Scenic Colorado Drive: The Lariat Loop
If you’re looking for a weekend escape or day trip that mixes history, mountain views, and charming small towns without straying too far from Denver, the Lariat Loop is your kind of road trip.
This 40-mile scenic byway loops through Golden, Morrison and Evergreen three picture-perfect Colorado towns. You can do it in a day and still be back in time for dinner in the city.
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Golden, Colorado
Kick things off in Golden, where old-west charm meets mountain town energy.
- Tour the Coors Brewery for a behind-the-scenes peek at one of the biggest breweries in the country. Whether you’re into beer or not, it’s fun to see how it all works.
- Train lover or not, the Colorado Railroad Museum is interesting. There are over 100 historic train cars and locomotives here, and you can even climb aboard some of them. It’s hands-on, quirky, and surprisingly fun. If you’re traveling with kids this is a great museum to visit.
- Dig a little deeper at the Mines Museum of Earth Science, where you can explore Colorado’s geological wonders. They have rocks, sparkling crystals, and even moon rocks.
Drive Lookout Mountain
Once you’ve wandered around Golden, take a little detour up Lookout Mountain it’s just six miles from town. The drive is winding, scenic, and full of photo-worthy moments. Plan for about 20 minutes to reach the top, especially since this road is a favorite for cyclists. You’ll want to take it slow anyway. The views are worth it.
This mountain is technically a foothill of the Rockies and part of the Lariat Loop, and while it’s not a long drive, it packs a lot into a short stretch. You’ll be treated to sweeping overlooks of Golden and the surrounding plains. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
At the summit, you’ll find the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, where you can learn all about the Wild West legend who chose to be buried here for the view.
The Buffalo Bill Museum is a small museum about the life of Buffalo Bill Cody.
If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, Lookout Mountain has several easy trails that wind through forested areas and open up to more incredible vistas.
Genesee Park – See Wild Bison
If your ideal weekend includes a little wildlife spotting without having to go full-on wilderness mode, then Genesee Park is calling your name. Just a short drive from Golden, hop on I-70 west and take exit 254 to reach the Buffalo Overlook.
This is one of the easiest places in Colorado to see wild bison roaming in a natural setting. The herd here are direct descendants of the last remaining wild bison in the U.S., and they’ve been cared for here since the early 1900s. Totally worth the detour.
If you’ve got time to keep wandering, continue west a bit on I-70 to visit the Humphrey Memorial Park and Museum. An old homestead-turned-museum that gives you a little glimpse into early 20th-century Colorado life.
From there, head toward Evergreen, a charming little mountain town nestled along Bear Creek. Bear Creek winds through the canyon and it’s all pine trees and fresh mountain air.
Red Rocks State Park
One of my favorite spots is Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Park. Even if you’re not catching a concert, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must-see. It’s a natural open-air stage tucked between towering red sandstone formations. You can walk the stairs, explore the visitor center, and imagine what it’s like to hear live music echoing off the rocks.
The park was originally designed as a scenic drive, so even if hiking isn’t on your agenda, you can cruise through and still soak up the views. But if you’re in the mood to explore on foot, there are plenty of trails
See the Dinosaur Tracks at Dinosaur Ridge
Got any dinosaur lovers in your crew? Whether you’re road tripping with kids or you’re the kind of person who still gets a little thrill thinking about T. rex and Triceratops, Dinosaur Ridge is one of those unexpected, super cool places that’s totally worth a stop.
When our boys were little, they were obsessed with dinosaurs, so spotting real fossilized tracks out in the wild was like discovering buried treasure. It’s still pretty amazing, no matter how old you are. There’s something wild about standing where actual dinosaurs once walked.
If you’re already near Red Rocks Park, you’re just a few minutes away from this prehistoric detour. Dinosaur Ridge is located in Morrison, Colorado, right along West Alameda Parkway. Keep an eye out for the blue pavilion on the east side of the ridge that’s where you’ll find some of the best-preserved tracks. There’s a small parking area nearby, and from there, it’s a short walk to the viewing spots.
You’ll see tracks from multiple dinosaur species, including Iguanodons and Allosaurus, imprinted right into the sandstone.
