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South Table Mountain Park Access Point and Rimrock Drive Improvement

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Consultation has concluded

A map of the South Table Mountain Park area with trails and areas of management.

Open House Neighborhood Meeting: Oct. 6: 6 - 7:30 p.m.

City staff and Jeffco Open Space co-hosted a neighborhood meeting to present new design options, gather feedback from participants, and answer questions.

If you were unable to attend the meeting live, you can watch a recording of the meeting.and view the Design Alternatives Presentation.


In an ongoing effort to address the visitation pressure on our park system, Jefferson County Open Space is currently updating the access and trailheads component of the South Table Mountain Park Plan. This plan proposes a new main trailhead at Denver West and improvements to access points on Golden Hills Road and Rimrock Drive. As part of the ongoing public engagement about these potential improvements, Jefferson County Open Space held a stakeholder listening tour this spring and a virtual community meeting on April 8. The community meeting kicked off a 30-day public comment period to solicit feedback on proposed plans.

For the next step in these efforts, Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden co-hosted a virtual community meeting on June 22 to discuss design alternatives for the access points at the Rimrock Drive and Golden Hills Road locations. If you missed the meeting, you can still review the presentation materials and take the survey to give us your feedback. The survey will be open through July 2.

Open House Neighborhood Meeting: Oct. 6: 6 - 7:30 p.m.

City staff and Jeffco Open Space co-hosted a neighborhood meeting to present new design options, gather feedback from participants, and answer questions.

If you were unable to attend the meeting live, you can watch a recording of the meeting.and view the Design Alternatives Presentation.


In an ongoing effort to address the visitation pressure on our park system, Jefferson County Open Space is currently updating the access and trailheads component of the South Table Mountain Park Plan. This plan proposes a new main trailhead at Denver West and improvements to access points on Golden Hills Road and Rimrock Drive. As part of the ongoing public engagement about these potential improvements, Jefferson County Open Space held a stakeholder listening tour this spring and a virtual community meeting on April 8. The community meeting kicked off a 30-day public comment period to solicit feedback on proposed plans.

For the next step in these efforts, Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden co-hosted a virtual community meeting on June 22 to discuss design alternatives for the access points at the Rimrock Drive and Golden Hills Road locations. If you missed the meeting, you can still review the presentation materials and take the survey to give us your feedback. The survey will be open through July 2.

Consultation has concluded

Do you have a question about the Rimrock Drive trail access point improvements? Let us know and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

  • Share Why do we have to put up with a new trail on South Table that is closed half the year? Isn't there a way to reroute or make a seasonal alternate to keep the Lava Loop trail open? You have closed or otherwise ruined a significant amount of the trails on South Table in the last 15 years. Adding one that is open half the year is not an adequate replacement. on Facebook Share Why do we have to put up with a new trail on South Table that is closed half the year? Isn't there a way to reroute or make a seasonal alternate to keep the Lava Loop trail open? You have closed or otherwise ruined a significant amount of the trails on South Table in the last 15 years. Adding one that is open half the year is not an adequate replacement. on Twitter Share Why do we have to put up with a new trail on South Table that is closed half the year? Isn't there a way to reroute or make a seasonal alternate to keep the Lava Loop trail open? You have closed or otherwise ruined a significant amount of the trails on South Table in the last 15 years. Adding one that is open half the year is not an adequate replacement. on Linkedin Email Why do we have to put up with a new trail on South Table that is closed half the year? Isn't there a way to reroute or make a seasonal alternate to keep the Lava Loop trail open? You have closed or otherwise ruined a significant amount of the trails on South Table in the last 15 years. Adding one that is open half the year is not an adequate replacement. link

    Why do we have to put up with a new trail on South Table that is closed half the year? Isn't there a way to reroute or make a seasonal alternate to keep the Lava Loop trail open? You have closed or otherwise ruined a significant amount of the trails on South Table in the last 15 years. Adding one that is open half the year is not an adequate replacement.

    Spacejunk6 asked over 3 years ago

    Please visit the Jefferson County Open Space website for more information about the 2020 South Table Mountain Park Trail Planning Effort. Details available here: https://www.jeffco.us/1585/Plans-Projects

  • Share Quaker street is already busy enough. Wouldn’t putting a parking lot at the other access trail behind Fox Apartments be better? It is closer to South Golden Road and that area is less of a neighborhood. on Facebook Share Quaker street is already busy enough. Wouldn’t putting a parking lot at the other access trail behind Fox Apartments be better? It is closer to South Golden Road and that area is less of a neighborhood. on Twitter Share Quaker street is already busy enough. Wouldn’t putting a parking lot at the other access trail behind Fox Apartments be better? It is closer to South Golden Road and that area is less of a neighborhood. on Linkedin Email Quaker street is already busy enough. Wouldn’t putting a parking lot at the other access trail behind Fox Apartments be better? It is closer to South Golden Road and that area is less of a neighborhood. link

    Quaker street is already busy enough. Wouldn’t putting a parking lot at the other access trail behind Fox Apartments be better? It is closer to South Golden Road and that area is less of a neighborhood.

    Elizabeth asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input. We value your contribution as we continue to seek balance between impacts to neighborhoods and access to open space.

  • Share Will the meeting from last night be posted? I completely forgot to join last night, but excited to listen to what was discussed! on Facebook Share Will the meeting from last night be posted? I completely forgot to join last night, but excited to listen to what was discussed! on Twitter Share Will the meeting from last night be posted? I completely forgot to join last night, but excited to listen to what was discussed! on Linkedin Email Will the meeting from last night be posted? I completely forgot to join last night, but excited to listen to what was discussed! link

    Will the meeting from last night be posted? I completely forgot to join last night, but excited to listen to what was discussed!

    JoshN asked over 3 years ago

    Yes. The presentation slides as well as the survey questions are posted. The video of the meeting should be posted shortly. 

  • Share At the community virtual meeting on 6/22, 3 variations of the same proposal were presented for access point at Rimrock Dr. Local residents submitted many comments in the public consultation period which opposed the principle concepts of these proposals (namely: No to a bathroom; No to situating a parking lot near to residences; moving any infrastructure down the street to the west as to not impact neighboring residences and churches). These comments were not reflected in the options presented at the 6/22 public meeting. Why not? Surely you could have generated an option for public comment which reflected the concerns raised by the local residents - but you chose not to. You owe an explanation to the local residents, many of whom spent considerable time attempting to engage with JCOS and Golden as part of the consultation process. on Facebook Share At the community virtual meeting on 6/22, 3 variations of the same proposal were presented for access point at Rimrock Dr. Local residents submitted many comments in the public consultation period which opposed the principle concepts of these proposals (namely: No to a bathroom; No to situating a parking lot near to residences; moving any infrastructure down the street to the west as to not impact neighboring residences and churches). These comments were not reflected in the options presented at the 6/22 public meeting. Why not? Surely you could have generated an option for public comment which reflected the concerns raised by the local residents - but you chose not to. You owe an explanation to the local residents, many of whom spent considerable time attempting to engage with JCOS and Golden as part of the consultation process. on Twitter Share At the community virtual meeting on 6/22, 3 variations of the same proposal were presented for access point at Rimrock Dr. Local residents submitted many comments in the public consultation period which opposed the principle concepts of these proposals (namely: No to a bathroom; No to situating a parking lot near to residences; moving any infrastructure down the street to the west as to not impact neighboring residences and churches). These comments were not reflected in the options presented at the 6/22 public meeting. Why not? Surely you could have generated an option for public comment which reflected the concerns raised by the local residents - but you chose not to. You owe an explanation to the local residents, many of whom spent considerable time attempting to engage with JCOS and Golden as part of the consultation process. on Linkedin Email At the community virtual meeting on 6/22, 3 variations of the same proposal were presented for access point at Rimrock Dr. Local residents submitted many comments in the public consultation period which opposed the principle concepts of these proposals (namely: No to a bathroom; No to situating a parking lot near to residences; moving any infrastructure down the street to the west as to not impact neighboring residences and churches). These comments were not reflected in the options presented at the 6/22 public meeting. Why not? Surely you could have generated an option for public comment which reflected the concerns raised by the local residents - but you chose not to. You owe an explanation to the local residents, many of whom spent considerable time attempting to engage with JCOS and Golden as part of the consultation process. link

    At the community virtual meeting on 6/22, 3 variations of the same proposal were presented for access point at Rimrock Dr. Local residents submitted many comments in the public consultation period which opposed the principle concepts of these proposals (namely: No to a bathroom; No to situating a parking lot near to residences; moving any infrastructure down the street to the west as to not impact neighboring residences and churches). These comments were not reflected in the options presented at the 6/22 public meeting. Why not? Surely you could have generated an option for public comment which reflected the concerns raised by the local residents - but you chose not to. You owe an explanation to the local residents, many of whom spent considerable time attempting to engage with JCOS and Golden as part of the consultation process.

    Jaryn B asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input. We value your contribution as we continue to seek balance between impacts to neighborhoods and access to open space.

  • Share Local residents in Rimrock neighborhood are furious as to why our comments to the public consultation, closing May 12th, were not reflected in any of the options for the Rimrock Dr access point presented on 6/22. We want to see all the public comments received during the consultation regarding the Rimrock trailhead to scrutinize how these comments were reflected in the options presented on 6/22. How can we access these public comments? on Facebook Share Local residents in Rimrock neighborhood are furious as to why our comments to the public consultation, closing May 12th, were not reflected in any of the options for the Rimrock Dr access point presented on 6/22. We want to see all the public comments received during the consultation regarding the Rimrock trailhead to scrutinize how these comments were reflected in the options presented on 6/22. How can we access these public comments? on Twitter Share Local residents in Rimrock neighborhood are furious as to why our comments to the public consultation, closing May 12th, were not reflected in any of the options for the Rimrock Dr access point presented on 6/22. We want to see all the public comments received during the consultation regarding the Rimrock trailhead to scrutinize how these comments were reflected in the options presented on 6/22. How can we access these public comments? on Linkedin Email Local residents in Rimrock neighborhood are furious as to why our comments to the public consultation, closing May 12th, were not reflected in any of the options for the Rimrock Dr access point presented on 6/22. We want to see all the public comments received during the consultation regarding the Rimrock trailhead to scrutinize how these comments were reflected in the options presented on 6/22. How can we access these public comments? link

    Local residents in Rimrock neighborhood are furious as to why our comments to the public consultation, closing May 12th, were not reflected in any of the options for the Rimrock Dr access point presented on 6/22. We want to see all the public comments received during the consultation regarding the Rimrock trailhead to scrutinize how these comments were reflected in the options presented on 6/22. How can we access these public comments?

    Jaryn B asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input. We value your contribution as we continue to seek balance between impacts to neighborhoods and access to open space.

  • Share I was on the call on June 22. I didnot hear mention that the Rimrock location is largely not residential but sandwiched in between churches. The street is also much wider at the Rimrock location than the S Golden Hills access point. Not only that the road just before the proposed parking area on S Golden Hills road hits an apex, creating somewhat of a visual lack of view of oncoming cars. Having a restroom in a residential neighborhood does not fit. Rimrock is mucy closer to the main thoroufare. Please see the definite reasons to have Rimrock for the new parking spaces. I lived in a neighborhood across the street from where an outdoor toilet was installed. I don't care what you say, it smelled. is that desireable in a residential neighborhood? I think not. on Facebook Share I was on the call on June 22. I didnot hear mention that the Rimrock location is largely not residential but sandwiched in between churches. The street is also much wider at the Rimrock location than the S Golden Hills access point. Not only that the road just before the proposed parking area on S Golden Hills road hits an apex, creating somewhat of a visual lack of view of oncoming cars. Having a restroom in a residential neighborhood does not fit. Rimrock is mucy closer to the main thoroufare. Please see the definite reasons to have Rimrock for the new parking spaces. I lived in a neighborhood across the street from where an outdoor toilet was installed. I don't care what you say, it smelled. is that desireable in a residential neighborhood? I think not. on Twitter Share I was on the call on June 22. I didnot hear mention that the Rimrock location is largely not residential but sandwiched in between churches. The street is also much wider at the Rimrock location than the S Golden Hills access point. Not only that the road just before the proposed parking area on S Golden Hills road hits an apex, creating somewhat of a visual lack of view of oncoming cars. Having a restroom in a residential neighborhood does not fit. Rimrock is mucy closer to the main thoroufare. Please see the definite reasons to have Rimrock for the new parking spaces. I lived in a neighborhood across the street from where an outdoor toilet was installed. I don't care what you say, it smelled. is that desireable in a residential neighborhood? I think not. on Linkedin Email I was on the call on June 22. I didnot hear mention that the Rimrock location is largely not residential but sandwiched in between churches. The street is also much wider at the Rimrock location than the S Golden Hills access point. Not only that the road just before the proposed parking area on S Golden Hills road hits an apex, creating somewhat of a visual lack of view of oncoming cars. Having a restroom in a residential neighborhood does not fit. Rimrock is mucy closer to the main thoroufare. Please see the definite reasons to have Rimrock for the new parking spaces. I lived in a neighborhood across the street from where an outdoor toilet was installed. I don't care what you say, it smelled. is that desireable in a residential neighborhood? I think not. link

    I was on the call on June 22. I didnot hear mention that the Rimrock location is largely not residential but sandwiched in between churches. The street is also much wider at the Rimrock location than the S Golden Hills access point. Not only that the road just before the proposed parking area on S Golden Hills road hits an apex, creating somewhat of a visual lack of view of oncoming cars. Having a restroom in a residential neighborhood does not fit. Rimrock is mucy closer to the main thoroufare. Please see the definite reasons to have Rimrock for the new parking spaces. I lived in a neighborhood across the street from where an outdoor toilet was installed. I don't care what you say, it smelled. is that desireable in a residential neighborhood? I think not.

    huumom asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input. We value your contribution as we continue to seek balance between impacts to neighborhoods and access to open space. 

  • Share currently there is a trailhead on Rimrock Drive, without a parking lot. Users park their vehicles along the roadway and to date, has not presented any problems to the neighborhood. What we "do not" want a parking lot at the Rimrock access point. There is a problem with trash being left behind by the users on South Table Mtn. The trail system down from the summit is rather steep and is not useable by most mountain bikers. Hikers have easy access already. What is the plan for access point improvements? on Facebook Share currently there is a trailhead on Rimrock Drive, without a parking lot. Users park their vehicles along the roadway and to date, has not presented any problems to the neighborhood. What we "do not" want a parking lot at the Rimrock access point. There is a problem with trash being left behind by the users on South Table Mtn. The trail system down from the summit is rather steep and is not useable by most mountain bikers. Hikers have easy access already. What is the plan for access point improvements? on Twitter Share currently there is a trailhead on Rimrock Drive, without a parking lot. Users park their vehicles along the roadway and to date, has not presented any problems to the neighborhood. What we "do not" want a parking lot at the Rimrock access point. There is a problem with trash being left behind by the users on South Table Mtn. The trail system down from the summit is rather steep and is not useable by most mountain bikers. Hikers have easy access already. What is the plan for access point improvements? on Linkedin Email currently there is a trailhead on Rimrock Drive, without a parking lot. Users park their vehicles along the roadway and to date, has not presented any problems to the neighborhood. What we "do not" want a parking lot at the Rimrock access point. There is a problem with trash being left behind by the users on South Table Mtn. The trail system down from the summit is rather steep and is not useable by most mountain bikers. Hikers have easy access already. What is the plan for access point improvements? link

    currently there is a trailhead on Rimrock Drive, without a parking lot. Users park their vehicles along the roadway and to date, has not presented any problems to the neighborhood. What we "do not" want a parking lot at the Rimrock access point. There is a problem with trash being left behind by the users on South Table Mtn. The trail system down from the summit is rather steep and is not useable by most mountain bikers. Hikers have easy access already. What is the plan for access point improvements?

    S&L asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input.  I encourage you to participate in our meeting this evening.  Although we are focusing on Rimrock and Golden Hills access this evening, we will also provide some context for how these access points fit into the whole of South Table Mountain Park. Additional information about park management, access and trailhead evaluations, and trail design is included in the Public Comment Report available on the South Table Mountain Park Page of the Jefferson County Open Space Website.

  • Share would suggest moving the locked gate that is currently on Quaker further to the north, and putting a formal parking lot at that location off of Quaker to keep the user congestion centralized in the middle of the South Table Mountain Park. on Facebook Share would suggest moving the locked gate that is currently on Quaker further to the north, and putting a formal parking lot at that location off of Quaker to keep the user congestion centralized in the middle of the South Table Mountain Park. on Twitter Share would suggest moving the locked gate that is currently on Quaker further to the north, and putting a formal parking lot at that location off of Quaker to keep the user congestion centralized in the middle of the South Table Mountain Park. on Linkedin Email would suggest moving the locked gate that is currently on Quaker further to the north, and putting a formal parking lot at that location off of Quaker to keep the user congestion centralized in the middle of the South Table Mountain Park. link

    would suggest moving the locked gate that is currently on Quaker further to the north, and putting a formal parking lot at that location off of Quaker to keep the user congestion centralized in the middle of the South Table Mountain Park.

    S&L asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input.  I encourage you to participate in our meeting this evening.  Although we are focusing on Rimrock and Golden Hills access this evening, we will also provide some context for how these access points fit into the whole of South Table Mountain Park. Additional information about park management, access and trailhead evaluations, and trail design is included in the Public Comment Report available on the South Table Mountain Park Page of the Jefferson County Open Space Website.

  • Share 1. How will Jeffco open space address the erosion to the Rimrock waster tank and pump house? Or erosion of the power lines tower on the south rim? Increased use has eroded the cap soil and exposed the top & seal of the Rimrock water tank. Encouraging use and access on Rimrock will only increase these issues. The city of Golden, Rimrock development0 and new construction in Jeffco Unicorporated depend upon this water supply. I am concerned further erosion will crack the cap and foul the potable water supply, resulting in costly, lengthy repairs to our infrastructure leaving the Rimrock development with very low incoming water pressures. This was the case before the tank and improved pumphouse were installed. . Please route STM access from Rimrock to the west so it does not cross our infrastructure. Currently many bilkes & hikers come down this way directly crossing (unknowly) the water tank and in many cases using the exposed lip as a jump. 2. Additionally, creating a trail that crosses the erosional ditch the east will only encourage further erosion of the city of Golden's access road and the homes adjacent to the open space. Many of them suffered tremendous water damage from overland flow of stormwater during the 2013 flood. Please lets not make them suffer again. on Facebook Share 1. How will Jeffco open space address the erosion to the Rimrock waster tank and pump house? Or erosion of the power lines tower on the south rim? Increased use has eroded the cap soil and exposed the top & seal of the Rimrock water tank. Encouraging use and access on Rimrock will only increase these issues. The city of Golden, Rimrock development0 and new construction in Jeffco Unicorporated depend upon this water supply. I am concerned further erosion will crack the cap and foul the potable water supply, resulting in costly, lengthy repairs to our infrastructure leaving the Rimrock development with very low incoming water pressures. This was the case before the tank and improved pumphouse were installed. . Please route STM access from Rimrock to the west so it does not cross our infrastructure. Currently many bilkes & hikers come down this way directly crossing (unknowly) the water tank and in many cases using the exposed lip as a jump. 2. Additionally, creating a trail that crosses the erosional ditch the east will only encourage further erosion of the city of Golden's access road and the homes adjacent to the open space. Many of them suffered tremendous water damage from overland flow of stormwater during the 2013 flood. Please lets not make them suffer again. on Twitter Share 1. How will Jeffco open space address the erosion to the Rimrock waster tank and pump house? Or erosion of the power lines tower on the south rim? Increased use has eroded the cap soil and exposed the top & seal of the Rimrock water tank. Encouraging use and access on Rimrock will only increase these issues. The city of Golden, Rimrock development0 and new construction in Jeffco Unicorporated depend upon this water supply. I am concerned further erosion will crack the cap and foul the potable water supply, resulting in costly, lengthy repairs to our infrastructure leaving the Rimrock development with very low incoming water pressures. This was the case before the tank and improved pumphouse were installed. . Please route STM access from Rimrock to the west so it does not cross our infrastructure. Currently many bilkes & hikers come down this way directly crossing (unknowly) the water tank and in many cases using the exposed lip as a jump. 2. Additionally, creating a trail that crosses the erosional ditch the east will only encourage further erosion of the city of Golden's access road and the homes adjacent to the open space. Many of them suffered tremendous water damage from overland flow of stormwater during the 2013 flood. Please lets not make them suffer again. on Linkedin Email 1. How will Jeffco open space address the erosion to the Rimrock waster tank and pump house? Or erosion of the power lines tower on the south rim? Increased use has eroded the cap soil and exposed the top & seal of the Rimrock water tank. Encouraging use and access on Rimrock will only increase these issues. The city of Golden, Rimrock development0 and new construction in Jeffco Unicorporated depend upon this water supply. I am concerned further erosion will crack the cap and foul the potable water supply, resulting in costly, lengthy repairs to our infrastructure leaving the Rimrock development with very low incoming water pressures. This was the case before the tank and improved pumphouse were installed. . Please route STM access from Rimrock to the west so it does not cross our infrastructure. Currently many bilkes & hikers come down this way directly crossing (unknowly) the water tank and in many cases using the exposed lip as a jump. 2. Additionally, creating a trail that crosses the erosional ditch the east will only encourage further erosion of the city of Golden's access road and the homes adjacent to the open space. Many of them suffered tremendous water damage from overland flow of stormwater during the 2013 flood. Please lets not make them suffer again. link

    1. How will Jeffco open space address the erosion to the Rimrock waster tank and pump house? Or erosion of the power lines tower on the south rim? Increased use has eroded the cap soil and exposed the top & seal of the Rimrock water tank. Encouraging use and access on Rimrock will only increase these issues. The city of Golden, Rimrock development0 and new construction in Jeffco Unicorporated depend upon this water supply. I am concerned further erosion will crack the cap and foul the potable water supply, resulting in costly, lengthy repairs to our infrastructure leaving the Rimrock development with very low incoming water pressures. This was the case before the tank and improved pumphouse were installed. . Please route STM access from Rimrock to the west so it does not cross our infrastructure. Currently many bilkes & hikers come down this way directly crossing (unknowly) the water tank and in many cases using the exposed lip as a jump. 2. Additionally, creating a trail that crosses the erosional ditch the east will only encourage further erosion of the city of Golden's access road and the homes adjacent to the open space. Many of them suffered tremendous water damage from overland flow of stormwater during the 2013 flood. Please lets not make them suffer again.

    Bishops asked over 3 years ago
    • The trail is proposed to be realigned and reconstructed in a more sustainable manner. This should result in a marked reduction in erosion as a result of trail use. 
  • Share How will you control or divert unauthorized access to STM trails via the “water tank access road” on Rimrock Drive that is already heavily used by hikers and bikers? on Facebook Share How will you control or divert unauthorized access to STM trails via the “water tank access road” on Rimrock Drive that is already heavily used by hikers and bikers? on Twitter Share How will you control or divert unauthorized access to STM trails via the “water tank access road” on Rimrock Drive that is already heavily used by hikers and bikers? on Linkedin Email How will you control or divert unauthorized access to STM trails via the “water tank access road” on Rimrock Drive that is already heavily used by hikers and bikers? link

    How will you control or divert unauthorized access to STM trails via the “water tank access road” on Rimrock Drive that is already heavily used by hikers and bikers?

    Mary Henneck asked over 3 years ago

    The trail is proposed to be realigned further west to deter visitor use of the maintenance road. Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden will coordinate on a plan to advise visitors to avoid the access road, with the application of visitor management techniques that could include fencing, signage and/or communications at the access point kiosk.