Lookout Mountain-Cabrini Shrine Loop Ride
Climbing Lookout Mountain is a rite of passage for Denver-area cyclists. It is easy to get to, a fairly small climb by Colorado standards, and has scenic views of Denver and Golden on the way up. I rode up it for the first time this year, after returning to road cycling and now I ride it a few times per week. Many riders just go up to Buffalo Bill’s grave and turn around, but I like to make it a little longer. The ride described here is 21 miles long with three climbs. There is an option to make it 15.5 miles long with two climbs.
Ride Statistics
Type: Out & Back with a loop
Distance: 21.2 miles (15.5 without Cabrini)
Elevation Gain: 3,349′
Map & Elevation Profile
Getting There
You can really park just about anywhere in Golden to do this ride, and parking in town adds some of the steepest climbing on the mountain. If you want to be like everyone else though, park just below the gate for Lariat Loop Road. From Denver, take Route 6 West to Golden. After it turns North, follow it down the hill until you see the sign for Lookout Mountain and Buffalo Bill’s Grave. Take the left there and follow the road up the steep hill. After it curves to the left, park in the dirt lot or along the side of the street before the gate.
Description
There is no time to warm up here. You will start climbing immediately, so make sure your bike is in a low gear when you get on it. Head under the gateway and proceed up the mountain for the next 4.5 miles or so. There is no real summit and the true highest point is much farther down the road than the places where most people turn around. The grade is moderate for most of the climb, between 6-10% with a few steeper switchbacks, but also with some flatter areas where you can shift into higher gears. The average grade for the climb is just over 6%.
About 4.2 miles after the gate you reach the last overlook visible from the road and then the ride flattens out considerably for the next .3 miles to Buffalo Bill’s grave. Stop if you want to check it out, or continue on with a few more moderate climbs before you hit the true summit at about mileage 5.75. You then continue down to the stop sign at Route 40, which runs along I-70 for this stretch.
Take a left and head downhill. About a mile down, you will see Paradise Dr. on your left, entering the Paaradise Hills neighborhood. This is where you will turn on your return, and if you only want to do the 15.5 mile loop, turn here and see the description below. Otherwise, continue down for another mile or so until you see the road to Mother Cabrini Shrine your left. Take the left and start climbing.
This road is in rather bad shape, but it is not heavily traveled. Its main purpose is to provide access to the shrine. During the summer, there are a surprising number of visitors up there, so I usually turn around right outside the gate to avoid the tourists (pilgrims?). The climb is fairly short after Lookout Mountain, and the views of the plains and the foothills are quite nice. The bad road is more noticeable on the descent, so be careful.
After returning to Route 40, take a right and go back the way you came. Save your legs. You will need them for Paradise which has a grade between 12-15% for much of it. When you get to Paradise, take the right and get in your lowest gear. I always want one more here, but the hill is manageable. Follow the signs that say “To Lookout Mountain Road” to keep from getting stuck in the neighborhood. If you have to rest, there is a hairpin turn with an intersection about a third of the way up and you can easily get clipped back in at this spot. Continue up the hill until it becomes manageable closer to the top and you will see some nice rolling countryside as you catch your breath. The road rejoins Lookout Mountain/Lariat Loop Road at the top.
Take a right and pedal back past Buffalo Bill’s grave and on to your descent. The descent on Lookout is fast and curvy and there is often gravel in the turns. Be careful here. Also note that I have seen several speed traps on the mountain and they target cyclists as well as cars. The speed limit is 25, but most cyclists, me included, exceed it on the way down. Just remember, you have been warned.
If you have any questions or comments about the ride, please feel free to enter them below or use the personal contact form to email me.
