Driving the Scenic Road to Lookout Mountain: Stunning Views of Denver and Buffalo Bill's Gravesite

Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,237m (7,339ft) above sea level, located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Colorado.

Lookout Mountain

Where is Lookout Mountain in Colorado?

The peak is located west of Denver, in the central part of Colorado, within the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve.

What’s at the Summit of Lookout Mountain in Colorado?

Once used as a lookout by the Native American Ute tribe, the summit is famous for being the gravesite of the renowned western frontiersman William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody, a prominent figure from the American Old West. He spent his final years in Denver and was buried at Lookout Mountain Park on June 3, 1917. The summit also features several communication towers, a large parking lot, and the Buffalo Bill Museum.

Is the Road to Lookout Mountain in Colorado Worth the Drive?

Located on the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the summit offers breathtaking views, overlooking Golden and providing panoramic vistas of the Denver skyline 12 miles (19 kilometers) away, the Rocky Mountains, and the plains. The drive is scenic, with many spectacular views to enjoy on the way to the peak.

How Long is the Road to Lookout Mountain in Colorado?

The road to the summit, constructed in 1913, is fully paved. Known as Lookout Mountain Road, or the Lariat Loop, it stretches 12.39km (7.7 miles) from U.S. Hwy 40, near Genesee, to downtown Golden.

How Challenging is the Road to Lookout Mountain in Colorado?

The road to the summit can be challenging, with steep grades and a winding section that includes 4 sharp hairpin turns. The road is narrow and often shared with cyclists, so caution is advised.