Winter Bliss: Sunny Trails, Snowy Footsteps

Standing on the snowy trails in my Columbia Hiking boots

I refuse to let the winter chill deter my hiking adventures. When the sun emerges, casting its warm glow over the landscape, I know it's the perfect time to hit the trails. With this sunny morning as my cue, I set my sights on North Table Mountain Park in Golden, Colorado.

The icy trails on my way up to the peak

Surprisingly, I had never explored the trails around Golden before, so the anticipation of this new adventure filled me with excitement. There's something invigorating about venturing into the unknown, igniting my eagerness to explore. With my backpack stocked with essentials—water bladder, sunscreen, and snacks—I was ready to embark on this journey.

Upon arriving at North Table Mountain Park, I parked my car and set off on the outer rim loop trail, a 7.2-mile trek that promised to be both challenging and rewarding. As I ascended the trail, the sun peeked around the mountains, enveloping me in its comforting warmth. The snow-covered paths shimmered in the sunlight, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Despite the initial steep incline of the first mile and a half, I welcomed the challenge with open arms.

Upon reaching the summit of North Table Mountain, I was greeted by a stunning panorama of endless mountains and clear blue skies stretching as far as the eye could see. From this vantage point, I had a perfect view of the charming town of Golden below. Standing atop this natural landmark, fully immersed in the warmth of the sun, I took a moment to soak in the beauty surrounding me, letting the sun's rays rejuvenate me for the journey ahead.

Overlooking Golden

As I mentioned earlier, my original plan was to tackle the outer rim loop trail. However, about two miles into the hike, I encountered a delightful surprise: deep snow covering the path. Despite initially being an unexpected obstacle, it quickly turned into a delightful experience. Each step sank into the soft snow, creating a playful sensation that I couldn't resist indulging in for a while.

Yet, as I continued, it became apparent that the entire trail was engulfed in deep snow—a challenge I hadn't anticipated for a 7-mile journey. Realizing my unpreparedness for such conditions, I made the decision to backtrack and seek out an alternative trail. Passing by a sign for Lichen Peak, which had piqued my curiosity earlier, I eagerly redirected my course to explore this new path.

After navigating my way back through the snow, I was relieved to feel the firm, dry ground beneath my boots once more. The sun had worked its magic, melting away patches of ice and making the trail more manageable. Spotting the sign for the Lichen Peak trail, I eagerly embarked on this new adventure.

With a length of only 1.6 miles and a gentle incline, the trail promised to be a refreshing change from the earlier challenge. As I gazed up towards the peak, I couldn't help but feel a surge of motivation. Setting my sights on the summit always fuels my determination, guiding me through the hike ahead.

As I ascended, the path ahead seemed to stretch endlessly towards the clear blue skies. Suddenly, movement caught my eye—a coyote, gracefully navigating through the snow, oblivious to my presence. Our brief encounter served as a reminder of the untamed beauty of the wilderness, a moment shared before we both continued on our separate journeys.

Ascending the stone stairs, I finally reached Lichen Peak, and the sight before me exceeded all expectations. With panoramic views of Golden and the majestic mountains that surrounded it, I was utterly captivated. Sitting for a moment, I absorbed the breathtaking scenery, enveloped in a rare tranquility. High above, the world below seemed to fade away, leaving only the stillness of the mountain peak. It was a moment of pure serenity, a welcomed respite from the noise and chaos of everyday life.

Reluctantly, I eventually decided to begin my descent. Knowing that retracing my steps would mean navigating the snow and ice-covered paths once more, I prepared myself for the challenge ahead.

Despite the obstacles, I made it back to my car safely, feeling a sense of fulfillment from the day's adventure. Reflecting on the experience, I realized how much I had enjoyed exploring this trail in winter—a stark contrast to the summer months. The allure of loop trails, with their ever-changing scenery and the comfort of knowing you'll return to your starting point, had once again proven irresistible.

As I drove away, I made a mental note to return when the warmer weather arrived, eager to tackle the full 7.2-mile loop and relive the magic of this unforgettable hike.

Practical Information:

Parking: Conveniently, ample parking is available right at the base of the trail, offering plenty of spots to choose from.

Difficulty: This hike is classified as moderate, featuring a more intense incline at the outset that gradually levels out as you progress.

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