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Lookout Mountain Preserve & Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,794 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lookout Mountain Preserve & Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A 110-acre preserve of ponderosa pines & meadows, with a nature center, trail & guided tours.
What runners say about Lookout Mountain Preserve & Nature Center
“The mansion nearby is beautiful (open to the public during the week), and Buffalo Bill’s grave location is close by (there is a trail connecting both spots).”
The nature center is a great stop. There are several interesting educational opportunities (your young ones are going to love it), the trails around are easy to walk on, the porch is cozy to sit and relax on, and the staff is knowledgeable and very helpful (Joe is amazing!).
The nature center and forest loop trail was a great place to go with two little ones. The trail was a 0.5 mile loop that took us 20 mins and the nature center had lots of fun kid activities. A carpeted room with books and puppets. Plus an area with a tent and camping toys the kids could play with.
This Nature Center is just an excellent place to stop by when you're up on Lookout Mountain. A beautiful building with great views of the ponderosa pines and wildflowers. Plenty to look at inside and looks like a fun place for kids. Great short family hikes behind the building and in the general area.
Great spot to check out the amazing views and Buffalo Bills grave site. Hike up from a lower parking lot or drive all the way to the summit, it's your decision! Lots of great hiking trails in the area and you can even hike to a mansion and a cool nature reserve center! Definitely recommended!
Trail conditions & character
“The mansion nearby is beautiful (open to the public during the week), and Buffalo Bill’s grave location is close by (there is a trail connecting both spots).”
“The nature center and forest loop trail was a great place to go with two little ones.”
“Talked to a DNR person working and they said to go to the next exit to the parking area to see the mountains and mountain sheep grazing.”
“Bathrooms, picnic tables, a visitor center mansion and a very short drive from anywhere in Denver; just awesome!”
“I would not recommend for small children in strollers as the hiking paths are very Rocky.”
Plan your run at Lookout Mountain Preserve & Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitejeffco.us
- Phone(720) 497-7600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–4 PM |
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