Page 29 - Lariat Loop

John Brisbane Walker transformed the Swiss Cottage Resort Hotel into the Mt. Morrison Casino to attract celebrities from around the world in 1887. Sixty-nine voters incorporated the town in 1906. The population has remained at 200-500 since 1910.
The soothing sound of Bear Creek was initially deceptive. Sudden catastrophic oods destroyed homes, businesses, and people in 1878, 1896, 1906, 1926, 1930, 1933, and 1938. The town was best known for rowdy bars until the Town Council began to “clean out” roughnecks and attract a more gentile clientele from the 1950s through the 1970s. Town Council created a Morrison Historic District in 1976. It includes 70 remarkably intact sites and buildings within the National Register of Historic Places.
Downtown Morrison restaurants and unique shops are popular for locals and tourists. Hikers and cyclists enjoy a trail along Bear Creek. Visitors to Red Rocks concerts and Bandimere Speedway appreciate the town. The relatively new homeowners of European-style Solterra development north east also appreciate Morrison.
Voters of this 3-square-mile town adopted a Home Rule Charter in 2000. Morrison town council approved annexation of “Red Rocks Centre” 360 acres east of C-470 and north of Morrison Road. Development is planned for the next 25 years. The 80465 zip actually serves locals and rural routes within 70 square miles of unincorporated area. The area is within the West Metro Fire District.
Morrison is located just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Despite its proximity to the Denver metro area, Morrison’s location on the west side of the Hogback rock formation provides separation from our metropolitan neighbors and makes it feel like a remote mountain town. That’s why we call Morrison “The Nearest Faraway Place.” Most people know Morrison for its location at the base of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre or nearby Bandimere Speedway. Morrison is also home to several world-class restaurants and shops along historic Bear Creek Ave and Stone Street. Also, Morrison is a fantastic starting point for exploring the numerous trails that run through the Je erson County Open Space Parks surrounding the town.
Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway 25