The Hoop Creek Stone Bridge was built in 1921 as part of the original
automobile road over Berthoud Pass. It is on the Clear Creek County side of the Pass. Pipe railings were used on the
sides of the original bridge. The stone walls were added in 1926. In 1930, the curve that the bridge sits on was abandoned
as part of a improvement project for the highway. In 1935, the U. S. Forest Service decided to make the area into a recreation
area. (See drawing) These plans were never completed.
In 1995, PAW and the Partners began the process of restoring the Bridge
so that it can be used as an outdoor classroom for testing tactile exhibits.
On October 7, 2005 the front wall of the bridge was found to have fallen
into the creek. A workday was held by the Partners on August 5, 2006 to celebrate Colorado Day. The Partners
included Clear Creek County, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado School of Mines, United States Forest Service
and Partners for Access to the Woods - PAW.
Kirk Klancke, a professional stone mason, coordinated more than 14 inexperienced
volunteers in rebuilding the front wall of the bridge. The bridge is now restored to its original beauty.
