Park is located just to the northeast of the city of Golden. The park consists of approximately 1,969 acres acquired in seven acquisition projects beginning in 1993 and concluding with the Lafarge, Inc. land exchange in 2003. North Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain that rises almost 1,000 feet above the surrounding plains with very steep side slopes.

Getting There
4758 Highway 93, Golden CO 80403 (mapquest) A parking area is located north of Golden on Colorado Highway 93, just north of Pine Ridge Road.

It is your responsibility to know and obey Open Space rules and regulations. Users assume liability for all risks associated with visiting this Open Space area. Responsible use protects this resource for all citizens of Jefferson County.

Last Modified: Nov 29, 2011 04:41 PM