Windy Saddle to Lookout Mountain
- Stephen Warner
- Sep 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Located in Golden, Colorado, about 30 minutes from Denver, this short, scenic hike blends mountain views with a bit of local history. The mostly shaded trail leads to Lookout Mountain, where you can soak in the Front Range and Table Mountain vistas, then swing by the Buffalo Bill Museum and gravesite for a quirky, educational twist.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Windy Saddle Trailhead |
Distance | 3 miles / 5 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 1-2 hours |
Elevation gain | 500 ft / 150 m |
Highest point | 7,372 ft / 2,247 m (Lookout Mountain) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | Trailhead and summit |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know Before You Go
Parking is limited. The Windy Saddle lot only fits a few cars. Arrive early or go during non-peak hours if you want a guaranteed spot.
Watch for cyclists. The road up to the trailhead is narrow and winding, and it’s popular with road bikers. Drive carefully.
This doesn’t feel like a "true summit." While Lookout Mountain is over 7,000 ft, it’s also accessible by car and has a museum, gift shop, and paved paths. Not exactly wilderness vibes, but still worth the visit.
Trail names are confusing. You’ll hop from Beaver Brook Trail to Lookout Mountain Trail, and finally the Buffalo Bill Trail to reach the summit. Keep an eye on your map or GPS to avoid a wrong turn.
Other trails nearby
Distance (one way): 8+ miles (13 km)
Elevation gain (one way): 1,400 ft (430 m)
Details: Leaves from same trailhead; rolling terrain and sweeping canyon views make it a favorite for trail runners.
The Trail
From the parking lot, begin hiking on the Beaver Brook/Lookout Mountain Trail.
You’re immediately greeted with views of Clear Creek Canyon and the surrounding peaks of the Front Range. Not a bad start.
Just a few minutes in, take a left to continue on the Lookout Mountain Trail. This section allows mountain bikers, so stay aware, especially around blind switchbacks.
The trail stays in the trees from here until you near the lookout. Lots of shade and well-maintained tread make for a pleasant climb.
About a mile in, take another left to follow the Buffalo Bill Trail. This junction is confusing. Counterintuitively, staying right keeps you on the Lookout Mountain Trail, but left is the way to the summit (where we want to go).
Once the trail flattens, follow the level path to the Buffalo Bill Museum.
From here, you get panoramic views of Golden, including both South and North Table Mountain.
Look the other way and you’ll see more of the Rocky Mountain Front Range stretching out to the west.
And when you’ve had your fill of scenery, head over to Buffalo Bill’s gravesite. (And for $5, you can head inside the museum for some Old West history and a bit of kitsch.)
SS Reflections
If you’re chasing a quiet summit experience, this trail might disappoint. There’s something a little awkward about hiking through nature only to arrive at a parking lot, gift shop, and selfie sticks.
That said, my girlfriend and I still enjoyed it. The shaded trail, occasional views, and mellow elevation gain made the ascent feel rewarding. And the summit offered more than just a lookout—there was a little history to soak up, too.
For a quick outing close to Denver, this trail checks the right boxes.
Other Helpful Resources
Approachable Outdoors writeup about this hike
