review

Parking in this trail-head completely depends on the weather because it is primarily used by rock climbers, but there is an overflow parking lot and street parking if that is full. We probably wouldn’t hike this as often as we do because it’s so steep, except that it’s in our own backyard. We live on North Table Mountain in the neighborhood below the trail-head. This is a great winter hike because its south facing and sunny, so usually quite warm.

This time, we headed up with extended family in the afternoon. My brother-in-law carried the baby and our toddler insisted on walking to keep up with her 11 year old cousin.  She walked halfway up the mountain, her longest hike ever! Nothing like peer pressure as a motivator. It’s a steep hike, but without kids you can hike to the top of the mountain and back in 45 minutes. It starts out easy enough, but quickly turns into a moderately difficult hike. Many hikers and climbers bring their dogs off leash. No mountain bikes are allowed on this trail.  

There’s one tree about halfway up the hike where the used to be a bench made of climbing gear.  If you are hiking with walking kids, this is a nice place to take a water break. At the top of this trail,  take a right underneath the cliffs. Kids will be intrigued and entertained by the many climbers on the cliffs.  As you walk east look to the left for a cleft in the cliffs. This is the most challenging part to get to the very top, but it’s mostly stairs, maybe 100 vertical feet. Once you get to the top you’re greeted with the gorgeous 360 views from Downtown Denver to Pikes Peak to Boulder’s Flatirons. If you have time, travel further along North Table Loop but please stay on the trail, the ecosystem is fragile.

recommendations

Recommended For: 

• Fall and Winter Hiking. 
• Quick vigorous day hike. 
• Families carrying kids, or with avid hikers. 

Not Recommended For: 

• Hot sunny days; there is no shade. 
• Summer hiking with young walkers. Rattlesnakes are common in the warmer months. 
• Families with preschool kids who want to walk. It is quite steep, but relatively short. 
• Families looking for an easy hike.  

Points of Interest: 

Rock climbers climbing on cliffs above and gorgeous views of Denver and the mountains.