A Scenic Drive Along the Lariat Loop: Exploring Past and Present

By Annie Catura

Discover the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway  

This is the second installment of our Lariat Loop series, which explores the rich past  and community connections along this historic local route.

By Annie Catura 

Mile 5

Lookout Mountain and Highway 40  

Imagine standing at our starting point 100 years ago, on the bumpy, often rutted Mount Vernon  Canyon Road alongside a tumultuous creek prone to flooding. Drivers faced challenging  terrain, frequent stops to refill water tanks, and unpredictable road conditions. Newspapers  dedicated entire sections to operating these new machines. Yet, the promise of breathtaking  views and scenic picnics lured people onward. 

Mile 5.1

Rockland Road  

Less than a half-mile down this road lies the Historic Rockland Church and Cemetery, the final  resting place for many local pioneers. Here lies Katherine Lee Craig, born in April 1876 less than a mile from here. An educator, prolific writer, and political figure, she bequeathed her  family’s land to Denver Mountain Parks. As you drive towards the buffalo herd overlook, you’ll  pass the historic bequeathed land where she was born just above a dirt road, about 0.7 miles  up from Rockland Road. The land, while currently closed to the public, and showing signs of  neglect, still holds a pristine beauty and significant historical value. 

Mile 6.2

Buffalo Herd Overlook  

The buffalo herd overlook offers multiple vantage points to observe these magnificent animals, though their roaming habits can make them elusive. One prime spot is at the northwest intersection of Highway 40 and Mt. Vernon Canyon Country Club Road. From this point, hop on Interstate-70 westbound. 

Mile 7.4

Chief Hosa Exit and Lodge 

For more buffalo viewing options, take the Chief Hosa exit. Turning right toward the Beaver Brook Trail, this leads to another overlook. Alternatively, turning left at the top of the exit,  crossing the highway, and turning left below the Chief Hosa Lodge and heading down Genesee  Lane a ways, you’ll find a parking area and trail near the historic Patrick House, ideal for buffalo  viewing. 

The American bison, once abundant on the western plains, were nearly hunted to extinction by  the late 1800s. In 1914, Genesee Park - Denver’s first mountain park - became home to a  conservation herd from the Denver Zoo and Yellowstone National Park. Today, the Genesee Park bison are a rare link to the original American bison. They exhibit  ancient behaviors, such as forming protective circles and rolling in the blood of injured herd  members to deter predators. 

Chief Hosa Lodge  

Designed by the renowned architect Jules Jacques Benois Benedict, Chief Hosa Lodge became Denver’s first mountain  lodge when it opened in 1918. This stunning piece of architecture, reminiscent of a European  fortress, features numerous arches, and rustic stone and log construction, and offers sweeping  views of the Continental Divide. Jules Jacques Benois Benedict, born in 1879, was an  influential architect whose work was greatly shaped by his education at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. His designs often incorporated Italian Renaissance Revival elements and Mediterranean influences, characterized by graceful arches, ornamental details, and a seamless blend with natural landscapes. From here, hop back on the highway and continue west to the Evergreen Parkway. 

Mile 10.0

Fillius Park  

Turn right onto northbound Bergen Parkway. This early resting spot along the Lariat Loop offers lovely  picnic areas with two natural stone shelters designed by the esteemed J. Benedict in 1918.  The park’s first parcel of land was donated by cattle rancher Jules Clark in 1918 and was  named after Jacob Fillius, a member of the Denver Park Board of Directors. 

Mile 10.4

Bergen Park  

From Evergreen Parkway, turn left onto Bergen Parkway, once a rutted wagon trail that led to Thomas Bergen’s prominent stage stop and inn. After the roundabout, you’ll see a native stone  monument on the left marking the location of his 1859 log cabin. Bergen was the first white settler of the Evergreen area, originally Mountain Ute land used by many tribes for summer hunting. The park also features two shelters designed by J. Benedict, reflecting his  characteristic use of local materials and natural integration. 

As we conclude this segment of our journey along the Lariat Loop, we hope you’ve enjoyed  exploring its history and scenic beauty. Fillius Park and Bergen Park are perfect for a picnic,  offering idyllic spots for a leisurely lunch. For adventure seekers, consider biking the paved scenic Pioneer Trail to Evergreen Lake. Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we will  continue along the Lariat Loop to the town of Evergreen.