A Scenic Drive Along the Lariat Loop: Exploring Bear Creek to Historic Golden

Welcome back to our scenic journey along the Lariat Loop! Our previous explorations uncovered the rich history and breathtaking views from the Lariat Loop to Evergreen. Today, we complete the final leg of our historic route from Evergreen to Morrison and then back to Golden.

MILE 16.5

Evergreen Conference District

At the south end of Evergreen, along Highway 74 and Bear Creek, lies the Evergreen Conference District, which includes the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. This area is significant for its representation of early 20th-century Evergreen and its architectural features, as well as Canon Charles Winfield Douglas, an expert on the plainsong. He was instrumental in connecting the center to music, education, religion, and social and humanitarian activities. Established in 1907, it is the oldest continuously operated music center in the United States.

Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drive

In 1873, John Evans, a former governor of the Colorado Territory, constructed a toll road from Evergreen to Morrison via Bear Creek Canyon. This early road provided access to various mining and logging resources along the creek and featured more than 20 bridges made of local wood. Today, this section of the Lariat Loop offers well-paved, tight canyon roads, picturesque scenery, and many historic homes. However, it’s hard to imagine what this creek might have been like during the summer monsoons of the early 20th century. Floods, such as the one in 1896 caused by a microburst on Cub Creek, were not uncommon. This particular flood washed away roads, fields, farms, animals, and, tragically, men, women, and children, resulting in more than 20 lives lost. Such devastation led to the construction of Evergreen Dam, which helped control the waters and prevent such flooding.

MILE 22.5

Little Park Well House

Just past the sign for Idledale, take the unmarked hairpin turn on your right. Initially established in 1913, the Little Park Well House provided essential water for early automobiles and visitors to the Denver Mountain Parks. The well house became a vital stop and popular social spot for automobile tourists. Designed by architect Jean-Jacques Benedict, the well house featured a rustic style using local stone and wood. It remains a charming historic site, perfect for picnicking by the creek.

MILE 26.2

Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A Geological and Cultural Marvel

Just before you drop into Morrison on Highway 74, take a left on Red Rocks Park Road to enter the park. You may choose to drive through the park or stop and hike around. With its 300-foot sandstone cliffs forming a natural amphitheatre, Red Rocks has attracted humans since ancient times. The Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho people used the site as a sacred location and for musical gatherings. Evidence of human occupation at Red Rocks dates back to the Paleo-Indian Period more than 9,000 years ago. In 1936, Denver Mayor Benjamin F. Stapleton received approval to build seating and infrastructure for the natural amphitheatre using the Civilian Conservation Corps. Workers graded the theater and laid sandstone quarried in Lyons. Though estimated to take two years, the project took five and was completed in 1941. On June 8, 1941, Red Rocks held a soft opening for local officials, featuring a performance by the Junior Orchestra of the Denver Symphony Society. The amphitheatre officially opened to the public June 15, 1941, with Helen Jepson of New York’s Metropolitan Opera singing “Ave Maria.”

Matthews/Winters Park:

The Rise and Fall of the town of Mount Vernon

After exiting Red Rocks along Highway 93, continue north to Matthews/Winters Park. When thousands of prospectors settled in what is now Colorado – then part of Kansas Territory – they became frustrated by the lack of government. They organized the Territory of Jefferson in 1859, with Robert W. Steele as governor. Steele settled at the base of Mount Vernon Canyon – where Matthews/Winters Park is now – and named the area after George Washington’s Virginia estate. The Village Walk Trail will take you to the area where Joseph Casto, a clergyman, platted the town of Mount Vernon and established a toll road to capitalize on nearby gold discoveries. The town thrived briefly, becoming the de facto territorial capital and a transportation hub. However, when Colorado Territory was established in 1861, and other roads proved more efficient, Mount Vernon’s prominence waned. Railroads bypassed the canyon in the 1870s, leading to the town’s decline. By 1885, Mount Vernon was no longer a stage stop, gradually fading into obscurity.

MILE 40

Golden, Colorado

As we conclude our series along the Lariat Loop, we return to Golden, the former capital of the Colorado Territory. Once a thriving supply center and transportation hub for miners due to its strategic location at the mouth of Clear Creek, Golden was named after early settler and miner Tom Golden. Completing the Lariat Loop provides a rich journey through Colorado’s history and scenic beauty, highlighting the enduring legacy of this remarkable region.

Photo of the Bear Creek Well House by Annie Catura