Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we will offer our opinions on the best Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems).
One of my go-to running trails when I’m looking for a soft surface, relatively flat terrain and nice views is the Fairmount Trail from Golden to Arvada.
Starting in the 4400 block of Easley Road, the Fairmount Trail runs north along an irrigation ditch just east of North Table Mountain to 64th Avenue at Long Lake Regional Park. North of 64th, it connects to the Ralston Creek Trail, which runs through Arvada.
The dirt and gravel trail climbs less than 100 feet over the first 2.5 miles. To the west, the eastern rim of North Table looms 700 feet above. From the 2.5 mile mark at 60th Avenue, the trail steepens and climbs about 60 feet to 64th Avenue. North of 64th, the trail becomes concrete and descends for about a mile before climbing a series of switchbacks to the top of a mesa just over five miles from the Easley Road trailhead.
The trailhead also functions as the East Access entry point for North Table Mountain Park, so the Fairmount Trail is shown on North Table Mountain trail maps.
There are no facilities at the trailhead or along the trail, but you can take a short detour into Long Lake Regional Park, which is home to several ballfields where there are portable toilets.
Back in my marathon-running days, I found Fairmount to be a great place for long runs on the weekend, and I often see college cross country teams there. It does get a lot of mountain bike traffic, but the trail is wide enough to accommodate runners, hikers and bikers without getting in each other’s way. Most (but not all) of the mountain bikers are friendly and considerate.
There is a small parking area across the road from the trailhead, but it’s only big enough for about eight cars and is often full on weekends. There are alternatives, though. There’s a pullout big enough for about a half-dozen cars where the trail crosses 60th Avenue. There are lots of parking spaces at Long Lake Regional Park, although if you go there when one round of soccer or lacrosse games is ending and another is about to begin, you can get stuck in traffic for a few minutes.
Another option for parking is at the Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex, where Salvia Street deadends north of 44th Avenue. From that lot, a trail leads to the Fairmount trailhead, about a quarter of a mile away. Head west from the lot until the trail turns north and proceed about 0.2 of a mile, watching for a footbridge on your left. That bridge puts you across the street from the trailhead.
The first quarter of a mile or so from the trailhead climbs steeply, but don’t be discouraged. From there, it’s pretty flat. On the other hand, if you’re feeling strong and decide you want to do some climbing rather than staying with the flat topography of Fairmount, there is a turnoff to the left about a quarter of a mile from the trailhead which accesses challenging trails to the top of North Table.
There is also a great after-workout option nearby. A short trail across the street from the trailhead leads to New Terrain Brewing Co., which opens at 11 a.m. on weekends. In addition to libations for rehydrating, they have food trucks. The enticing smells might lure you over from the Fairmount Trail.
