Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center 

Field of purple wildflowers with the Nature Center building as a backdrop - photo by Anne Friant.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center staff and volunteer naturalists inspire kids and adults to connect with the natural world. 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. The Nature Center offers free naturalist-led programs in every season for individuals, families, and schools and groups. Visitors can also enjoy a walk through the nature preserve while visiting. 

Beaver Brook Trail (PDF) provides hiker only connections to Windy Saddle Park and Denver Mountain Parks’ Genesee Park.

Educational Programs
Jeffco Open Space Educators offer programs throughout the year covering the county’s wildlife, plants, history and more!

Events
For more information on hosting an event at LMNC, please contact us.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center 
910 Colorow Road
Golden, CO 80401

Email or call for inquiries
720.497.7600

Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: CLOSED
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 
OPEN 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Lookout Mountain Preserve 
Open daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Hiker only. 

RESOURCES

Park Regulations

Recreation & Activity Management Guide (PDF)

Jeffco Non-emergency Number: 303.980.7300

Beaver Brook Trail*

Beaver Brook Trail is a challenging hiker only trail connecting Clear Creek Canyon Park, Denver Mountain Parks' Genesee Mountain Park, and Windy Saddle Park. View Beaver Brook Trail Map (PDF)

*Notice: This trail crosses multiple jurisdictions beyond land owned/managed by Jeffco Open Space and may fall under different regulations.

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Interactive Map button depicting an illustration of a map and a reference point on topo background
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  1. CLOSED: Beginning Friday, July 11, the Crown Hill Park Wildlife Sanctuary will be temporarily closed due to high waters.
  2. CLOSED: parts of Beaver Ranch Park are closed for forest health work. Closure expected until fall, weather permitting.
  3. CLOSED: The West Trailhead at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is closed for scheduled improvements beginning May 5 through January 2026.
  4. CLOSED: Seasonal Wildlife Closures at multiple parks Feb 1- July 31
  5. PARTIAL REOPEN: Deer Creek Canyon Park is partially reopened as of May 15
  6. CLOSED: Portions of Elk Meadow Park, including Stagecoach Trailhead, are closed through spring of 2025.
  7. REMINDER: Some JCOS Parks have designated-use trails or alternating use days
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July 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

  1. Fri, Jul. 18

    Back to Basics: Our Natural Neighbors

  2. Sat, Jul. 19

    Yoga with a Ranger

  3. Sat, Jul. 19

    Daytime Observatory Tour
View All Events