Windy Saddle to Buffalo Bill’s Grave
Half way up the Lariat Loop Trail to the summit of Lookout Mountain, there’s a wonderful trailhead at Windy Saddle with a switchbacking trail that climbs through evergreen forests to the summit of the mountain. Here you can visit the Jefferson County Nature Center with exhibit on the elk, bear, and mountain lions who live in this forest, or push on to Buffalo Bill’s grave with its outstanding museum on the famous scout and showman. Don’t miss the Buffalo Bill gift shop! It’s filled with wacky and wonderful Old West Christmas gifts.
North Table Mountain
You don’t have to drive after this hike because the trailhead begins in the parking lot of New Terrain Brewing Co. Just behind the brewery is a spur trail that leads to the main five-mile trail around this ancient volcanic outcrop of rock. There are limited trees here, so it’s a good choice in winter with generally clear trails. At the top is a lunar landscape of rock with horizon-filling views of downtown Denver in one direction and the foothills in the other.
Clear Creek Trail & Peaks to Plains Trail
Everyone’s favorite all weather, year-round trail follows Clear Creek from the center of historic downtown Golden up into the foothills connecting to the Peaks to Plains Trail that winds through Clear Creek Canyon. The trees along the creek are lined with thousands and thousands of twinkling holiday lights. You’ll pass a historic farm museum (stop and feed the chickens) see ice flows that back up along the creekside, and continue on into pleasant evergreens. If you want more hike, continue on the Peaks to Plains Trail which also connects to the restored wooden flume of the Welch Ditch on the south side of the creek.
