Gaining more than 7,000 feet (2,000 meters) in elevation, it is the highest paved road in North America. Mount Evans Scenic Byway. In fact, Mt. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. This highest of Rocky Mountain highs brings you to the rarefied world above timberline. Scenic Drives. This is a shor… The byway begins by Echo Lake, south of Idaho Springs, at around 10,600′. Insane views. Worth every penny. 1,006 Reviews #5 of 242 things to do in Denver. Spend time in the mineral water swimming pool, or soak in a geo-thermal cave, a sunken hot tub, outdoor Jacuzzi, or private bath. The road to the summit of Mount Evans is the highest paved auto road in North America, climbing to 14,260 feet above sea level. We walked the road and made it to about 7.5 miles before a blizzard blew in and turned us back around. We drove this scenic byway hoping to drive to Mt. the last few miles where awful. There are tons of beautiful lookouts on the drive and we completed this as the leaves were beginning to turn. For some reason, they had the road closed to the summit, even though it was perfectly clear and drivable for the first 3 miles and even had a parking lot up there to park. Most beautiful views from the very top. Mount Evans is the road into the sky. the milage is wrong here and on the road. If possible try to visit on a weekday, or arrive early. We describe the rest of the byway leaving Echo Lake Park heading to Mount Evans. We were hoping to see some mountain goats but had no luck. Idaho Springs serves as the starting point to the byway. There was a 20+ degree change from the start to top. Get the full … If you haven’t had time to acclimate to air at this high elevation, take it easy up here. beautiful views along the way. There's a couple of area's to stop off on the journey up; viewpoints, a little shop (I think, although we didn't stop and go in), and Summit Lake. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. We saw a herd of goats and a solitary male goat along with other small animals including a beautiful red fox. Going out it’s downhill so it’s all uphill on the way back. 1,006 Reviews #5 of 242 things to do in Denver. Mount Evans is the road into the sky. it's 15.6 miles (one way without summit) so after our 31.2 miles trek we where spent. Of course, great views all along the way. The drive begins in Idaho Springs and travels to Mount Evans. The Mount Evans Crest House is now in ruins, destroyed by a fire in 1979, but one can appreciate the environmentally-thoughtful design and imagine the structure when it was built in 1940-1941. The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway passes within 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Mount Evans, linking Georgetown and I-70 with Grant and US 285, 22 miles (35 km) to the south. Rates based on which soaking option you choose. When we got near the top it suddenly cleared and we could see some sunshine here and there. We saw plenty of goats! Mount Evans Itinerary. Views were great, but there was a lot of traffic. Pan for gold, other minerals, gems and metals and explore along with two hiking trails. Revel in magnificent views, and walk the short path to the tippy-top of the summit at 14,264 feet. FILE – In this July 15, 2016 file photo, traffic is backed up both going up and down the Mount Evans Scenic Byway just below the summit of Mount Evans near Idaho Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Idaho Springs serves as the starting point to the byway. They seem to tolerate people pretty well which is great when you want to photograph them. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. Evans but only made it to Echo Lake as the road to the peak was already closed in October. It's a little wild up there. $15 entry fee. There is an admission fee. United States ; Colorado (CO) Denver ; Denver Attractions ; Mount Evans Scenic Byway; Search. Very easy drive. It’s got everything. This drive offers visitors scenic views of the Continental Divide, mountain goat and bighorn sheep herds, wildflowers, and the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine trees. Make sure to bring some warmer clothing, as although it was about 80deg down in Idaho Springs, it was cool enough for us to throw on jackets and pants at the summit. Stop at the Visitor Center for information, then continue on Miner Street to 13th Avenue which is State Highway 103 and continues on State Highway 5 through a corridor between the Mount Evans Wilderness where it ends near the summit of Mount Evans. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Scenic Drives. In Bergen Park, you’ll find services, and you’ll be close to the Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway. Just be careful. Mount Evans Scenic Byway . Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. The road takes you to a parking lot just shy of the summit, so you can hike the final 100ft or so. Once you get past the checkpoint the road changes; becomes narrower, no barriers and far more bumpy - the driver has to be awake! There's a checkpoint about 14miles from the summit, where admission cost $15. Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Denver: Address, Phone Number, Mount Evans Scenic Byway Reviews: 5/5. Echo Lake Lodge was built in 1926 and today houses a gift shop and restaurant. The Mount Evans scenic byway, also called the Mount Evans Highway, will stay closed for all of 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Juniper Pass was a great stop along the way. A marked hiking trail roughly parallels the highway from Echo Lake to the summit, and a … The lake is a popular destination for fishing, or just to relax, picnic, and walk the easy trail around the lake. To get to Mount Evans, you'll have to hop on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, a two-lane road known as the "road into the sky" because of the nearly 9,000 feet of elevation change. At the summit, the entire Front Range and Continental Divide sprawls at your feet. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. Drive from 8,700 feet at Idaho Spring where you turn off Interstate 70 to 14,240 feet to the summit, and you will pass through 3 life zones, passing ancient trees, lakes and forest to the land above timberline. Having said that, the drive is a lot of fun - great views where you can see for miles. It feels like you're driving on top of the world. Mount Evans is the highest peak of the Chicago Peaks massif. The Mt. We went up yesterday afternoon knowing the weather might not cooperate. There are short trails that explore these tenacious trees that are 1600-2500 years old. Please check here for more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=28508&ttype=recarea&pname=Mount%20Evans%20Scenic%20Byway. we wanted a long walk, did the byway road as it was closed to traffic. My group and I certainly felt the altitude up here, but there were also a lot of younger kids who seemed fine! The byway begins heading south on CO-103, following Chicago Creek before climbing a series of hairpin curves. Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Plus, there’s no easier way to summit a 14er. At the summit you'll enjoy the big picture - the entire Front Range sprawls at your feet - but don't overlook the details. Once at the top parking lot, there is a short, but rewarding hike to the summit at 14,264 ft. Scenic Drives. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. Also, be sure the driver is paying attention at all times. This scenic highway, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, reaches an altitude of 4 300m/14 105ft. Where is Mount Evans Scenic Byway? The landscape changes as you ascend—watch for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife among wildflowers, depending on the time of year you’re visiting. Went Mid July 2018,. saw some mountain goats on the way up. We describe the rest of the byway leaving Echo Lake Park heading to Mount Evans. Mount Evans Resthouse Trail to Lincoln Lake, Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail [CLOSED], Cascade Creek to Saxton Lookout OHV Trail, Warren Gulch Trail [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY], Gray Wolf Mountain via South Chicago Creek, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=28508&ttype=recarea&pname=Mount%20Evans%20Scenic%20Byway. Have more destinations? Check road conditions before heading out. Did this drive today. Shaded, fairly flat trail. Or you could say from the Mount Goliath Natural Area to the Walter Pesman Alpine Garden. From here, an extension to the byway was added that heads east on Clear Creek County Road 103 over Squaw Pass to Bergen Park. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway takes you up to over 14,000 feet where you'll see mountain vistas, lakes, ancient bristlecone pines, mountain goats and more. About six miles ahead is the Mount Goliath Natural Area (H3) which protects the largest, northernmost stand of Bristlecone Pine trees in North America. The lower section of Highway 103 to Summit Lake remains open through the first weekend of October, weather permitting. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s cool. Mount Evans Scenic Byway [CLOSED] is a 30.8 mile point-to-point trail located near Evergreen, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet. Trail Map to Mount Evans Scenic Byway : There are three marked hiking trails along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway: The Walter Pesman Trail -- from the Walter Pesman Alpine Garden to the Mount Goliath Natural Area. Pikes Peak Hwy is Colorado’s second highest road (not all paved), reaching 14,115 ft. The weather can change quickly up here, so wear layers and be prepared for wind, rain, lightning, snow and hail. :-) So, if you're ready, here are the … The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,264 feet. We did see a few bighorn sheep. At 14,130-feet the Mount Evans Summit (V1) will leave you breathless — literally. The upper section of this road is the highest paved highway in North America. Be aware of “altitude sickness” and drink plenty of water. Drive from 8,700 feet at Idaho Spring where you turn off Interstate 70 to 14,240 feet to the summit, and you will pass through 3 life zones, passing ancient trees, lakes and forest to the land above timberline. The byway is 28 miles (45 km) in length and gains over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) of elevation. Address: Idaho Springs, CO 80452 This Tour I would recommend only in good weather, otherwise you have nothing of the view from the summit. CO-5 is not recommended for vehicles over 30’ due to the steep, narrow, winding road. | Check out 9 answers, plus see 1,006 reviews, articles, and 753 photos of Mount Evans Scenic Byway, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 884 attractions in Denver. Please enable Javascript in your web browser and reload this page. To continue the last 14 miles of the byway to Mount Evans, you will have to pay a toll which is valid for 3 days. … The easiest hike up a 14er! Along the route, the Dos Chappell Nature Center focuses on the bristlecone pine forest of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. This elevated mountain road offers a breathtaking journey that snakes and climbs from the high plains to the prominent Mount Evans summit with an elevation of 4,310 m (14,271 feet). : for the 2020 season, the road may be closed during the winter views... 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