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Your Complete Guide to the Lariat Loop: Colorado's Classic Scenic Drive
Your guide to exploring Bozeman like a local.
Timeless beauty, rich history, and wide-open adventure.
FOUNDED
1883
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May – Oct
TIME ZONE
MST
WALK SCORE
78
Overview
Things to Do
Itineraries
Getting Around
Where to Stay
Best Time to Visit
overview
OVERVIEW
Your Complete Guide to the Lariat Loop: Colorado's Classic Scenic Drive
The Lariat Loop is one of Colorado's most rewarding road trips, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, fascinating history, charming towns, and outdoor adventures into a single unforgettable drive. Designated as a National Scenic Byway, the route forms a picturesque loop west of Denver, connecting Golden, Morrison, Evergreen, and several historic mountain communities through winding roads that climb into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Originally envisioned in the early 1900s by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the Lariat Loop was designed to showcase Colorado's remarkable natural beauty while linking parks, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions. Today, it remains one of the best scenic drives in Colorado, offering visitors an easy day trip filled with panoramic overlooks, wildlife viewing, fascinating museums, and iconic geological formations.
Unlike many mountain drives that focus solely on scenery, the Lariat Loop blends natural wonders with Colorado's rich mining heritage, Old West history, and vibrant arts communities. Travelers can explore dinosaur footprints, stroll through preserved historic downtowns, visit Buffalo Bill's mountaintop grave, tour museums, and enjoy countless hiking opportunities—all within a relatively short drive.
A self-guided GPS audio tour makes exploring the Lariat Loop even more enjoyable. The stories automatically play based on your location, allowing you to drive at your own pace while discovering the hidden history, legends, and fascinating stories behind each stop. Whether you're a first-time Colorado visitor or a local looking for one of the best scenic drives in Colorado, the Lariat Loop offers an unforgettable journey through some of the state's most beautiful landscapes.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BOZEMAN
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BOZEMAN
The Lariat Loop is packed with attractions that showcase Colorado's unique blend of history, geology, wildlife, and mountain scenery. Here are some of the must-see stops along this iconic drive.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
One of the world's most famous outdoor concert venues, Red Rocks is carved naturally into towering sandstone formations that create incredible acoustics. Even when concerts aren't taking place, visitors can explore hiking trails, admire sweeping mountain views, and learn about the venue's fascinating history.
Lookout Mountain
Rising above Golden, Lookout Mountain provides spectacular panoramic views of the Denver metropolitan area, the Great Plains, and the Front Range. The scenic drive to the summit is among the highlights of the Lariat Loop, especially during sunrise and autumn.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Perched atop Lookout Mountain, this historic site honors legendary showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The museum explores his remarkable life while the observation areas provide some of the finest viewpoints along the Lariat Loop.
Golden, Colorado
Golden combines Old West history with a lively downtown full of breweries, restaurants, museums, and boutique shops. Visitors can tour the Colorado School of Mines Museum, relax beside Clear Creek, or simply enjoy the town's welcoming atmosphere.
Dinosaur Ridge
One of the world's premier dinosaur fossil sites, Dinosaur Ridge allows visitors to see genuine dinosaur tracks and fossilized bones preserved in exposed rock formations. Interpretive signs help explain the area's incredible prehistoric significance.
Bear Creek Canyon
This scenic stretch of the Lariat Loop winds alongside rushing streams, towering cliffs, and dense forests. During autumn, vibrant golden aspens transform the canyon into one of the best scenic drives in Colorado for fall colors.
Evergreen
Nestled among pine-covered mountains, Evergreen offers charming boutiques, art galleries, local restaurants, and the picturesque Evergreen Lake. It's an excellent place to relax during your Lariat Loop adventure.
Mount Falcon Park
Known for its extensive hiking trails and dramatic overlooks, Mount Falcon Park combines beautiful scenery with fascinating remnants of early Colorado history, including the ruins of John Brisben Walker's mansion.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Most visitors can comfortably experience the Lariat Loop in one full day, although spending two days allows more time for hiking, museums, and leisurely exploration.
One-Day Lariat Loop Itinerary
Morning
Begin in Golden with breakfast and a stroll through the historic downtown.
Drive up Lookout Mountain, stopping at scenic overlooks.
Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave.
Afternoon
Continue through Bear Creek Canyon.
Explore Evergreen, enjoy lunch, and walk around Evergreen Lake.
Visit Mount Falcon Park for a short hike.
Evening
Head toward Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Explore the trails and visitor center.
Finish the day with dinner in Morrison while watching the sunset over the red sandstone formations.
Two-Day Lariat Loop Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Golden
Colorado School of Mines Museum
Lookout Mountain
Afternoon
Buffalo Bill Museum
Evergreen
Evergreen Lake
Evening
Dinner in Evergreen
Overnight stay
Day 2
Morning
Bear Creek Canyon drive
Mount Falcon Park
Afternoon
Dinosaur Ridge
Morrison
Evening
Explore Red Rocks
Dinner before returning to Denver
Travelers visiting during autumn will enjoy spectacular foliage, making fall one of the best times to visit the Lariat Loop and experience one of the best scenic drives in Colorado.
Getting Around
Food
The communities surrounding the Lariat Loop offer an excellent variety of dining experiences ranging from historic taverns to upscale mountain restaurants.
Golden is known for craft breweries, casual American dining, and outdoor patios overlooking Clear Creek. Morrison offers cozy cafés and restaurants popular with visitors exploring Red Rocks, while Evergreen provides mountain-inspired dining with beautiful lake views.
Recommended places include:
The Fort (Morrison) – Famous for historic Southwestern cuisine and unique Colorado-inspired dishes. Excellent for history lovers and special occasions.
Woody's Wood Fired Pizza (Golden) – Family-friendly restaurant known for generous pizza buffets and relaxed dining.
Bridgewater Grill (Golden) – A refined riverside restaurant ideal for couples seeking locally inspired cuisine.
Creekside Cellars (Evergreen) – A charming wine bar serving gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, and excellent wines.
The Bistro at Marshdale (Evergreen) – Popular for upscale mountain dining featuring seasonal Colorado ingredients.
Bonfire Burritos (Golden) – A favorite stop for hearty breakfasts before beginning the Lariat Loop drive.
Free Things To Do
One reason the Lariat Loop remains among the best scenic drives in Colorado is that many of its highlights cost little or nothing to enjoy.
Drive the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery completely free.
Explore downtown Golden, where historic architecture, public art, and Clear Creek create an enjoyable walking experience.
Visit Red Rocks Park outside concert hours to hike trails and admire the famous sandstone formations.
Walk Dinosaur Ridge and view prehistoric fossil sites from designated public areas.
Picnic at Evergreen Lake, especially during warmer months.
Hike Mount Falcon Park, where miles of scenic trails offer exceptional Front Range views.
Watch wildlife throughout the foothills, including mule deer, elk, hawks, and numerous bird species.
Photograph Lookout Mountain overlooks, which provide some of Colorado's finest panoramic vistas.
Luxury / Historic Hotels
The Crawford Hotel (Denver)
Located inside Denver Union Station, this elegant hotel offers luxury accommodations about 25 minutes from the Lariat Loop. Around $350–500 per night.
Cliff House Lodge (Morrison)
A romantic boutique property near Red Rocks featuring uniquely themed rooms and mountain charm. Around $280–400 per night.
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel (Golden)
A stylish riverside hotel combining modern comfort with excellent access to the Lariat Loop. Around $250–380 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
Table Mountain Inn (Golden)
Southwestern-style accommodations in the heart of historic Golden. Around $180–260 per night.
Origin Red Rocks Hotel (Morrison)
Modern hotel designed for Red Rocks visitors with easy access to the scenic byway. Around $180–280 per night.
Highland Haven Creekside Inn (Evergreen)
A peaceful mountain retreat with beautiful creekside surroundings. Around $220–300 per night.
Budget Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Golden-Kimberly
Comfortable accommodations convenient to the Lariat Loop. Around $120–180 per night.
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Golden
Reliable budget-friendly lodging close to major attractions. Around $110–170 per night.
Quality Inn & Suites Golden
Affordable accommodations suitable for road trippers exploring the Lariat Loop. Around $100–160 per night.
Where to Stay
Explore Bozeman at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour of Downtown
Bozeman.
RECOMMENDED TOURS & PAGES
FAQS
What is the best time to visit the Lariat Loop?
The Lariat Loop is beautiful year-round, but late September through early October offers spectacular fall colors. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer provides ideal hiking conditions.
How many days do you need for the Lariat Loop?
One full day is sufficient for the highlights, but two days allow more time for museums, hiking, dining, and photography.
Is the Lariat Loop suitable for families?
Yes. Families enjoy Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks, scenic overlooks, Evergreen Lake, and numerous picnic areas throughout the drive.
Do you need a car for the Lariat Loop?
Yes. Since the Lariat Loop is a scenic driving route, having a vehicle is essential. A self-guided GPS audio tour enhances the experience considerably.
Why is the Lariat Loop considered one of the best scenic drives in Colorado?
The route combines mountain scenery, historic towns, wildlife, iconic landmarks, and fascinating Colorado history into a relatively short drive easily accessible from Denver.
Is the Lariat Loop open year-round?
Yes. Most of the route remains open throughout the year, although occasional winter weather may temporarily affect mountain roads.
FAQS
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