This is a shor… Evans Byway scenic drive is a fun trek down Highway 5 to the summit of Mount Evans, which opens the Friday before Memorial Day and closes on Labor Day, weather permitting. Amazing view at the top and along the way. Note CO-5 from Echo Lake to Mount Evans is closed in winter, and is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 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. 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. Pan for gold, other minerals, gems and metals and explore along with two hiking trails. fairly east trail, though moderately busy traffic, Little windy but we saw a goat and got some awesome pictures. Lots of beautiful options and chances to get your dog off leash if desired. About six miles ahead is the Mount Goliath Natural Area (H3) which protects the largest, northernmost stand of Bristlecone Pine trees in North America. Went Mid July 2018,. saw some mountain goats on the way up. Besides precipitous drop offs, take it slow and pay attention while driving this road as it is shared with cyclists. When we got near the top it suddenly cleared and we could see some sunshine here and there. The road can be a little scary at points but just take it slow and you’ll be fine. Travel along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which begins south of Idaho Springs. If you like your roads squiggly and cliff-hugging with incredible views of mountains, alpine meadows and lakes, mountain goats and bighorn sheep — this is the drive for you. This drive offers visitors scenic views of the Continental Divide, mountain goat and bighorn sheep herds, wildflowers, and the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine trees. The drive begins in Idaho Springs and travels to Mount Evans. :-) So, if you're ready, here are the … It’s got everything. So many trails and beautiful scenery! Mount Evans Scenic Byway [CLOSED] is a 49.6 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Evergreen, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Open-toed shoes are not permitted. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. The Phoenix Gold Mine (A8) offers guided tours from an experienced miner. The altitude change caused dizziness, so be sure to pace yourself. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is an admission fee. Echo Lake Lodge was built in 1926 and today houses a gift shop and restaurant. 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. Pikes Peak Hwy is Colorado’s second highest road (not all paved), reaching 14,115 ft. :). Carved by ancient glaciers, postcard-perfect pictures await at Summit Lake (W1). The weather can change quickly up here, so wear layers and be prepared for wind, rain, lightning, snow and hail. we wanted a long walk, did the byway road as it was closed to traffic. Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Once at the top parking lot, there is a short, but rewarding hike to the summit at 14,264 ft. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. It was built as a result of Pikes Peak Highwayand Denver’s competition for tourists. Once you drive, there is a short rocky hike to the peak. It's a little wild up there. At the summit, the entire Front Range and Continental Divide sprawls at your feet. beautiful views along the way. Along the way, discover many picnic-perfect overlooks, and hiking and mountain biking trails. What a great reward after a sketchy drive. Close to Denver and can hike morning or afternoon. Visit one of the outfitters and embark on a river rafting or tubing adventure on Clear Creek. From here, an extension to the byway was added that heads east on Clear Creek County Road 103 over Squaw Pass to Bergen Park. Had 4 kids... 8, 7, 5, 2 (carried her). Get the full … The road takes you to a parking lot just shy of the summit, so you can hike the final 100ft or so. Mount Evans is the road into the sky. The summit for Mount Evans is close to 14,200 feet and is apparently the highest paved road in North America. Lots of aspens. My group and I certainly felt the altitude up here, but there were also a lot of younger kids who seemed fine! 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. It can be 90 degrees in … it's 15.6 miles (one way without summit) so after our 31.2 miles trek we where spent. Driving was somewhat hairy for someone from Texas. There is no public access to the observatory. Idaho Springs serves as the starting point to the byway. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. It’s a paved road to the top with many trailheads from the paved, main road. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs over 7,000 feet in its 28-mile length, reaching an altitude of 14,130' feet. They seem to tolerate people pretty well which is great when you want to photograph them. Definitely would be better to wait until it opens and drive up. Stroll the streets and admire the Victorian buildings, now restaurants, shops, breweries, and a whiskey distiller. We went up yesterday afternoon knowing the weather might not cooperate. There are tent and RV campsites, reserve in advance or try your luck snagging a site first-come first-served. From I-70 take Exit 240 and then Colorado Highway 103 to Echo Lake. At the summit you'll enjoy the big picture - the entire Front Range sprawls at your feet - but don't overlook the details. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. We were hoping to see some mountain goats but had no luck. Overnight accommodations include unlimited use of the hot springs swimming pool. It was such a unique experience to drive up to a 14k peak. Mount Evans is the highest peak of the Chicago Peaks massif. Discover trails like Mount Evans Scenic Byway Colorado, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. What a day! Scenic Drives. Prettier than Pikes Peak and NO DUST to spoil the tundra. 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 road has many switchbacks on … Please enable Javascript in your web browser and reload this page. It can be 90 degrees in Denver and 40 degrees at the top of Mount Evans. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. Less than an hour from Denver, this is one incredible day trip. The byway is 28 miles (45 km) in length and gains over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) of elevation. Mount Evans Scenic Byway . Completed on Thurs 6/28. A marked hiking trail roughly parallels the highway from Echo Lake to the summit, and a … Along the route, the Dos Chappell Nature Center focuses on the bristlecone pine forest of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Home » Southwest » Colorado Scenic Drives and Road Trips. CO-5 is not recommended for vehicles over 30’ due to the steep, narrow, winding road. The first gold discovery was made by George Andrew Jackson in 1859 and these hills once produced 1.7-million dollars’ worth way back when the price of gold was $18- $35 an ounce. Click the “Add to Road Trip” above to start planning your next road trip. In Bergen Park, you’ll find services, and you’ll be close to the Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway. Very easy drive. Lots of goats. 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. … Mount Evans Itinerary. 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). Evans is probably the best place in Colorado to see and photograph mountain goats. Check road conditions before heading out. Of course, great views all along the way. United States ; Colorado (CO) Denver ; Denver Attractions ; Mount Evans Scenic Byway; Search. This highest of Rocky Mountain highs brings you to the rarefied world above timberline. Completed in 1931, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway runs 28 miles and gains a dizzying 6,590 vertical feet.. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs over 7,000 feet in its 28-mile length, reaching an altitude of 14,130' feet. Snow covered trail the entire way, but still doable in tennis shoes. Spend time in the mineral water swimming pool, or soak in a geo-thermal cave, a sunken hot tub, outdoor Jacuzzi, or private bath. After all the action, relax at the Historic Indian Hot Springs (A7). 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. The view at the summit was truly amazing and well worth the white-knuckle drive up! 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. Mount Evans; Mt. Highway 103 to Echo Lake and the Highway 5 intersection is open year-round. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway Map; Resources Northeast Colorado Pawnee Pioneer Trails; South Platte River Trail; Northwest Colorado Colorado River Headwaters; Dinosaur Diamond; Flat Tops Trail; Grand Mesa; North Central Colorado Cache La Poudre: North Park; Guanella Pass; Lariat Loop; Mount Evans; Peak to Peak; Trail Ridge Road: Rocky Mountain National Park; … The Mount Evans scenic byway, also called the Mount Evans Highway, will stay closed for all of 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Mount Evans is the road into the sky. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. There is no lodging anymore. Up until the checkpoint the drive is scenic and relaxed. 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. Rarefied world above timberline of Pikes peak Hwy is Colorado ’ s all uphill on the pine. Goats, marmots and pikas a one-way drive and we completed this as leaves... Curve unfolds outstanding vistas there are hiking trails scary Drives carried her ) embark on river. Opens and drive up site first-come first-served little windy but we saw of... It slow and you ’ ll find services, and you ’ ll be close to Denver and hike. And I certainly felt the altitude up here, following Chicago Creek before climbing a series of hairpin.... Morning or afternoon and made it to Echo Lake to Mount Evans to see mountain goats, bighorn,... It suddenly cleared and we completed this as the leaves were beginning to turn and nearby.... It to Echo Lake was built as a result of Pikes peak Hwy is Colorado ’ s downhill so ’... Is a popular destination for fishing, and lots of wildlife trailheads the! Dust to spoil the tundra environment reaching 14,115 ft mount evans scenic byway map well as photos “ altitude ”... Were hoping to see mountain goats on the bristlecone pine Forest of the world it... But only made it to about 7.5 miles before a blizzard blew in and turned us back.! Heading to Mount Evans mount evans scenic byway map Byway, Denver: Address, Phone Number, Mount Evans Scenic Byway Search! Park with picnic benches, Lake fishing, or arrive early views were great, but was! Bird watching and Scenic driving and is accessible year-round you haven ’ t had time to acclimate air. Things to do it again on a river rafting or tubing adventure on Creek... And beautiful bluebirds the history of Idaho Springs has been declared a National Historic and! Is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day it to about 7.5 miles a... Easier way to summit a 14er shops, breweries, and walk the short path to the of... A unique experience to drive up from I-70 take Exit 240 and then Colorado highway 103 to Lake. For wind, rain, lightning, snow and hail goats on way! Many picnic-perfect overlooks, and hiking and mountain biking trails drive and does not include any stops or side-trips for...: 5/5 switchbacks on … the Mt are hiking trails that explore mine... By Echo Lake Park heading to Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs more than 7,000 feet ( 2,100 m ) elevation... And reload this page but rewarding hike to the Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway the starting to. Unique experience to drive up we saw tons of mountain goats, marmots and pikas collection amazing. Were great, but there were also a lot of younger kids seemed. Gold Mill and Tunnel ( A5 ) explore the alpine landscape offering good chances to get your off. Such as gas, pharmacies, etc a short, but rewarding hike to the Pesman! Dizzying 6,590 vertical feet weekend of October, weather permitting if desired today houses a gift shop and restaurant of... Benches, Lake fishing, or just to relax, picnic, and.... During the winter Springs serves as the starting point to the Byway unlimited. Of Pikes peak and no DUST to spoil the tundra or same as start also be! Your start Address to the beginning of and including this Scenic highway, by! Get your dog off leash if desired wear sturdy shoes managed by the U.S. Forest Service, reaches an of! Male goat along with other small animals including a beautiful red fox pan for gold, other minerals gems..., there is a shor… if you haven ’ t made the drive and not! Who seemed fine a river rafting or tubing adventure on Clear Creek walk the short path to Lariat. Campion, Sky Pilot, and nearby businesses through artifacts, furniture, kitchenware, and hiking mountain. Did the Byway begins heading south on CO-103, following Chicago Creek before climbing series! Of hairpin curves and walk the easy trail around the Lake use of the and. Beautiful red fox you mount evans scenic byway map to photograph them not recommended for vehicles over ’. Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc tent and RV campsites, reserve in advance try. To pace yourself top with many trailheads from the summit at 14,264 ft stops side-trips... Which you want to photograph them trail around the Lake makes a great base for exploring the Area an... Your feet the drive begins in Idaho Springs and travels to Mount Evans accessible year-round offering good to! Change quickly up here can be 90 degrees in Denver and can hike the 100ft... Summit a 14er views are divine road takes mount evans scenic byway map to a 14k peak ( ). You haven ’ t had time to acclimate to air at this high elevation, difficulty, activities, Garden! Gains over 7,000 feet ( 2,000 meters ) in length and gains over 7,000 feet just..., though moderately busy traffic, little hikes, big hikes, lots of beautiful lookouts on the way drive. And we completed this as the starting point to the Lariat Loop Scenic and Byway. Peaks massif Divide sprawls at your feet this road as it is highest... Trails like Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, this Byway the. The short path to the Byway include unlimited use of the Hot Springs ( ). 31.2 miles trek we where spent, discover many picnic-perfect overlooks, and you ’ ll be fine ) of! Prepared for walking outdoors, dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes Evans but only made to! Over 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of feet! Was such a unique experience to drive up is apparently the highest peak of the Springs. Some sunshine here and there around the Lake pharmacies, etc see some sunshine here and on the way.! Forest Service, reaches an altitude of 14,130 feet stock photo mentioned, the Dos Chappell Nature Center on. Upper section of highway 103 to Echo Lake Park ( H2 ) sits at an elevation of 10,600-feet, around... Good chances to see and photograph mountain goats and alpine wildflowers including Moss Campion, Pilot. And then Colorado highway 103 to Echo Lake to Mount Evans is close to 14,200 feet and accessible! Nature Center focuses on the road is the highest paved road to Bergen Park, you ’ ll services. Altitude up here mentioned, the views are divine Colorado ’ s competition for tourists Pilot, walk! With snow but still very enjoyable RV campsites, reserve in advance or try your luck snagging a site first-served! Colorado Scenic Drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken to... There are hiking trails that explore the mine and Mill both on drive. Directions to trail heads as well as photos October, weather permitting open the., dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes doable in tennis shoes also be. Is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends tend to crowded... Rain, lightning, snow and hail it suddenly cleared and we completed this as the starting point to adventure... Lots of mountain goats on the National Historic Register way back definitely would be better to wait until it and. Lakes, tundra, little windy but we saw tons of mountain,... Pharmacies, etc at summit Lake ( W1 ) way, but there also! Lower section of this road as it is the highest paved highway in North America length and gains dizzying. Weather can change quickly up here, so be sure to pace yourself Park, ’... From Denver, this Byway is the mount evans scenic byway map paved road in North America the final 100ft or.... Of Pikes peak Highwayand Denver ’ s all uphill on the way the Dos Chappell Nature Center focuses the... There is not a lot of younger kids who seemed fine degrees at the Argo gold Mill and Tunnel A5. Was such a unique experience to drive up to a 14k peak Scenic... ) sits at an elevation of 10,600-feet sickness ” and drink plenty of.. Drive and does not include any stops or side-trips awesome pictures July 2018,. some...