Description:

This is just outside Golden and above clear creek canyon.

Directions / Travel Info:

Follow the Lookout Mountain Road / Lariat Loop for 2.2 miles past the intersection with US Highway 6 as it curves around the front / east side of Mt. Zion and begins to switchback up the north side above Clear Creek Canyon. At mile 1.8, you will pass Lookout Mountain Crag. Beyond this are some switchbacks. At the third switchback, where the road once again turns east, park in the large pullout inside the switchback (with a garbage can chained to a road sign) or in the smaller pullout on the right. From here, you can see the Tiers of Zion above you.

Cross the road (watch for descending cyclists and longboarders), and look for the trail sign and wag bag station. Please stay on the main trail, which ascends a bit and then crosses a broad gully. The Upper Tiers trail breaks off this main trail at a signed junction.


The Upper approach (approximately 15-20 minutes): 

Only use this approach if you want to start at the top of the Upper or Lower Tiers.


Continue up Lookout Mountain Road and park at the Windy Saddle Park lot. Take the obvious trail from the parking lot up Mt. Zion to its summit, and continue east along the ridge line, passing over a lower false summit on your way to the next high point along the ridge. If you start counting at the true summit (the first high point you come to), you are headed for a point just beyond the third summit on the ridge. Look for a flat sandy spot in front of a rock outcrop. You are directly above the Second and Third Triangles. To reach Jericho from above, continue on to the next (and final) high point.


It's a good idea to pack a trash bag and use your hike out to clean up a little from the partiers and unenlightened hikers who leave a lot of trash on the summit trail. Let's show JeffCo how climbers are responsible users....