Lariat Loop Scenic Byway Colorado
A breathtaking 30-mile scenic drive connecting Golden, Lookout Mountain, and Evergreen, offering stunning mountain vistas and unique architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Snowy peaks, clear roads
Lariat Loop Scenic Byway Colorado
Best Time
Snowy peaks, clear roads
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 30-mile scenic drive connecting Golden, Lookout Mountain, and Evergreen, offering stunning mountain vistas and unique architecture.
"Gorgeous easy drive with stunning views and easy driving once you know where you're going. "
🚗 Use GPS for Navigation
Signs can be confusing, especially in Golden. GPS is your best friend to stay on track. :iphone:
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a meal with a view. :forkandknifewithplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lookout Mountain
Golden
Stunning panoramic views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. A must-see for any visitor.
Morrison
Base of the loop
Charming town with a beautiful stream and walking trails. Great spot for a picnic or a meal.
Scenic Homes & Estates
Throughout the loop
Admire the impressive architecture and beautiful landscaping of the unique homes scattered along the route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Lariat Loop
Best Stops & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Use GPS for Navigation
Signs can be confusing, especially in Golden. GPS is your best friend to stay on track. :iphone:
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a meal with a view. :forkandknifewithplate:
🚴 Bike with Caution
Roads can be narrow and winding. Be aware of traffic and cyclists. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Stop for Photos
Numerous pull-offs offer breathtaking scenery. Don't rush the drive! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Use GPS for Navigation
Signs can be confusing, especially in Golden. GPS is your best friend to stay on track. :iphone:
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a meal with a view. :forkandknifewithplate:
🚴 Bike with Caution
Roads can be narrow and winding. Be aware of traffic and cyclists. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Stop for Photos
Numerous pull-offs offer breathtaking scenery. Don't rush the drive! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Lariat Loop's stunning scenery, particularly the panoramic views from Lookout Mountain and the charming town of Morrison. Many appreciate the beautiful homes and the overall scenic beauty of the drive. Some find navigation challenging, especially in Golden, and recommend using GPS.
"What a beautiful surprise on our road trip! Highly recommend you drive through and make some stops. Morrison park was a beautiful stream and trail."
Amina Ahmed
"A great drive to see the area. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views. Beautiful homes, trails and scenery."
Susan R Cooper
"Good luck trying to find your way. That was rough for a minute there through Golden.
Once you get to lookout mountain you’re good though heading back down. Stunning views and easy driving once you know where you’re going."
Sav_cc33
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lariat Loop is a 30-mile scenic drive that connects Golden, Lookout Mountain, and Evergreen. You can start in Golden, which is easily accessible from Denver. Using a GPS is highly recommended as signage can be confusing.
Yes, the Lariat Loop is primarily a scenic drive for cars. However, it's also a popular route for cyclists, so be mindful of sharing the road.
The loop connects the towns of Golden, Lookout Mountain (which is a prominent peak with a road leading up), and Evergreen.
The drive itself is about 30 miles, but with stops for photos and exploring, it can easily take 2-4 hours. If cycling, it can take longer depending on your fitness level.
The roads are generally well-maintained, but can be winding and narrow in sections, especially on Lookout Mountain. Be cautious of cyclists and other vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to drive the Lariat Loop. It's a public scenic byway.
While the drive up Lookout Mountain is free, some attractions on top, like the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, may have admission fees.
Lookout Mountain is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific attractions on top may have their own operating schedules.
Yes, there are several pull-offs and trailheads along the Lariat Loop, particularly near Morrison and Lookout Mountain, where you can stop for short hikes.
Yes, there are numerous designated pull-offs and parking areas at scenic viewpoints and trailheads along the Lariat Loop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lookout Mountain offers the most iconic panoramic views. Other scenic pull-offs provide excellent photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Morrison is a charming town with a beautiful stream, walking trails, and several good places to eat. It's a great spot to start or end your loop.
Yes, it's a popular route for cyclists, but be prepared for hills and share the road with vehicles.
You'll experience a mix of mountain vistas, beautiful homes, forests, and open spaces. The scenery is diverse and stunning.
Restrooms are typically available in the towns of Golden and Morrison, and at some of the larger pull-offs on Lookout Mountain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Golden and Morrison offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Packing a picnic is also a great idea.
Absolutely! Many of the scenic pull-offs, especially on Lookout Mountain and near Morrison, are perfect for a picnic.
Golden has a diverse culinary scene, including breweries, American cuisine, and international options.
While not directly on the loop, restaurants in Golden and near Lookout Mountain may offer scenic views. The best views are often from the pull-offs themselves.
You'll find more substantial dining options in Golden and Morrison. For quick snacks, it's best to bring your own or stop in one of the towns.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
Lookout Mountain for panoramic vistas, the scenic homes, and the natural beauty around Morrison are prime photography locations.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for the expansive mountain views.
Generally, no. You can photograph the scenery freely. Be respectful of private property if photographing homes.
Expect stunning landscape shots, architectural details of the homes, and potentially wildlife if you're lucky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options can be spread out. Consider making it a picnic day to maximize enjoyment and minimize stops. The drive itself, with its winding roads and scenic pull-offs, can keep younger passengers entertained, but be mindful of motion sickness on the more twisty sections.
🚴 Cyclists
Prioritize safety: wear a helmet, use lights, and be aware of vehicles sharing the road. While the ascent is demanding, the descent offers a thrilling ride. For a less intense experience, consider cycling only parts of the loop or focusing on the flatter sections.
📸 Photographers
Don't overlook the architectural beauty of the homes along the route and the natural landscapes around Morrison. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the expansive views, while telephoto lenses can be useful for details on the homes or distant mountain peaks. Be prepared for varying light conditions and bring extra batteries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Lariat Loop
Safety is paramount. Ensure your bike is in good condition, wear a helmet, and use lights if riding in low-visibility conditions. The views from Lookout Mountain are a fantastic reward for the effort, offering breathtaking panoramas.
For those looking for a slightly less strenuous option, consider cycling only a portion of the loop or focusing on the flatter sections around Golden and Morrison. Always check local cycling forums or groups for the most up-to-date road conditions and safety advice.
Navigational Challenges and Solutions
The most effective solution is to use a reliable GPS navigation system or a mapping app on your smartphone. Download offline maps before you go, as cell service can be spotty in some areas. Many visitors find that having GPS actively guiding them significantly enhances the experience, allowing them to focus on the scenery rather than deciphering signs.
If you prefer a more analog approach, pick up a detailed map of the Lariat Loop from a local visitor center in Golden. Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand and be on the lookout for key landmarks mentioned in guidebooks or online.
The Appeal of the Scenic Homes
These homes are not just architectural marvels; they are integrated into the natural beauty of the area, often perched on hillsides with spectacular views. While you should always respect private property and refrain from trespassing, simply driving by and admiring these properties adds a unique dimension to the scenic drive.
For those interested in architecture or simply appreciating beautiful design, the Lariat Loop provides a visual feast. It's a reminder of how human ingenuity can blend with natural splendor, creating truly remarkable living spaces.
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