Denver Red Rocks & Foothills Tour: Lariat Loop, Golden, Buffalo Bill

Red Rocks amphitheatre mornings, Golden town stories, foothill drives

You’ll feel Colorado’s wild side on this Red Rocks & Denver Foothills tour: stand under towering red rock formations, take in Evergreen Lake, and look out over Denver from Buffalo Bill’s grave. With a local guide sharing stories (and bottled water in hand), you’ll get a real taste of mountain life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre45m
2. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave15m

Scenic tour of Denver foothills

• Meet guide in downtown Denver
• Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Pass by Evergreen’s historic Main Street
• Explore Evergreen Lake views
• Visit Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
• Drive historic Lariat Loop
• Stop in Golden city
• Pass by Coors Brewery

The experience

I’ll admit, I signed up for the Red Rocks & Denver Foothills Scenic Tour mostly because I’d seen those crazy red slabs in concert photos and thought, well, why not? But standing there early in the day, the rocks somehow looked even bigger than I expected. Our guide pointed out grooves in the stone where water used to run millions of years ago. The air smelled like wet earth and pine needles: kind of sharp and sweet at the same time. There was a runner blasting music from his phone as he sprinted up the steps. I just watched him and laughed quietly to myself. No way I could keep up.

After Red Rocks we drove through these winding roads (our guide called it the Lariat Loop), with sunlight flickering through the trees. He told us stories about old mining towns as we passed through Evergreen’s main street, which is tiny but packed with little shops and galleries. Then we stopped at Evergreen Lake for some fresh air and a look out over the water.

Next came Lookout Mountain, where Buffalo Bill is buried. There’s this museum full of Wild West stuff: spurs, posters, even his old hat (or maybe it was just “a” hat). The view over Denver from up there is wild. You can see how close the city is to all this open space. Our guide told us about Buffalo Bill’s funeral and how people still argue if he should’ve been buried somewhere else. It felt strangely peaceful up there, wind tugging at my jacket while everyone got quiet for a second or two. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic.

What’s included

Your tour includes small group transportation from downtown Denver (Colorado Convention Center), a friendly local driver-guide sharing stories along every stop, bottled water to keep you refreshed, plus time to explore places like Red Rocks Amphitheatre (when open), Evergreen Lake, Lookout Mountain with Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave and Golden, and scenic drives along Lariat Loop past Evergreen’s Main Street and Coors Brewery.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Explorer Tours

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is transportation included?

Yes, transportation throughout the tour is included.

What happens if Red Rocks Amphitheatre access is restricted?

If access is limited due to events or filming, your guide will show other scenic spots within Red Rocks Park instead.

What attractions are included on this day trip?

You’ll visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, pass Evergreen’s Main Street, see Evergreen Lake and Lookout Mountain (Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave), drive along Lariat Loop, stop in Golden and pass by the Coors Brewery.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Walking distances are short and manageable.