Hike and a Brew : Golden, Colorado
Our first Hike & Brew takes us to Golden, Colorado for a sunny hike at North Table Mountain, and a cold beer at New Terrain Brewing Company.
I’m writing a summer series for Denver Dweller called Hike and a Brew.
Come along as I visit some of my favorite hikes and craft breweries!
First stop: Golden, Colorado.
Is there anything more Colorado than an energizing hike or bike followed by a frosty, cold brew?
I think not. And when summer finally rolls in, our mountains beg to be explored and celebrated.
Whether you’re hiking with little ones, or screaming down hills with your bike buds, our summer Hike, Bike & Beer series will highlight the best locally owned breweries to quench your thirst and replace your carbs.
Now get on out there and soak up the best of Colorado!
Let’s start in…
GOLDEN
HIKE or BIKE - North Table Mountain Park
Enjoy panoramic views, 15-plus miles of trails and rock climbing. Bring water! One of the first parks to melt in spring, it’s usually quite warm and sunny, and no streams for your pups.
Enter the park at the WEST trailhead off 93, north of Golden. Or start at the EAST trailhead, conveniently located next to New Terrain Brewing Company.
WEST - NORTH TABLE LOOP - 3.5 miles RT (option 4.7miles RT, or longer))
Take the North Table Loop to the left of the parking area through a beautiful meadow. (Many hiking blogs have you take the trail to the right of the parking area, but it’s definitely a steeper climb and not as scenic. So turn your back to 93, and head to the left!)
Turn right on Mesa Top Trail where you will wind your way up the incline. Be sure to look behind you and marvel at the Boulder Flatirons.
Turn right at Tilting Mesa Trail. If you want to extend your hike another 1.2 miles, instead continue on Mesa Top Trail until you reach the Rim Rock Trail. At that point, turn around and come back the way you came. And now you will turn left at Tilting Mesa Trail.
Turn right at Lichen Peak. This is an out and back with gorgeous panaramic views. Or if you’re ready to head to the brewery, you can skip the section and continue on.
Turn right off Lichen Peak, and keep right onto North Table Loop which will take you down a steep incline back to the parking area.
EAST - NORTH TABLE LOOP - 7.5 miles RT
Park at the Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex or New Terrain Brewery. Great biking loop. Find more info about the loop HERE, but you’ll be entering at the EAST entrance.
QUENCH YOUR THIRST - New Terrain Brewing Company
New Terrain’s motto is “we wonder so we wander,” which inspires them to explore new, high-quality, creative beers. Whether you’re in the mood for Light & Refreshing, Malt & Toasty, Bitter & Bright, Tart & Sour, or Gluten-Free, they have it.
Why order one beer when you can sample many? ©Suzanne Brown
Sip a sampler if you just want a taste, or down a big glass. Whatever you choose, the airy taproom with open garage doors and large patio will give you perfect views while sipping your brew.
Need a bite? The best food trucks in Denver roll in every day. Find the schedule HERE. Live music. Kid and dog-friendly. Lemonade, soda, coffee, kombucha, and free water available.
Open Mon-Fri at noon. Sat and Sun at 11AM.