Lookout Mountain has always been a popular tourist destination. Prior to construction of the Lariat Loop Road, the means of getting there were limited to feet–either human or equine. This postcard shows some early commercial transport. It’s a small wagon, with only four occupants, but even so it took four horses to pull it up Lookout Mountain.
That card was postmarked 1907. Several things happened within the next few years that brought far more people to that area. First, Denver developed a series of Mountain Parks, including one on Lookout Mountain. Second, Bill Williams built the Lariat Loop Trail. Third, automobiles exploded in popularity throughout the teens and twenties.
The Lariat Loop was named a National Scenic Byway in 2009.
