Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Drives
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lookout Mountain is a must-visit destination in Golden, Colorado. Its winding roads and challenging climbs attract cyclists, while hikers can explore nearby trails and experience the mountain’s natural beauty on foot.
Prefer to take in the scenery at a slower pace? Drive the historic Lariat Loop, a winding mountain road known for its impressive switchbacks and scenic overlooks. The drive offers plenty of opportunities to stop, enjoy the views, and capture photos of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
For a closer look at the area’s natural environment, visit the Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center to learn about local wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. As you explore the ponderosa pine forest, keep an eye out for Abert’s squirrels, known for their distinctive tufted ears and bushy tails.
Discover Lookout Mountain’s History
Lookout Mountain offers more than outdoor adventure. It’s also home to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, where visitors can explore the life and legacy of the legendary Western showman William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The museum and surrounding viewpoints add another layer of history to an already memorable mountain experience.
Plan Your Visit to Lookout Mountain
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a scenic cycling route, a memorable mountain drive, or a glimpse into Colorado’s history, Lookout Mountain offers plenty of ways to explore.
Seasonal Road Closures: Lookout Mountain Road has overnight vehicle closures throughout the year. From the second Sunday in March through October 30, the road is closed to vehicular traffic from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. From Sunday, November 1, 2026, through Sunday, March 14, 2027, the road is closed daily from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. During closure hours, only the exit gate opens to allow vehicles to leave. The lower closure gate is located just above the intersection of Mt. Zion Drive and Lookout Mountain Road, so plan your visit accordingly.
THE LARIAT LOOP NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
Built in 1913, the Lariat Loop road ascends from Golden up the steep east side of Lookout Mountain. (Well actually up the side of Mount Zion. Many people confuse Mount Zion and Lookout Mountain.) The Lariat trail built by “Cement Bill” Williams is a 4.6-mile switchback of 56 curves including seven…
HOME TO BUFFALO BILL
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave attraction resides atop Lookout Mountain. It’s home to Buffalo Bill Cody’s gravesite and artifacts that showcase the life and times of Buffalo Bill before and at the turn of the 20th century and the fascinating history of the Old West.
ROAD CYCLING
Lookout Mountain is famous for road cycling. It was featured in several of the US Pro Challenge races. Mountain bikers and hikers also enjoy the area. Hike the Chimney Gulch trail, a challenging, narrow “single track” hiking trail that crisscrosses the Lariat Loop road twice before the summit.
NATURE CENTER
Lookout Mountain Nature Center staff and volunteer naturalists inspire kids and adults to connect with the natural world. Interactive exhibits take visitors on a tour of the flora and fauna of the foothills ecosystem. Kids enjoy a hands-on play room and observation room. The Nature Center offers…
