Fun Driving Roads Near Denver

by carman1970
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April 08, 2009

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4 great driving loops west of Denver. These are all easy drives best driven on clear days. The best part is each route can connect to the other, so you can drive some of our best roads all weekend long. Just remember, the LAW is out there and he doesn’t take kindly to city slickers having too much fun!

Mount Evans, Echo Lake, Evergreen Driving Loop

Before you open the sunroof and apply the sun-block, remember: the LAW is out there and with the current economy, they want to make some dinero off you!

For those of you who are willing to go to high altitude, I have one of the best loops out there. Take 70 West to Idaho Springs, Colorado. Exit 240 into Idaho Springs and hop onto Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Route 103) and prepare for an amazing drive. Not a ton of Jonny Law types on the route, but you have to watch the shadows for black ice in some of corners. Stay on this route for 30 to 50 minutes (closer to 30 for an idiot driver like me) and you’ll arrive in Evergreen on Evergreen Parkway.

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The Golden Gate Canyon, Highway 6 Driving Loop

Let’s say you want to gamble but taking a bus with a bunch of AARP fogies doesn’t turn your crank. Take this awesome, seldom traveled loop and you can truly enjoy some of our best driver’s roads. Start in Golden along Foothills Road (highway 93, connecting to Highway 58) heading north, turn left heading west onto Golden Gate Canyon Road. Eventually, you will connect to Highway 119 which is known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and you will turn left heading south by southwest. Highway 119 will take you though Blackhawk, Colorado (and the entrance/road that leads to Central City). Continue on Highway 119 and connect to Highway 6 heading east. Eventually, Highway 6 will lead you right back to Highway 58.

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Astor House Museum

822 12th St, Golden, CO 80401

Serving as a temporary residence for workers and students who stayed in Golden from the structure's completion in 1867 until its closing in 1971, the Astor House Museum has been restored to honor and celebrate the life and times of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Recognized for its historical value, the residence features a handful of revolving exhibits that explore the history and residents of Golden, as well as decorated rooms and areas that celebrate the Victorian Era. The museum is located downtown, within walking distance of Clear Creek History Park.

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Morrison, Evergreen, Conifer Driving Loop

This is a great route for the aimless cruiser as there are many options along the loop. Begin in Morrison, Colorado (which is just off C470 and on Bear Creek Road which becomes Route 74). On this route, when you see a posted speed limit of 25 – take it to heart. Lots of cops near Morrison and Evergreen.

Continue west towards Evergreen along a very scenic route and keep an eye out for the Bear Creek Restaurant in Kittredge. It has a bunch of flags out front and has some great food along with an old school atmosphere. Once you arrive in Evergreen, merge left continuing south on 73 (which will connect with the 285) and continue southwest until you get to Conifer.

In Conifer, I highly recommend the Black Hat Cattle Co. for meat lovers (it’s pricy but GOOD).

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The Lariat Loop

The Lariat Loop is one of the earliest scenic loops in the area – it’s still an amazing drive.

Begin in Golden, Colorado and take 19th out of town heading West. This will become the Lariat Loop Road. Once you get to Buffalo Bill’s Grave (which is touristy, but mildly amusing for out of town guests) work your way to Interstate 70 and head west for a few exits until you get to exit 252 which is Evergreen Parkway. Head south on Evergreen Parkway until you get to Route 74 which is Bear Creek Road and head to Morrison.

Now, if you want the best, somewhat authentic and atmosphere rich restaurant in all of – go to “The Fort” which is south of Morrison on highway 8, just before you get to the 285 junction.

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Morrison Inn the

301 Bear Creek Ave, Morrison, CO 80465

The Morrison Inn has great Mexican/Tex-Mex food and AMAZING margaritas. You’ll find the Morrison Inn in the center of town.

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Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

987 N Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401

Artifacts, stories and legends relating to the Civil War folk hero born as William F. Cody are exhibited at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, near where the soldier and leader of the Wild West play troupe spent his last years. Displays within the museum cover Buffalo Bill's life as both a hunter and an actor, as well as his relationships with the Native Americans that once occupied the lands in which he settled. The museum is about a 30-minute drive west of Denver, set within the nest of the towering Rocky Mountains.

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