The Lariat Loop exists to identify, interpret, promote and support the historical, cultural, natural, and economic resources associated with the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway. The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway is a 40-mile circular strand of natural, cultural, and heritage crown jewels first connected for the enjoyment of road travelers in 1913. Created by Denver Mountain Parks and connec
ted to early downtown Denver by "The Grand Parkway," Alameda Parkway, Lariat Loop climbs the face of Lookout Mountain along Lookout Mountain Rd. Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway may be accessed via I-70 Exit 252/Evergreen Parkway; Exit 254/Lookout Mountain and Exit 259/Red Rocks Park and Morrison. Historic Golden, Colorado's Territorial Capital, is the most well-accoutred entry point for tourists wishing to visit Lariat Loop; however, the Historic Town of Morrison and Evergreen, Your Mountain Destination offer up plenty of fun adventures of their own. Lookout Mountain Rd., which ascends in a series of hairpin turns from Golden also was host to the last stage of USA Pro Cycling Challenge on Aug. 28, 2011. Please, obey all laws and the posted speed limit, regardless of your mode of transportation. On a given day along Lariat Loop you will see cars, trucks, bikes, long boards, boats, paragliders and many other modes of transportation in use. Welcome to the Switzerland of Colorado as it was first called nearly 100 year ago. Lariat Loop Heritage Area is steeped with adventure and legendary tales -- Buffalo Bill Cody resided along Lariat Loop; today you can visit his true resting place atop Lookout Mountain. The Lariat Loop Heritage Area is central Jefferson Country, Colorado and begins on the slopes of Mount Evans, the top of which is visible from many places in Denver. The heritage area extends to west Lakewood, CO, into the historic Rooney Valley, which is also home to Dinosaur Ridge, Bandimere Speedway and Bear Creek Lake Park. Along the route are dozens of heritage sites, scenic parks, attractions, museums, lakes, streams, a buffalo herd overlook and other attractions (see list below), many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lariat Loop comprises two registered heritage routes, the Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drive and the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive. The Lariat Loop encompasses parts of Denver’s original “circle drives,” within the unique Denver Mountain Parks system designed by F.L. Olmsted, Jr. The diverse geography of the foothills setting offers dense forests, mountain vistas, winding roads, rocky outcrops and ridges, and historic “beauty spots.” Many of these scenic areas have become county or city parks and are accessible to the public. All roads along the Lariat Loop Byway are accessible via passenger vehicle, with convenient services, year-round. Open Space and Mountain Parks are protected areas and all wildlife and plants are protected. Wildfire is an ever-present risk; please be careful and observe any posted restrictions. No other special considerations are necessary. Lariat Loop attractions include
Jefferson County Open Space Parks
Denver Mountain Parks
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve
Boettcher Mansion
Chief Hosa Lodge
Humphrey Memorial Park & Museum
Evergreen Lake
Hiwan Homestead Museum
Morrison Natural History Museum
Morrison Historical District
Dinosaur Ridge
Red Rocks Park and Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Mother Cabrini Shrine
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Foothills Art Center
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
Golden Visitors Center
Golden Pioneer Museum
Astor House Museum
Clear Creek History Park
Colorado Railroad Museum
