JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Outdoor recreation at South Table Mountain in Golden is about to get a major boost. This fall, Jefferson County Parks and Open Space will begin building the T-Rex Tooth Trail, a new multi-use path that will complete a three-mile loop across the mesa and expand access for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.

The project will add 1.5 miles of new soft-surface trail, connecting existing routes including Fossil Trail, Old Quarry Trail, and Basalt Cap Loop. Once complete, it will enhance one of Jefferson County’s most popular recreation areas, known for its sweeping views, historic landmarks, and proximity to the Denver metro.

A Trail with History

The new trail will pass by the Colorado Amphitheater, a natural-stone structure built in 1935 to serve Camp George West of the Colorado National Guard. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1990s, the amphitheater remains a cultural landmark that ties outdoor recreation with Colorado’s historic past.

The trail’s name pays homage to the Tyrannosaurus rex tooth discovered on South Table Mountain in 1874, a rare paleontological find that cements the area’s ties to prehistoric history.

Construction Timeline and Land Partnerships

Construction is set to begin this fall, with an expected opening in spring 2026, Jefferson County Parks and Open Space confirmed.

Because South Table Mountain includes land owned by multiple entities, the project required close coordination. The eastern portion of the trail lies on state-owned land, while other sections cross property managed by the U.S. Department of Energy near the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, as well as land used by the Colorado State Patrol Training Track. Jefferson County has secured easements allowing the public to use the trail despite these areas being privately managed.

Years in the Making

The T-Rex Tooth Trail has been in planning for several years. The proposal was first shared publicly in 2021 and went through a hearing and public comment process before being approved by the Planning Commission in June 2024.

Jefferson County officials say the addition reflects their ongoing commitment to improving open space access while balancing environmental preservation, historical protection, and modern recreational demand.

Public Engagement

The county is inviting the public to remain engaged during the process. Anyone with questions about the project is encouraged to email STM@jeffco.us.

Looking Ahead

When completed, the T-Rex Tooth Trail will offer expanded recreation opportunities for Golden residents and visitors alike, strengthening South Table Mountain’s role as both a natural and cultural destination. Officials expect it to attract hikers, bikers, and families seeking a new way to explore the mesa’s rugged landscape while honoring its geological and historical significance.

Originally reported by Stephanie Butzer in Denver 7 News.