North Table Mountain, Summit and mountain in Golden, Colorado, US.
North Table Mountain is a summit with a distinctive flat top located near Golden, rising to about 6,555 feet (2 km). The mountain's shape comes from three layers of lava flows that created sheer cliffs with columnar rock formations along its edges.
The mountain formed through volcanic eruptions roughly 60 million years ago, when lava flows created the structure visible today. This volcanic activity shaped the landscape around Golden and the Rocky Mountains' Front Range.
Jefferson County Open Space maintains North Table Mountain as a protected natural area with 15 miles of trails for public recreation.
The western trailhead provides access to hiking trails for different ability levels and fitness levels. The area closes seasonally during early months of the year to protect nesting birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.
The Ralston Dike lies about two miles northwest and marks the volcanic vent where the lava flows originated. This hidden volcanic source reveals the geological history that shaped the region's landscape.
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