Table Mountain Inn

Written By Jennifer Curnutt

Capturing the Golden Essence of the Southwest

Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado where the plains and high peaks meet, lies the quaint mountain town of Golden.

With panoramic views of the Colorado Front Range and Table Mountains Plateau and its crisp clean mountain air, Golden is the epitome of the “great outdoors.” Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just love the beauty of nature, Golden is a golden hidden gem where adventure awaits in every season.

The premier place to stay when visiting is Table Mountain Inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown with a laidback vibe that captures the essence of the American Southwest. The decor blends the rich cultural influences of Spanish and Native American heritage with the old west in an inviting yet rugged atmosphere. With warm color tones, a welcoming staff, and a charming adobe style decor, the hotel greets you with open arms like you’re family the moment you step inside.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HISTORY OF TABLE MOUNTAIN INN

Golden, Colorado was founded in 1859, during the gold rush of Pike’s Peak. Surprisingly however, it did not derive its name from the precious golden ore discovered nearby, but rather it was named for Thomas Golden, an early settler and prospector.

Located in the heart of town is Table Mountain Inn, a hotel with an interesting history. You see, surprisingly, the town did not have a hotel for visitors until 1925, when The Hotel Berrimoor opened its doors featuring a coffee shop and 32 rooms. Business was booming until the Great Depression hit closing the establishment down in the 1930s.

This led to entrepreneur Edgar Sparks purchasing the property and renaming it the Cody Hotel in honor of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who is buried on top of Lookout Mountain in Golden. This did not last long though as the town could not support a hotel and it closed.

Then in 1948, Lu Holland, the Mayor of Golden, reopened the hotel naming it the Holland House. This venture lasted until Holland decided to retire in the early 1980s, and it once again closed its doors. Fast forward to 1991. A group of successful local businessmen were enjoying coffee across the street from the hotel and began discussing the possibility of reopening it and adding a restaurant and lobby.

They purchased the property and began an extensive remodel of the 32 rooms renaming it Table Mountain Inn. Things were booming for the next several years. So, in 1999, they added on another 42 rooms. Along with this came guest parking, event space, and the main attraction, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina which literally has the best food in town bringing in hotel guests and locals alike.

100 years later and after changing names a few times, Table Mountain Inn is a fixture in town, anchoring the heart of downtown Golden at the end of Washington Street, the town’s main road.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Getting There

Golden is located about 12-15 miles west of Denver, Colorado. Yet, it feels like a world away given its laidback mountain town vibe. It rests at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along Clear Creek which flows through the heart of the city.

Closest Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest airport located about 45 minutes from Golden. This is the most convenient (and only reasonable) airport to fly into when visiting.

Driving Directions: Golden is located off Interstate-70 approximately 45 minutes from Denver Airport, approximately 1-1/2 hours from Vail, and 3-1/2 hours from Aspen. From the airport, you can generally take Peña Boulevard to the I-70 West. Use the right lanes to take the exit toward CO-58 West, and get off at Exit 1A which takes you onto Washington Avenue which is Golden’s proverbial “Main Street” and the street on which Table Mountain Inn is located.

From Vail or Aspen, take I-70 East instead. Take the exit towards US-6 W/6th Avenue/Boulder from CO-470W. Follow that into the heart of town to Washington and 12th Street.

Climate and Weather

The weather in Golden is moderate compared to other nearby mountain towns that sit at higher elevations. Average sunshine is close to 300 days a year, which makes it an ideal outdoor activities destination for

Colorado. Temperate summer days (80° F/50° C) and cool winters (44°F/18° C) make it enjoyable year round, a bonus for enjoying the many fun things Golden has to offer travelers.

Golden experiences four distinct seasons:

  • Spring - pleasant days with cool mornings and evenings, and an abundance of wildflowers especially at higher elevations.

  • Summer - generally warm and sunny with average highs in the mid 80s and occasional thunderstorms.

  • Fall - cool and crisp with beautiful fall foliage as leaves turn to shades of amber and crimson.

  • Winter - generally cool with average highs in the 30s/40s and occasional snow.

Tips for Visiting

  • Golden, Colorado is on Mountain Time.

  • Valet Parking and self parking are both available.

  • Table Mountain Inn offers ADA compliant, wheelchair accessible rooms. If you need a wheelchair, shower bench or other items, ask the front desk.

  • Table Mountain Inn is dog friendly and offers dog daycare services through its partner Golden Camp Bow Wow.

  • Concierge services include directions, helping with reservations, and providing general information. If you forgot something, just ask. They provide complimentary essentials of almost anything you may have forgotten.

  • There is a fantastic on-site restaurant, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina with outdoor seating and a full service bar.

  • The bar has two Happy Hours Mondays through Fridays, from 2-5 pm and 9 pm to closing.

  • Room service is available daily from 7 am-9 pm.

  • The hotel is walkable to almost anywhere you want to be in the downtown area.

  • The city offers free public transportation through Ore Cart Shuttle with a stop just around the corner from the hotel on 13th Street. For a route map, click here.

  • Table Mountain doesn’t have an on-site gym, but provides free passes to the Golden Community Center which has a state-of-the-art gym, classes, basketball/volleyball courts, a pool with lap lanes, hot tub, and dry sauna. There are even water slides for the kids. Ask for passes at the front desk.

  • Pack layers. Like any mountain town in Colorado, weather can quickly change throughout the day. Be sure to bring a light weight rain jacket even in summer.

Annual events to plan your trip around:

  • Colorado Cowboy Gathering - celebration of cowboy heritage, traditions and entertainment in January.

  • Arts Week Golden - arts festival at Parfet Park in June

  • Buffalo Bill Days - 3-day western celebration in July with a parade.

  • Summer music concert and outdoor movie nights at Parfet Park from July through September.

  • Golden Fine Arts Festival - art show in downtown in August.

  • Olde Golden Candlelight Walk and holiday parade in December.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES

Table Mountain Inn is a small boutique hotel featuring 74 over-sized guest rooms and suites, many of which offer balconies and windows that open so you can enjoy the views and fresh mountain air. Many even have cozy fireplaces and all are tastefully decorated with a southwest flare.

The hotel is located at 1310 Washington Avenue, Golden, Colorado. It offers 24-hour front desk service and check-in, valet parking, and a fantastic grill and cantina with both indoor and outdoor seating that serves incredible food and drinks.

Amenities:

  • Oversized Rooms and Suites

  • Premium Linens and Bedding with Extra Pillows and Blankets

  • Fireplaces (some suites)

  • Jetted Tubs (some suites)

  • Mini Fridge and Bar Sink

  • Microwaves (upon request)

  • Individual Cup Coffee Makers with Complimentary Coffee and Tea

  • Complimentary Newspaper

  • In-Room Safe

  • Closets and Ample Storage

  • Eco-Friendly Premium Bath Products

  • Hair Dryers

  • Black Out Curtains

  • Irons and Ironing Boards

  • High Speed Internet

  • Flat Screen TVs with Premium HD Cable Channels

  • Central AC and Heat

  • Room Service Dining (7 am - 9 pm daily)

  • Complimentary passes to the Golden Community Center pool and state-of-the-art gym (ask at front desk)

  • Spa Services Through Mountain Meadow Therapeutics & Wren Body Wellness

  • Dog Daycare Services Through Golden Camp Bow Wow plus Dog-Friendly Amenities

TABLE MOUNTAIN GRILL & CANTINA

Table Mountain Grill & Cantina literally has some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. In fact, it’s almost always packed with not just hotel guests but Golden locals. Something that is very rare in the hotel restaurant industry. Perfectly crafted cocktails are well made by expert staff behind the bar, and they have two happy hours daily on weekdays including a late night version. I especially loved the margaritas which were not very sweet, just the way I like them.

Interestingly, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina is only one of 10 locations that serve Barnum Pilsner Coors on tap, properly known as “Barmen Pilsner.” This makes sense because Coors is brewed in Golden. However, I did not fully comprehend the significance of this at first.

Barnum Pilsner is a unique German-style Pilsner named after the birthplace of Adolph Coors, the Founder of Coors Brewing, and production is extremely limited to only 20 barrels per month. Restaurants serving it on tap must follow traditional German methods of pouring. First, it can only be served in a Barmen-branded pilsner glass, Second, it requires a full “seven-minute poor,” a technique that creates a thick, creamy head of foam on the beer essential to the “experience.” And yes, it truly takes seven minutes!

MEETING SPACE

Table Mountain Inn offers over 5,000 square feet of meeting space including large conference rooms and a downstairs area with a private terrace that can accommodate up to 200 guests. You can also host a private event at the Table Mountain Grill & Cantina.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY

Golden, Colorado is an incredible town with a never-ending list of things to explore especially if you love the outdoors. Below is a list of some of the more popular things to do in or around town, all of which are close in proximity to Table Mountain Inn.

Coors Brewery Tour - The iconic Coors beer logo of the Rocky Mountains is derived from its origins in Golden, Colorado where its been producing beer since 1873. In fact, this is the largest single-site brewing facility in the world covering 1,600 acres with a production capacity of 22 million barrels each year. Take a tour of the brewing facilities and learn about its rich history while sampling product. They also have a sampling-only experience in the lounge if you prefer to skip the tour.

Buffalo Bill Museum and Gravesite - The Buffalo Bill Museum is one of the most significant cultural and historic attractions in the area and quite impressive. Here, you will find an incredible collection on display.

William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was an iconic figure of the Wild West who led a fascinating life. He left home at a young age to herd cattle and drive wagons across the great plains. He went on to fur trapping, gold mining, and even joined an early version of the Pony Express before going off to the Civil War.

After the war, he went on to scout for the army and hunted for railroad workers which earned him the nickname “Buffalo Bill”. Through his journeys, he met a dime novelist Ned Buntline who began writing stories that made him a household name and a legend. Buntline’s drama Scouts of the Prairie also launched his career in show business when he performed live on stage in 1872.

From here, Buffalo Bill became the most popular showman around and in 1882, the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show was born which ran for approximately 30 years until 1913. Performances took place all over the US, Europe, and other locations shaping how America’s Wild West was perceived in the minds of people everywhere. Buffalo Bill was also quite the activist for rights of women and minorities, especially Native Americans.

In addition to the exploring the museum itself, you can visit the gravesite of Buffalo Bill whose dying wish was to be buried at Lookout Mountain, and take in the expansive views from the observation deck.

Lookout Mountain - Explore Lookout Mountain, Golden’s highest peak towering 7,300 feet above the town. Enjoy the scenic drive up the east side via the Lariat Loop National Historic Byway with 4.6 miles of switchback curves and incredible views. You can also hike and bike. Regardless of how you explore it, you cannot beat the stunning sweeping views of the Rock Mountains, the city below, and even Denver in the distance.

Explore Downtown - Downtown Golden has no shortage of quaint little boutique shops, fabulous restaurants, and bars where everything is walkable. There are art installations all around town including colorful murals and intricate sculptures, historic landmarks, and interesting signs with tidbits about the town’s fascinating history.

Clear Creek Trail - Take the Clear Creek Trail down by the water’s edge for a leisurely stroll. It meanders through the trees providing beautiful views and shade, and is easy enough terrain for almost anyone. It’s easy to walk to this trail system from Table Mountain Inn.

Golden History Museum and Golden History Park - Learn about the legendary people whose lives helped shape Golden at the museum then get a taste of what life was like in the 1800s by exploring the Golden History Park with its cabins, single room schoolhouse and more.

Colorado Railroad Museum - The Colorado Railroad Museum is a fun spot to explore especially if traveling with kids. You can learn about the railroad heritage and take a train ride aboard a passenger car pulled by a narrow gauge diesel locomotive.

Hiking - Golden is home to a wide array of over 100 trails including a 24-mile interconnected trail system that the city maintains. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll like Clear Creek or something more rigorous, there is no shortage of options and the views cannot be beat.

Here are a few better known trials:

  • City of Golden Trails - a network of urban trails maintained by the City of Golden.

  • Mayhem Gulch - 3 mile trail with a 500-foot elevation gain, six river access points, and three overlook bridges.

  • North Table Mountain - Numerous trail options, most are moderate.

  • Chimney Gulch - 5 mile roundtrip, moderately challenging trail with 1,400-foot elevation gain and summit views at the top.

  • Triceratops - 1.5 mile gravel trail with an outdoor museum featuring local history, invertebrate tracks, and traces of dinosaurs.

  • Mount Galbraith Loop and Cedar Gulch

Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Golden Gate Canyon State Park is beautiful with over 35 miles of trials through high mountain meadows, streams, and forest. You can hike, mountain bike ride, horseback ride, fish, hunt, and more. In winter, you can even snowshoe or cross-country ski.

River Rafting - Take an exhilarating white water river rafting trip down the rapids at Clear Creek Canyon Park. There are also trips for beginners who may want to traverse the waters at a more relaxing pace. Local outfitters start taking trips in mid-may through August.

Other Outdoor Activities - There is no shortage of things to do in the great outdoors in Golden. In addition to the above, you can go fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain bike riding, e-biking, kayaking, tubing, golfing, and more. There is literally something for everyone!

Golden Community Center - Community centers are not typically something I add to my do lists in articles, but the Golden Community Center is an exception. Here you will find indoor pools with water slides as well as lap lanes, a state of the art fitness center, basketball courts, volleyball gymnasium, hot tub, dry sauna, and more. They even offer day passes and punch cards for visitors. Note that passes are complimentary as part of your stay at Table Mountain Inn. Just simply request a pass at the front desk located in the lobby.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater - Catch a concert under the stars at this incredible stunning outdoor venue that features big name artists. Table Mountain Inn partners with several companies that can provide transportation between the hotel and amphitheater so you don’t have to worry about parking.

Photo credit: Jeremy Poland

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