Lariat Loop
Scenic & Historic Byway

Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway region contains a bounty of natural beauty, partly because early efforts were made to preserve its character for the enjoyment and enlightenment of the residents of the growing city of Denver. About 14,000 acres in the area make up a string of mountain parks throughout the Lariat Loop Mountain Gateway. Included along Bear Creek are Red Rocks Park, Morrison Park, Little Park, Corwina, Pence, and O'Fallon Parks, and Dedisse Park. The northern part of the Loop offers Bergen, Fillius, Genesee, and Lookout Mountain Parks.

Bison in Genesee Park near Interstate 70.

Making these mountain parklands accessible to the people of Denver became an important priority, leading to the development of a premier road system and promotion of several scenic mountain drives. Two of these are the basis for the "Lariat Loop," making the Denver Mountain Park system an important partner in the Lariat Loop Heritage Alliance. The Lariat Trail and Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drives were designated to the National Register in 1990. The Lariat Trail portion was historically labeled the "most scenic road in America," because of its spectacular views of mountains, canyons, and plains.

Picnic area, Morrison Park, at the Bear Creek gateway to the Denver Mountain Parks.

Picnic shelters of rustic stone architecture are characteristic of Denver Mountain Parks. The parks offered picnic sites and wilderness adventures to early automobile tourists, as they continue to do today.	Above: Fireplace at O'Fallon Park Left: Stone Shelter at Little Park

Site designed and hosted by: WebSpinners (info@webspinners.com)
WebMaster: Donald L. Blanchard

Lariat LoopScenic & Historic Byway

Denver Mountain Parks

Lariat Loop
Scenic & Historic Byway