Windy Saddle to Lookout Mountain

Quick Info

Distance:
2.9 Miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Nearest Town:
Golden, CO
Elevation Climb:
525 ft. Elevation Gain
Difficulty Rating:
Approachable
View Rating:
4.5
Distance:
2.9 Miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Nearest Town:
Golden, CO
Elevation Climb:
525 ft. Elevation Gain
Difficulty Rating:
Approachable
View Rating:
4.5

What a gorgeous hike! It’s not too long, has great views, plenty of shade and with an elevation gain at only 525 ft it’s never too steep. The hike starts right in Windy Saddle Open Space Park just beyond the city of Golden, Colorado – so only about a half hour drive from Denver. (Parking is free, but the lot is pretty small.)

The trail is well marked and easy to travel, just make sure you take a left at Buffalo Bill Trail, not a right onto Lookout Mountain Trail (which is what we did and it added quite a bit of elevation gain before we realized our mistake.) Once you turn onto Buffalo Bill it’s a relatively flat path to the top of Lookout Mountain, which is also the grave of Buffalo Bill. 

The views at the end are gorgeous, but they are in a parking lot so it’s not necessarily an escape into nature. You can also see the road quite a bit on the last stretch, but it’s still a beautiful hike! You can also check out the Buffalo Bill Museum at the top.

There are a few options on AllTrails, so if you’re looking for the 3 mile option to the top here’s the correct link. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers & dogs are allowed on leash!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Join Kylie On YouTube!

Click HERE to get subscribed and join our YouTube community!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

More From Kylie

Weekend in Snowmass, Colorado

Weekend in Snowmass, Colorado

Snowmass is one of my favorite spots in Colorado and every time I go I fall more in love. On the slopes I had one of my best ski days ever (long, spacious runs without the crowds but incredible powder.)  To visit in the summer was an absolute delight. It has all...

Weekend in Frisco, Colorado

Weekend in Frisco, Colorado

I almost hate to tell anyone about Frisco because it's one of my favorite towns in Colorado and I feel like it's a little overlooked by visitors coming in for the resort towns nearby. Located just off I-70 nestled in between the mountains and Lake Dillon, it's the...

What Hiking Boots Should I Wear?

What Hiking Boots Should I Wear?

Finding the right pair of hiking boots can be a challenge. Everyone's feet are different so what works well for one person may not for another. I've worn $400 boots that hurt my feet terribly and $30 outlet boots that I wore until there were literal holes. I...

3 Hikes You Must Do In Maui

3 Hikes You Must Do In Maui

Like everyone who steps foot on the island of Maui, I have absolutely fallen in love. Of course there are the pristine beaches where sea turtles sunbathe, the delicious and impossibly fresh local food but then there's the hiking and like the rest, it's in a league...

Best Road Trips from Denver

Best Road Trips from Denver

1. Southwestern ColoradoFrom Crested Butte to the Black Canyon then rounding off the trip with a stay in Ouray and Telluride, southwestern Colorado is an absolute must visit! Must hike: Black Canyon of GunnisonOuray Perimeter Trail We did a mix of camping and Air...

Weekend in Colorado Springs

Weekend in Colorado Springs

I haven't spent any substantial time in Colorado Springs in years, so I was so delighted to take a weekend and totally relax in this very beautiful part of our state. I hadn't explored Garden of the Gods since college but it's as beauitful as ever. However, my very...