Bear Creek Canyon Drive, a linear district, includes two miles of scenic road, which is now part of State Highway 74.  The drive is between the town of Morrison and the town of Idledale.  The scenic drive connects to the west border of the Red Rocks Mountain Park District.  The road was constructed and first maintained by the State Department of Highways, Jefferson County, and the City of Denver Mountains Parks.  

   The first section of the road had been a narrow stagecoach route and needed to be graded.  Road improvement began in 1914, with the construction of a road from Denver to Morrison.  The entire route was completed by 1921.  The Denver Mountain Parks owns a 200 feet strip of canyon on both sides of Bear Creek.  The park was purchased in 1928, and the road ran along the stream and was subject to flooding.  

   During the 1930s and early 1940s the Civilian Conservation Corp moved parts of the road away from the stream and raised it above the flood plain. The scenic drive is an important part of Denver’s Park and Parkway System since it is the southern gateway ad provides the first glimpse of the beauties of the Denver Mountain Park System. 

   This card, published by the “Sanborn Souvenir Co, Denver” captures “Bear Creek Canon Highway, Denver Mountain Parks”.  It also has a “Curt Teich” logo on the middle bar.  The card is in good condition with minor wear and a clean, clear image and reverse.