Experience Colorado's Most Historic Scenic Drive Through Mountain Roads, Wild West Legends, Dinosaur Discoveries, and Timeless Front Range Landscapes
Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway Tour
Some roads are built to get you somewhere. The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway was built to become the destination itself.
This unforgettable self-guided driving tour takes you on one of the best scenic drives in Colorado, following a historic loop through Golden, Lookout Mountain, Evergreen, Bear Creek Canyon, Morrison, and the foothills west of Denver. Along the way, you'll climb legendary mountain switchbacks, cruise through dramatic canyons, visit iconic overlooks, and discover places where Colorado's history, geology, wildlife, and culture come together.
More than a beautiful road trip, the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway tells the story of Colorado's evolution—from Gold Rush settlements and early mountain tourism to world-famous dinosaur discoveries and legendary Wild West personalities. Every stop reveals another chapter of the region's remarkable past while surrounding you with spectacular Front Range scenery.
Unlike an ordinary sightseeing drive, this is a GPS-guided self-driving audio tour. As you follow the route, engaging stories begin playing automatically based on your location. There is no need to search for the next attraction or constantly check your phone. Simply enjoy the drive while fascinating history, local legends, and hidden stories unfold around you.
Whether you're searching for the best scenic drives in Colorado or planning your first Lariat Loop drive, this tour lets you explore at your own pace, stopping whenever a viewpoint, hiking trail, museum, or historic landmark catches your attention.
Along the way, you'll discover:
- Historic downtown Golden and its Gold Rush heritage
- The famous Lariat Trail with its 56 hand-built switchbacks
- Panoramic overlooks across the Colorado Front Range
- Buffalo Bill's legendary museum and mountain grave
- Dinosaur discoveries that changed paleontology forever
- Evergreen's fascinating mountain history
- Scenic drives through Bear Creek Canyon
- Wildlife, historic parks, and remarkable engineering achievements
The best road trips aren't rushed—they're experienced one unforgettable stop at a time.
What will you see? Here are the tour highlights
Golden Welcome Center
Begin your journey in the heart of historic Golden, where you'll prepare for an unforgettable drive through Colorado's foothills. This is the ideal place to gather maps, refill your water bottle, and learn how the GPS-guided tour works before climbing into the mountains.
Historic Downtown Golden
Discover the community that grew from a booming Gold Rush supply town into one of Colorado's most beloved historic destinations. Along the drive, you'll learn about Golden's role as a territorial capital and its lasting connection to industry through the famous Coors Brewery.
Chimney Gulch Trail
This trail follows a natural route once used by early pioneers hauling supplies into Colorado's high country. It also marks the beginning of the engineering marvel known as the Lariat Trail, where visitors gain a new appreciation for the steep terrain conquered over a century ago.
Lariat Trail Scenic Overlooks
Climb the famous mountain road carved into Lookout Mountain by Charles "Cement Bill" Williams in 1913. The series of overlooks rewards drivers with sweeping views across Golden, the foothills, and the distant Colorado plains while showcasing one of the state's greatest early road-building achievements.
Windy Saddle Park
Perched more than 7,000 feet above sea level, Windy Saddle Park offers expansive mountain views and serves as a gateway to several hiking trails. On clear days, it's also a favorite launch point for paragliders soaring above Colorado's Front Range.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Visit the final resting place of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, one of the most recognizable figures of the American West. The museum showcases authentic artifacts from his legendary Wild West shows while exploring how he became one of history's first international celebrities. The surrounding mountaintop views make this one of the most memorable stops on the entire tour.
FAQ's
What is the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway?
The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway is a historic driving route west of Denver that connects Golden, Lookout Mountain, Evergreen, Bear Creek Canyon, and Morrison while showcasing Colorado's history, scenery, and cultural landmarks.
How long does the tour take?
Most travelers complete the drive in several hours, although allowing additional time for overlooks, museums, short walks, meals, and sightseeing creates a more relaxed experience.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins in Golden, Colorado, where you'll receive an introduction before heading up Lookout Mountain.
Where does the tour end?
The route finishes in the historic town of Morrison, Colorado.
Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you leave, and the GPS-guided audio will continue to play based on your location even in areas with limited reception.
Can I stop along the way?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for flexible exploration, allowing you to stop at scenic overlooks, museums, parks, and other attractions whenever you choose.
Is hiking required?
No. The tour is primarily a self-guided driving experience. Several optional trails and parks are available for visitors who wish to spend more time outdoors.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes. Families will enjoy the mountain scenery, fascinating history, wildlife viewing opportunities, and engaging stories shared throughout the drive.
What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes for optional stops, a fully charged phone, and weather-appropriate clothing, as mountain conditions can change throughout the day.
When is the best time to take the tour?
The route offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, with each season providing a different perspective on Colorado's foothills and mountain landscapes.
- Download the GPS tour before beginning your drive to ensure uninterrupted playback.
- Start your journey in Golden for the intended tour experience.
- Allow extra time if you plan to visit museums, parks, or scenic overlooks.
- Mountain weather can change quickly, so dress in layers.
- Bring drinking water and snacks, especially if you plan to make several stops.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for optional overlooks and short trails.
- Watch for wildlife along the roadway and drive carefully through mountain curves.
- Restrooms and food are available in the communities along the route, including Golden, Evergreen, and Morrison.
- Follow posted parking regulations at overlooks, museums, and trailheads.
- Take your time—the journey is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace rather than rushed.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering a favorite road trip, this self-guided GPS audio experience transforms an ordinary drive into an unforgettable adventure filled with stories that come alive exactly where they happened.
Ready to experience the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway for yourself? Download the GPS-guided audio tour today and discover Colorado's mountains, history, and hidden stories—one stop at a time, entirely at your own pace.
Want to learn more before you go? Read our feature on why the Lariat Loop belongs at the top of every Colorado road trip itinerary: https://www.walkntours.com/post/best-scenic-drives-in-colorado-why-the-lariat-loop-should-be-at-the-top-of-your-road-trip-list
