Who or what is the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway? You will learn the answers by subscribing to our newsletter http://www.lariatloop.org/. The newsletter will give you information about the communities, attractions, and things to see and do along the 40-mile byway, just minutes away from the Denver metro center.
The communities along the Lariat Loop are Golden, Morrison, Idledale, Evergreen, Genesee, and Lookout Mountain. Neighbors to the Loop are Conifer and Lakewood. Access to the Loop is easy, I-70, C-470, Highways 285 ( Hampden), 8 (Morrison Road), 6 (6th Avenue) and Alameda. Lodging along the Loop can be found in Lakewood, Golden, Conifer, Evergreen, and Kittredge, as well as in metro Denver, options range from B and B’s, to corporate chain hotels.
There are more public spaces for outdoor recreation on the Loop than you can shake a fallen stick at. Natural water attractions are available on Clear Creek which runs through Golden; Bear Creek, which feeds Evergreen Lake then runs through Kittredge, Idledale and Morrison where it meets Mt. Vernon Creek at the Two Creeks Plaza (which features a Lariat Loop information kiosk and historic mural), and then runs into Lakewood’s Bear Creek Lake Park. Denver Mountain Parks and Evergreen Park and Recreation District, and Jefferson County Open Space dot this section of Bear Creek with a public golf course, lake recreation in Evergreen and Lakewood, creek side parks and hiking trails in Evergreen, Kittredge, Idledale, and Morrison. The Evergreen Nature Center, Historic Hiwan Homestead, and picturesque private homes along the creek make the short drive along highway 74 in Bear Creek Canyon, very special.
Morrison’s attractions include the world famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, known worldwide for outdoor concerts ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle choir to the Rolling Stones and Willie Nelson. Natural history buffs can visit the Morrison Natural History Museum on Highway 8 or the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge fossil site and visitor center.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Mt. Falcon and Lair O’ the Bear Open Space Parks along with several Denver Mountain Parks and picnic areas along the creek. You will return again and again. For dog lovers, Lakewood has a dog park on Alameda just east of C-470 and Mt. Falcon has an award winning off leash park on the north end of its Elk Meadow Open Space Park (go west on Stagecoach from Evergreen Parkway). This dog park has both a large and small off leash area and Troublesome Creek flows through the larger dog park. The dog parks all have trail systems connecting them to parking and larger parks.
All of the Bear Creek communities boast retail specialty shops, historic and contemporary bars and restaurants. Many have outdoor service areas where you can see wildlife ranging from chipmunks, to foxes, raccoons, and deer. Options range from pizza, burgers and ice cream, to white tablecloth European or western steakhouse fare. President Clinton and Colorado Governor Romer hosted dinner for the Summit of the 8 (world leaders) at The Fort restaurant near Morrison. The Fort is, perhaps, the most unique restaurant along the Loop, and is modeled after Bent’s Fort trading post on the Arkansas River along the early Santa Fe Trail.
During summer and early fall watch for Evergreen’s rodeo, music and arts festivals, outdoor fairs and concerts. Small town fall festivals are held in Kittredge and Morrison in September.
You can spend a few hours or a few days on the Loop and not see it all. It changes with the season and with the hour. Every time you visit, you will see things you have not seen before and soon you too will fall in love with the Loop.
BY: Jerry Smith Board member on the Lariat Loop