Lookout Mountain

The Basics

Most visitors to Lookout Mountain Park drive to the top of the mountain to explore the various trails that lead to and from the summit, but adventurous travelers can start from the bottom and climb up. The Chimney Gulch/Lookout Mountain Trail is one of the park’s most popular, offering the feel of backcountry hiking just a few minutes from downtown Golden. Once on the trails, look for elk, deer, birds, and other wildlife. At the top of the mountain, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, where famous performer Buffalo Bill was laid to rest on the mountain’s summit.

Travelers can visit Lookout Mountain on a half- or full-day tour of Denver–area parks and foothills; most include roundtrip transportation to and from Denver.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lookout Mountain is a great spot for nature and outdoors lovers.

• Although the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave requires an admission fee, admission to the park is free.

• On the drive up, you’re likely to see cyclists in colorful training gear pushing the limits of their endurance on the narrow, winding road, so use caution.

How to Get There

Lookout Mountain is about 20 minutes west of Denver by road, just outside the town of Golden. Major highways lead into Golden from every direction, and visitors can also travel from Denver and Denver International Airport (DIA) to Golden via the RTD light rail using the West Rail or W lines.

When to Get There

Lookout Mountain Park is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Nature trails attract hikers and mountain bikers in summer, and snowshoers and cross-country skiers in winter. The Buffalo Bill Museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm in summer and from 9am to 4pm in winter.

Things to Do in Golden, Colorado

Lookout Mountain is only a few minutes from charming downtown Golden with its wonderful restaurants, scenic views, festivals, and locally owned shops and galleries. Clear Creek runs right through town, and in summer, you may see the US Olympic kayaking team training on the whitewater. You can also take a free tour of the Coors Brewery.

Can you hike Lookout Mountain for free?

Yes, it's free to hike Lookout Mountain, which has gorgeous views across the Denver skyline. The 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) out-and-back Lookout Mountain Trail climbs through evergreen forest to the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve at the summit. The nature center offers free, naturalist-led programs for children and adults.

Where can I park for free on Lookout Mountain?

Free Lookout Mountain parking is available at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center in Lookout Mountain Preserve. If you're hiking the Lookout Mountain Trail to the summit, there's free parking available near the trailhead in Windy Saddle Park. The Windy Saddle Park Trailhead is located on Lookout Mountain Road.

Are pets allowed at Lookout Mountain?

Dogs on leashes are welcome at Lookout Mountain Preserve, located at the summit of Lookout Mountain. You can bring your leashed pet to Windy Saddle Park, the starting point for the 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) out-and-back Lookout Mountain Trail. Keep them leashed throughout the scenic hike into evergreen forests.

What should I wear to Lookout Mountain?

Dress in layers when visiting Lookout Mountain. Conditions change quickly in the Colorado mountains, especially during the summer “monsoon season,” when afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms. If you’re hiking Lookout Mountain Trail, remember that much of the path is in the shade, with patches of snow lingering into June.

Is Lookout Mountain accessible?

Lookout Mountain Nature Center is wheelchair accessible, including its parking and restrooms. The accessible nature center offers free, naturalist-led programming for children and adults. Interactive exhibits within the nature center explore the fascinating plants and animals of the surrounding foothills ecosystem, and there’s a hands-on playroom for kids.

How do you get up Lookout Mountain?

You can drive or hike to the top of Lookout Mountain. A paved road leads to Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center, with interactive exhibits and paths into surrounding meadows and evergreen forests. Or, you can take the 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) Lookout Mountain Trail from the Windy Saddle Park trailhead.

Ways to explore

Most visitors to Lookout Mountain Park drive to the top of the mountain to explore the various trails that lead to and from the summit, often taking the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive, which offers splendid views along the way. Adventurous travelers can start from the foot of the mountain and climb up, though. The Chimney Gulch/Lookout Mountain Trail is one of the park’s most popular, offering the feel of backcountry hiking just a few minutes from the nearby town of Golden. At the top of the peak, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, where the famous performer Buffalo Bill was laid to rest. Visit Lookout Mountain on a half- or full-day tour of Denver–area parks and foothills; most include round-trip transportation to and from the city.

Accessibility

The peak of Lookout Mountain is accessible via the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive.

Age limits

The mountain has several easy trails for family-friendly hikes.

What to pack

Camera, battery pack, sunscreen, insect repellent, light jacket

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat, clothing suitable for walking or hiking

Not allowed

Cars are not permitted on the road leading to the peak from dusk to dawn.

Amenities

Nature center, trails, picnic areas

Address

Lookout Mountain is about 20 minutes west of Denver, just outside the town of Golden. It’s simple to reach Golden by car or by public transportation, then explore the trails on foot.

Driving

Major highways lead into Golden from every direction, including State Highways 6 and 58 west from central Denver.

Public transportation

From Denver, take the RTD W Line Jeffco from Union Station to the Jefferson County Government Center stop. From here, take a taxi or rideshare to nearby Lookout Mountain.

Best times to visit

Hit the trails in the morning so you have plenty of time before sunset. The park is closed to vehicles from dusk to dawn.

Best days to visit

The road and trails are busiest on the weekends, so go on a weekday to enjoy the mountain without the crowds.

Best months to visit

Late spring to early fall are the best months to visit on foot or by car, to avoid closures due to snow and ice.

Special events

Nearby Golden celebrates Buffalo Bill Days each summer, when the Buffalo Bill Museum on Lookout Mountain often holds special exhibitions and related events.