Golden’s Castle Rock (January 2012)

Written by ceddammit

If you’ve ever been to downtown Golden, Colorado, the picture above probably seems familiar. If you’ve ever lived in the area, you probably know that you’re looking at Castle Rock, and that it projects off a “corner” of South Table Mountain. Yes, I know there are MANY rock formations named Castle Rock, but this is the only one that looks down on the Coors brewery. On an unseasonably warm day in January 2012, I met up with a friend and his dog, and together we hiked up this particular Castle Rock. Here’s a taste of what we done seent…

Castle Rock seen from the trailhead.
View towards Green Mountain from the top of South Table Mountain
Castle Rock, as seen from the “back”
Early 20th century stairs to the top; there was a casino / dance hall on top.
Looking down into Clear Creek valley, between the two Table Mountains.
The top is part of an ancient lava flow.
The city of Golden, Colorado.
Northern part of Golden.
Green Mountain on the left and Mount Morrison on the right
West rim of South Table Mountain.
The Coors brewery from above.
Mo’ lava flo’
Downtown Denver as seen from atop South Table Mountain
Hard to believe this place is completely surrounded by city.

And that, as they say, is that. Do you ever wonder who “they” are? I think “they” are also the “we” who are looking up my account when I use an ATM. Ponder that until next Thursday, when we’ll explore what’s left of the town of Silver Creek, Colorado.

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