Lookout Mountain

Description The Lookout Mountain ride is a 25 mile loop from Morrison to Golden up to the top of Lookout Mountain and back down again. While riding up Lookout Mountain you will have a view of all of Denver and beyond.
Hazards The most dangerous section of the ride comes on the descent on 26 going into Morrison. The road has moderate to high traffic at speeds of 50 mph with little or no shoulder. You can reach speeds of 30 and maybe 40 if you push it, but it is not enough to keep up with traffic. I would avoid this road during rush hour as it sometimes has very high traffic.
		The Route Park across from the Conoco on highway 8 near Morrison.  Start riding north on Rooney road.  It will cross C-470 to the east and then you will have to cross it back to the west on W. Alameda Parkway.  Continue north on Rooney rd. until you go under I-70 and then reach Highway 40.  Make a left on Highway 40 and ride west until 93 rd, if you hit Heritage Square you have gone too far.  Ride north on 93, as you cross Highway 6 it will turn into Jefferson County Parkway.  At Johnson St turn left and ride down to S. Golden Rd.  Take S. Golden Rd. northwest as it merges into Ford St. Then make a left on 19th St. and ride west as 19th St. turns into Lookout Mountain Rd.  After you reach the summit, ride a little farther until you reach Highway 40.  Take Highway 40 east down to Highway 26.  Make a right and head south back down to Morrison.
Difficulty The climb up Lookout Mountain road is difficult, but it is only 4.5 miles long and it flattens out in sections.  There is also a small climb on Rooney Road until your near I-70, and when the wind is blowing hard from the north it can feel as difficult as the climb up Lookout Mountain.
Overall Rating: Despite the scenic views climbing up Lookout Mountain, I rated the route only a 3 star climb due to the high traffic and small shoulder room on Highway 26.  Be sure to ride up to Buffalo Bills grave as it will have a view of all of Denver.