What is Lookout Mountain? A scenic mountain west of Golden with the famous Lariat Loop drive, Buffalo Bill's grave and museum, and panoramic views of Denver and the plains. Just 30 minutes from Denver, it's one of the best quick getaways for visitors wanting mountain views without a long drive.
Lookout Mountain is where Denver meets the mountains. Locals come here for the views, the winding drive, and that first taste of altitude. It's touristy in parts but genuinely beautiful.
The Lariat Loop Scenic Drive
The Lariat Loop is a 40-mile historic byway that includes Lookout Mountain Road - one of the most scenic drives near Denver.
The classic route:
- Start in Golden on 19th Street
- Turn onto Lookout Mountain Road
- Wind up 4.5 miles of switchbacks
- Stop at Buffalo Bill Museum and overlook
- Continue on Lariat Loop through Genesee Park
- Loop back to Golden or continue to I-70
Time: 30-60 minutes for just Lookout Mountain Road; 1.5-2 hours for the full Lariat Loop
Best times: Sunrise and sunset for photography. Avoid weekend afternoons when it's busiest.
Note: The road is steep with many switchbacks. Not great for those prone to car sickness. Popular with cyclists (and motorcyclists) so drive carefully.
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
Yes, Buffalo Bill Cody is actually buried here. He requested it, and despite controversy from other states wanting his remains, here he stays.
What to see:
- Buffalo Bill's grave with mountain backdrop
- Museum of Wild West history and artifacts
- Gift shop with kitschy Western souvenirs
- Observation deck with Denver views
- Pahaska Tepee gift shop and cafe
Hours: 9am-5pm daily (summer), reduced winter hours
Admission: $5 adults, $1 kids 6-15, free under 6
Is it worth it? The views alone are worth the drive. The museum is small but interesting if you're into Western history. Plan 30-60 minutes.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Jefferson County's nature center sits on 110 acres with hiking trails, nature exhibits, and educational programs.
Trails:
- Forest Loop Trail - 0.7 miles, easy, through ponderosa pines
- Meadow Loop - 0.4 miles, easy, wildflowers in summer
- Lookout Mountain Trail - connects to longer trail system
Admission: Free
Hours: Trails open sunrise to sunset; nature center hours vary
Great for families and anyone wanting a quick nature fix close to Denver. Less crowded than nearby Chautauqua or Red Rocks.
Hiking Options
Apex Park (Apex Trail)
Distance: 3-7 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate
Popular mountain biking and hiking area adjacent to Lookout Mountain. Multiple trail options, well-maintained, good workout with views.
Chimney Gulch Trail
Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Steep climb from Golden with panoramic views at the top. Connects to Windy Saddle Park. Challenging but rewarding.
Beaver Brook Trail
Distance: 9.7 miles point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate
Historic trail from Genesee Park to Golden. Great views, mostly downhill if you start at the top. Shuttle or two-car logistics needed.
Getting There
From Denver: 30 minutes via I-70 west to exit 256 (Lookout Mountain), or US-6 to Golden
From Golden: 5 minutes - take 19th Street to Lookout Mountain Road
Parking: Free at Buffalo Bill Museum, Nature Center, and trailheads. Can fill up on busy weekends.
Combining with Golden
The perfect half-day itinerary:
- Coffee and breakfast in downtown Golden
- Drive Lookout Mountain Road (stop at overlooks)
- Visit Buffalo Bill Museum or hike at Nature Center
- Return to Golden for Coors Brewery tour or lunch
- Optional: Continue on Lariat Loop or hike Clear Creek Trail
Photography Tips
Best spots:
- Buffalo Bill grave overlook - Denver skyline and plains
- Pull-offs along Lookout Mountain Road - mountain and valley views
- Windy Saddle overlook - Golden and Table Mountains
Best light: Sunrise for Front Range glow, sunset for Denver city lights
Fall colors: Late September through mid-October for aspens on the mountain
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lookout Mountain from Denver?
About 20 miles, or 30 minutes driving. Take I-70 west to exit 256, or drive through Golden on US-6. It's one of the closest mountain experiences to Denver.
Is Buffalo Bill really buried on Lookout Mountain?
Yes. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody died in 1917 and requested to be buried on Lookout Mountain for its views. His grave is at the top near the museum. Several states tried to claim his remains, but he stayed in Colorado.
Is Lookout Mountain free?
The drive and overlooks are free. Buffalo Bill Museum charges $5 for adults. Lookout Mountain Nature Center and its trails are free. Parking at all locations is free.
Is Lookout Mountain Road scary to drive?
It has many switchbacks and is steep (about 6% grade). Drive carefully, especially with cyclists on the road. It's well-paved and maintained. Those prone to motion sickness might want to drive rather than be a passenger.
Can you hike to the top of Lookout Mountain?
Yes! Chimney Gulch Trail climbs from Golden to Windy Saddle near the top. It's about 4 miles round trip and moderate-hard difficulty. You can also hike from the Nature Center area on gentler trails.
What is the Lariat Loop?
A 40-mile scenic byway that includes Lookout Mountain Road and continues through Genesee Park, past the elk herds, to I-70. It's one of Colorado's designated scenic byways and a popular driving or cycling route.