Lookout Mountain (Colorado) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain, as seen through a telephoto lens from downtown Denver.
Highest point
Elevation	7,377 ft (2,249 m)
Isolation	0.60 mi (0.97 km)
Geography
Lookout Mountain Location in Colorado
Location	Jefferson County, Colorado, U.S.
Parent range	Front Range
Topo map	USGS 7.5' topographic map Morrison, Colorado
Climbing
Easiest route	Drive

Lookout Mountain is a prominent foothill located on the eastern side of the Front Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains in North America. This mountain stands 7,377 feet (about 2,249 meters) tall. It is found within Lookout Mountain Park, just west of Golden in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States.

Discover Lookout Mountain: A Colorado Landmark

A Mountain with a View

Lookout Mountain, as seen from downtown Denver.

From the top of Lookout Mountain, you can clearly see downtown Denver, which is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) to the east. This mountain is famous for its beautiful natural scenery. It has played a big part in local fun activities, how people travel, getting water, and even how we communicate using signals.

A Place of History and Nature

Lookout Mountain in 1917, showing early visitors.

Lookout Mountain is well-known as the burial site of William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody. He was a famous American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. Several places on the mountain are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites. The earliest people known to live here were the Ute tribe of American Indians. They used the mountain as a high spot to watch over the land around them.

Getting Around the Mountain

In 1890, a company called the Denver Resort Railway and Telegraph Company started building a small railroad to the mountain from Denver. Even though it was listed as an active railroad until 1898, it was never fully finished or opened for use.

The Lariat Loop road was built in 1913. This road goes up the steep east side of Lookout Mountain from Golden. It's a popular route for cars and bikes. If you like mountain biking or hiking, you can also use the Chimney Gulch trail. This is a challenging, narrow trail that crosses the Lariat Loop road twice on its way to the top. Lookout Mountain is also a favorite spot for people who enjoy paragliding, which is like flying with a special parachute.

The Boettcher Mansion

An eastern view from the radio towers at Lookout Mountain, showing the landscape.

In 1917, a businessman from Denver named Charles Boettcher built a summer home on Lookout Mountain. It was called Lorraine Lodge and his family used it for hunting trips. Later, in 1968, Boettcher's granddaughter, Charline Breeden, gave the lodge and 110 acres of land to Jefferson County. This lodge is now known as the Boettcher Mansion. It has been fixed up and is now used for special events like weddings and parties.

Exploring Nature at the Center

The Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve is a great place to learn about the area. It has fun, interactive exhibits that teach visitors of all ages about the foothills. You can discover the different plants and animals that live there.