Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway

About Us

The Lariat Loop is a combination of two historic routes: the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive ascending Lookout Mountain and the Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drive. In combination, these routes were part of several of the "scenic circles" developed and promoted by Denver in 1915-1920s to help Coloradans experience the mountains in proximity to the Denver Metropolitan area. These roadways were designated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The Lariat Loop provided early automobile access to the Denver Mountain Parks system and, later, to Jefferson Co. Open Space parks. Today, the Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway continues to serve this purpose, carrying visitors along the same routes as in the early days of Colorado tourism.

The Lariat Loop takes its name from the historic LARIAT TRAIL, a 5-mile road from Golden up the front of Lookout Mountain to Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave. The Lariat Trail was built by "Cement Bill" in 1913; its story is online at City and Mountain Views.

We are:

the Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway... designated by CDOT in 2002

a 40-mile route where you can retrace the motoring adventures of the early 1920s and experience the thrill of foothills exploration at the dawn of the Age of Motorcars. Colorado's first gateways to the mountains still have sharp curves, winding roads, spectacular views, and waysides to refresh and delight the traveler. Use our brochure guide to explore on your own, pick up our Lariat Loop Audio Tour, or enjoy a virtual experience right here online!

the Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway Heritage Area ... designated by Gov. Owens in 2000

150 square miles of scenic beauty, historic heritage, natural wonders, and delightful discoveries, with more than 25,000 acres of preserved open spaces and mountain parks and more than 30 museums and interpretive sites to tell our stories. From the first dinosaur discoveries in the west, to the first seats of Colorado's territorial governments, the Lariat Loop will introduce you to more than 150 million years of Colorado history and prehistory. Our partner sites share a commitment to interpreting the heritage themes the Lariat Loop records.

the Lariat Loop Heritage Alliance...

a partnership of more than 25 organizations dedicated to the idea that this area is significant, special, and worthy of our efforts to share its rich heritage...

• Heritage Designation: In April 2000, after almost two years of volunteer effort, the Lariat Loop area was designated as Colorado's sixth heritage area.
• Byway Designation: In August 2002, the Lariat Loop route achieved formal status as Colorado's 24th Scenic & Historic Byway... Signs were placed around the 40-mile route in the spring of 2003.

The Lariat Loop Heritage Alliance was formed to promote and pursue these goals and objectives. For background on the organization and its original projects, visit our History Section; for recent projects, see our Projects page.