The initial seven-mile section, called the Lariat Trail, was built by contractor William "Cement Bill" Williams and provided a scenic route to the top of Lookout Mountain, one of the keystones of the Denver Mountain Parks system.  Laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., the Denver Mountain Parks were a visionary idea that permanently set aside places of refuge and natural beauty for the city's residents.  Denver promoters wanted the road to be their northern gateway to the Mountain Parks System and constructed large entrance pillars that still stand.  The drive up Lookout Mountain quickly became a favorite trip for area residents, attracting some 118,000 motorists in 1918 alone.  Many of the original design features of the road, including retaining walls and rest areas, remain intact.  Historic sites along the full Lariat Loop Trail include:

The Boettcher Mansion was built in 1917 as the summer home and hunting lodge of Charles Boettcher, one of Colorado's most prominent industrialists. Donated to Jefferson County by Boettcher's granddaughter, the home is a fine example of the Arts & Crafts style of architecture.  The Mansion is used for special events and will be open for tours following a restoration that will be completed in June of 2007. The contemporary Lookout Mountain Nature Center is adjacent to the Boettcher Mansion.

The Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum on Lookout Mountain commemorates the life of William F. Cody, known as Buffalo Bill for his "Wild West" shows, which traveled the world.  Cody was buried on Lookout Mountain in 1917 with over 25,000 people climbing the Lariat Trail to attend the burial.  A museum illustrating his life was established by his foster son in 1921.  The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is part of the Denver Mountain Parks system.  On the path to the grave site stands the 1921 Pahaska Tepee, a rustic style building housing a gift shop and snack bar.

The Hiwan Homestead Museum includes a 17-room log mansion, built between 1880 and 1942, plus three other original buildings.  This compound was originally called "Camp Neosho."  Built by Scottish carpenter Jock Spence for a series of owners, the Museum is one of the state's finest examples of Rustic-style architecture.  In 1975, Jefferson County acquired the property to save it from demolition for a housing development.

The Humphrey Memorial Park and Museum is a historic ranch property, the Kinnikinnick Ranch, homesteaded in 1878 by J.J. Clarke and later owned by the Lucius Humphrey family.  The Museum includes the original claim cabin, a log ranch house and an extensive collection of art and artifacts collected by the Humphrey family.  

Red Rocks Park was acquired by Denver Mountain Parks in 1928.  The park is best known for Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a 10,000 seat natural outdoor theatre designed by architect Burnham Hoyt and constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  The Amphitheatre features performances by artists during the summer months, a traditional Easter sunrise service in the spring and includes a Visitor Center that interprets the history of the facility.  Nearby is the 1931 Pueblo Trading Post, which also houses the newest Colorado State Welcome Center.

The Colorado Railroad Museum has more than 60 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars on exhibit on 12 acres at the foot of North Table Mountain. The museum also houses thousands of historic photographs, artifacts, and documents illustrating the rich history of railroading in Colorado.   Hours vary, please contact individual attractions for more information.

Hours vary, please contact individual attractions for more information.

View our 8 minute video on our website - www.LariatLoop.org. 

Fun Facts to Know and Tell:

Early automobile travelers stopped to fill up their radiators with fresh water provided at well houses in the Denver Mountain Parks.  

The Lariat Trail, which rises some 2000 feet in elevation between 19th Street in Golden and the Buffalo Bill Museum, features 56 perfectly banked curves and seven hairpin turns.  

John Brisben Walker once owned Red Rocks Park and built a funicular (incline) railroad up the face of Mt. Morrison in 1909.  

The white "M" on Lookout Mountain was first whitewashed by Colorado School of Mines students in 1908.

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Other Places to Visit:
Aster House Museum, Golden
12th Street Historic District, Golden
Evergreen Historic District
Morrison Historic District  

Best Times to Visit:
Anytime