The Elk Range Trail is a short (3.3 mile) trail in the Centennial Cone county park near Golden Colorado. Getting there is a scenic drive from the city, whether you use the twisty route 6 or the interstate 70, then cut north. Be warned, on weekends mountain biking and hiking pick alternate days (hikers on odd days, bikers on even ones). 
We were doing a flying visit and so only had time to do an out and back walk, but the loop with the Travois trail would be even better.
Lookout Mountain is in the distance in this picture from the other car park.
R. Harrison, Creative Enterprises 