Type: Trail, Loop/Out-and-back
Difficulty: 5 / 10
Altitude: 5,800 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: No
Filed Under: Hiking, Running
The dominant features of this Open Space Park are the unusual rock outcroppings that characterize the mesas of the Golden area. NREL is home to 175 acres in open space easement (wetlands preserved, trails available) on South Table Mountain. Come out and explore the many rugged trails that climb the sunny side of the mountain. A trail leads directly from the parking lot to several mountain top access points. These trails are on Department or Energy conservation easement property. As long as you stay out of the fenced areas, your welcome to travel the many Mountain-top trails. The trail below quickly splits in 2 directions, both will take you to the top of South Table Mountain.
This is a fairly easy run - it's a short trip to the top of the mountain and the top is fairly flat, although it can be rocky in spots. However, finding the route can be difficult. There are few landmarks and NO trail signs. Please review the map and read the directions below. On the run, pay attention to critical junctions on your way out so that you'll recognize them on the way back.
Route (red line): Head up the single track from the lot. Take a left about 200 yards up. Follow the trail to the top, then continue to the north side of the plateau, staying outside of the paved CDOT test track. At the north end, go left, west, on the old jeep road. You've gone just under 1-mile so far. REMEMBER THIS TURN FOR THE WAY BACK! At times this turn is marked with rocks.
Follow the jeep trail to the west. At no time should you cross the paved CDOT test track. If you get there by mistake, head north until you find the trail. You will pass by an E-W fence line, cross a N-S fence line, then look for a small abandoned building on the right. A short distance later, the trail starts up a small hill, then splits. REMEMBER THIS TURN FOR THE WAY BACK! Go either way. Follow the trail around the small hill. Continue west after the two trails merge, until you reach a larger, abandoned, jeep road. REMEMBER THIS TURN FOR THE WAY BACK! Bear right and head west towards the power lines. In the dark, head towards the lighted "M" on Lookout Mtn. Depending on time, continue past the power lines, down the hill to the far western edge of the plateau, then up the "Golden Stairs," a rock perch overlooking the town of Golden. Return the same way.
Faster runners may want to follow the longer route (purple line): Just after the start of the jeep road, go right. Follow the trail out to the northern edge. The trail curves west, and then south. There are two options. For a longer run, near the apex of the plateau, take a right back to the west, then follow the trail down the hill to the "Golden Stairs." Return via the main route (red line). Or, continue south (green line) until you reach the jeep road. Then go left, east, and return via the main route.
Park at the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) visitors' lot. Take I-70 to Denver West Blvd. Go north to the first street. Turn left. Go 2 blocks to the NREL lot.
From 6th ave, exit at Indiana. Go north to Colfax. Turn right and continue past the shopping center on the left. Turn left at Denver West Marriott Blvd. Go over I-70 and follow the directions above. There are no bathrooms or changing facilities at this site.
Posted by: tradkelly and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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