Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve

Lookout Mountain Nature Center staff and volunteer naturalists inspire kids and adults to connect with the natural world and learn more about it. Interactive exhibits take visitors on a tour of the flora and fauna of the foothills ecosystem. Kids enjoy a hands-on play room and observation room. At each turn, visitors discover earth-friendly elements of the building’s sustainable design, including floors made from recycled train boxcars.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center promotes conservation of Jefferson County's open spaces through educational programs and exhibits. We offer free public programs in every season and can also schedule a group program for your class, scout troop or other group. For educational resources and other area nature centers and museums that complement the Lookout Mountain Nature Center mission, click here. Heidi Skiba Kids at LMNC

The offerings of the Nature Center extend to our Preserve. This mountain-top oasis offers gentle hiking trails past ponderosa pines and through meadows, affording panoramic views of the Denver metro area. Our 110 acres provide habitat for black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, elk and Abert’s squirrels, which are often captured on our wildlife camera. Wildflowers abound in warmer months, while peace prevails on snowy winter days. The 1.5 miles of trails are open to hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers, but are closed to bicyclists, equestrians and those hiking with a dog. Adjacent Windy Saddle Open Space Park allows all of these uses. The Preserve is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

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Address
910 Colorow Road, Golden CO 80401
Lookout Mountain Nature Center/Preserve is just minutes off I-70. Westbound, take exit 256 and turn right. Eastbound, use exit 254 and turn left. Then follow the brown highway signs.

Regular Hours
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Summer Hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend)
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Us
LMNC@jeffco.us or 720-497-7600

Heritage

In 1917, prominent Denver entrepreneur Charles Boettcher built his family’s summer home on Lookout Mountain. The grounds of Lorraine Lodge, as it was then called, served as the family’s hunting getaway. In 1968, Charles Boettcher’s granddaughter, Charline Breeden, donated the home (now called the Boettcher Mansion) and 110 acres to Jefferson County. Boettcher Mansion has been restored and is now a rustic yet elegant setting for special events.

Last Modified: Nov 29, 2012 04:09 PM