Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve

About Us:

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 or other group. For educational resources and other area nature centers and museums that complement the Lookout Mountain Nature Center mission, click here.

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.