Buffalo Bill died in Denver in 1917 and chose Lookout Mountain as his burial site because of its vantage point over both the plains and the mountains.
The gravesite is marked by a massive granite slab and a statue of a buffalo sculpted by Otto Heber.
The mountain was originally called Squal Mountain before being renamed for its utility as a high-altitude observation point.
The Buffalo Bill Museum was established at the site in 1921, making it one of the oldest museums in the Denver area.
Local lore suggests the original choice for the grave was in Cody, Wyoming, but the Colorado location was secured through a high-profile legal dispute.
Lookout Mountain serves as the final resting place of William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, whose grave is located atop the peak. The mountain rises to an elevation of 7,377 feet and offers panoramic views of the Great Plains to the east and the Continental Divide to the west. A museum dedicated to the life of Buffalo Bill and the history of the American West sits adjacent to the gravesite. The area is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system and provides various hiking trails through ponderosa pine forests. Geologically, the mountain is a prominent feature of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The site attracts history enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its dual focus on Wild West heritage and mountain scenery.
The observation deck near the grave offers a wide-angle view of the plains and the city of Golden below.
Bring binoculars to scan the Denver skyline and the distant Front Range peaks.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore the surrounding trails, as terrain can be uneven.
Check local weather forecasts before heading up, as mountain conditions change rapidly compared to the nearby city.
Do not attempt to hike the trails in flip-flops or open-toed sandals due to rocky ground and potential for snakes.
The museum and gravesite operate on reduced schedules during winter months; always verify current access status before visiting.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor near the gravesite and stay on marked trails to protect the fragile mountain ecosystem.
