Lichen Peak Trail

Quick Info

Distance:
1.7 Miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Nearest Town:
Golden
Elevation Climb:
495 Feet
Difficulty Rating:
Approachable
View Rating:
3 Stars
Distance:
1.7 Miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Nearest Town:
Golden
Elevation Climb:
495 Feet
Difficulty Rating:
Approachable
View Rating:
3 Stars

The hike up to Lichen Peak isn’t long by mileage, but it’ll still give you a good workout as the first half mile is straight uphill! Plus, you get views of Golden and then eventually of Denver as well.

I love this hike because it’s so close to Denver, it’s quick enough that you could sneak it in before work or on a lunch break and it still has great views. The trail is very busy (we had to park at the lot below) but it’s definitely wide enough for plenty of social distancing.

One you’re at the top of the steep part, there’s a sign pointing to the peak which is a very easy walk to the little formation. It’s the highest part of North Table Mountain!

Also, I’m a total nerd and love when there are signs explaining the terrain or ecosystems. I think Lichen looks like moss, but officially it’s algae and fungi. Also, it only grows a few millimeters a year so a quarter-sized area of Lichen could be as old as 25 years old! For that reason, they’ve got a bunch of signs asking you to stay on trail but the Lichen, which is orange and yellow, is super easy to spot – great learning lesson for the kiddos!

Trail Location

North Table Mountain

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Join Kylie On YouTube!

Click HERE to get subscribed and join our YouTube community!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

More From Kylie

Weekend in Snowmass, Colorado

Weekend in Snowmass, Colorado

Snowmass is one of my favorite spots in Colorado and every time I go I fall more in love. On the slopes I had one of my best ski days ever (long, spacious runs without the crowds but incredible powder.)  To visit in the summer was an absolute delight. It has all...

Weekend in Frisco, Colorado

Weekend in Frisco, Colorado

I almost hate to tell anyone about Frisco because it's one of my favorite towns in Colorado and I feel like it's a little overlooked by visitors coming in for the resort towns nearby. Located just off I-70 nestled in between the mountains and Lake Dillon, it's the...

What Hiking Boots Should I Wear?

What Hiking Boots Should I Wear?

Finding the right pair of hiking boots can be a challenge. Everyone's feet are different so what works well for one person may not for another. I've worn $400 boots that hurt my feet terribly and $30 outlet boots that I wore until there were literal holes. I...

3 Hikes You Must Do In Maui

3 Hikes You Must Do In Maui

Like everyone who steps foot on the island of Maui, I have absolutely fallen in love. Of course there are the pristine beaches where sea turtles sunbathe, the delicious and impossibly fresh local food but then there's the hiking and like the rest, it's in a league...

Best Road Trips from Denver

Best Road Trips from Denver

1. Southwestern ColoradoFrom Crested Butte to the Black Canyon then rounding off the trip with a stay in Ouray and Telluride, southwestern Colorado is an absolute must visit! Must hike: Black Canyon of GunnisonOuray Perimeter Trail We did a mix of camping and Air...

Weekend in Colorado Springs

Weekend in Colorado Springs

I haven't spent any substantial time in Colorado Springs in years, so I was so delighted to take a weekend and totally relax in this very beautiful part of our state. I hadn't explored Garden of the Gods since college but it's as beauitful as ever. However, my very...