Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve: A Foothills Escape
Explore nature trails, wildlife exhibits, and breathtaking views at Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve near Golden, Colorado.
Discover the natural beauty of the Colorado foothills at Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. Explore interactive exhibits, hike scenic trails, and enjoy panoramic views of Denver and the Rockies. This 1,600-acre preserve offers a peaceful retreat and educational experience for all ages.
A brief summary to Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
- 910 Colorow Rd, Golden, Colorado, 80401, US
- +1720-497-7600
- Visit website
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the Jefferson County Open Space website for current hours, program schedules, and any alerts or closures before visiting.
- Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and to fully appreciate the distant views from the Lookout Mountain Overlook.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on potentially uneven trails.
- Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, located nearby, to combine your nature experience with a dose of Colorado history.
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Golden, head west on US-6. Take the exit for CO-93 N/Golden Gate Canyon Rd. Continue onto CO-93 N for about 1.4 miles, then turn left onto Golden Gate Canyon Rd. In approximately 3 miles, turn left onto Lookout Mountain Road. Follow Lookout Mountain Road to Colorow Road, and continue north to the parking lot at the Nature Center. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
From Denver, take the W Line light rail to Jefferson County Government Center–Golden Station. From there, transfer to the Ore Cart shuttle service, which is free and has multiple routes around Golden. Check the Ore Cart routes and schedules to see which route gets you closest to Lookout Mountain Road. From there, you may need to walk or take a taxi/rideshare to the Nature Center. A single ride on the W Line costs $3.00.
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Walking
If you are already near the Boettcher Mansion, follow the signs for the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. The Nature Center is located across the parking lot from the Boettcher Mansion. The walk is short and easy, allowing you to enjoy the formal gardens of the Boettcher Mansion along the way.
Discover more about Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Boettcher Mansion-Lookout Mt
0.1 km
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Windy Saddle Park
0.7 km
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Brandy Duvall memorial cross
1.7 km
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Mother Cabrini Shrine
3.0 km
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Downtown Golden
3.6 km
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The Newsboy Statue
3.6 km
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Brickyard House
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Arapahoe City Histoical Marker
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North Table Mountain
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Mount Falcon Park
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West Trailhead
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Walker Mansion Ruins
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White Ranch Park
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Wheat Ridge Historic Park
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Rocky Mountain Balloon Rides
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lookout Mountain
0.8 km
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Lookout Mountain Park
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The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
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Clear Creek Canyon
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Clear Creek White Water Park
3.0 km
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Mines Museum of Earth Science
3.1 km
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Golden City Brewery
3.4 km
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Golden History Museum
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Astor House
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Golden Welcome Center
3.6 km
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Mountain Toad Brewing
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Buffalo Overlook
4.5 km
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Mount Galbraith Park
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Hiker's paradise near Golden, Colorado, offering stunning views and challenging trails in a historic open space.
Genesee Park
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Matthews / Winters Park
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Essential places to dine
duo Restaurant
20.1 km
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Bar Dough
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Forest Room 5
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El Five
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Linger
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Senor Bear
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Jacques
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Gaetano's
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Buckhorn Exchange
20.8 km
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The Bindery
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Avanti Food & Beverage
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Coohills
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Root Down
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Citizen Rail
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Tavernetta
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jolly Goods
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Ruby Jane Boutique - Denver Highlands
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Agape Grow
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Mojave + Tejon Dry Goods
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Common Era
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Patterns & Pops
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Art Of Beaming
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MCA Shop
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apropos
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A Line Boutique
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Show Pony Vintage - LoDo
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Coco + Grace
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Squeeze
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Lady Jane
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Postino LoHi
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Golden Hour Wine Bar & Social Club
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Recess Beer Garden
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The Nearby Bar
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The High Lonesome
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Highland Tavern
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Ghost Donkey – Denver
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The Wild
21.3 km
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Terminal Bar
21.4 km
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Cruise Room
21.4 km
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