Great views, easy drive up. Loved the easy walk to the summit after a crazy drive up to the top. It lies in a cirque formed by Mount Evans and Mount Spalding with rocky ridges and cliffs rising from the lake to … Drove out from Denver to watch the sunrise. The lodge has a restaurant, bar, and gift shop and is known for their pan-fried trout. While the summit is accessible by car, there are also several hiking routes of varying length and difficulty leading to it. They don't fare as well in Colorado because, ironically, the conditions are too good for them. The drive is gorgeous and appears different each time as the Weather can change INSTANTLY! a National Park Pass) are accepted. September, 2002: The Evans summit (left) and the west ridge seen from the summit of Mt. Have some compassion and perspective. Inter-agency passes (e.g. Good for those not looking to do a strenuous hike, but still want some good 14er views. All humans have a right to explore and be exposed to nature in their own way. Read about how we use cookies and how you can control them by visiting our Privacy Policy. Mount Evans National Recreation Trail is located halfway between Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, halfway to Evergreen. Evans. Follow the summit road to Summit Lake about 12,500 feet. It’s ridiculous to me that they have the trail marked as good from may to October when it is full of shin deep mud at the end, in June. We couldn't make it all the way to Mount Evans because that part of the road was closed in October but we made it to echo lake and it was truly beautiful. Mt Evans - 5.8 Miles Round-Trip Mt Evans (14,264') is the 14th highest peak in Colorado, and closest fourteener to the Denver metro area. Summit Lake (12,830 feet) is an excellent example of a high alpine lake. The route to the top of Mount Evans, one of America’s highest auto roads, is usually accessible from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is … $10/Vehicle at Mount Goliath Natural Area & Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site. Sign up for our free e-newsletter, and we'll keep you posted. Get outdoors at nearby state parks for picnics and camping, diverse trails, waterways for fishing and boating, and prime rock climbing and bird watching. The drive there was also a sight to see and there are a couple of "stops" on the way up where you can park and take pictures on the side of the road. Follow the summit road to Summit Lake about 12,500 feet. I rated this trail as 2 stars because the trail isn’t marked very well during the sawtooth and Evans (especially the decent). To "bag" this fourteener, head west from Denver on I-70 for 32 miles to Exit 240 at the town of Idaho Springs. Although the trail climbs only 120 feet in elevation, it will seem like you climbed the whole mountain. Evans Road brings you to Echo Lake. At the summit, even on a weekday (Thursday), it was teeming with 100+ people on the summit and in the parking lot near the summit. It’s a quick 0.17 miles long one-way climb to the 14,265 foot summit of Mount Evans from the end of Mount Evans Road. 5.9 miles into the hike, hikers will reach Summit Lake at just shy of 13,000 feet. Plants slapping you from every direction, it seemed like a herd path that we should avoid by doing a little climb out of the marsh towards the end and having the trail meet up closer to the base of Beirstadt. I’m usually careful not to step on any but this trail gave us no choice and seemed to make others bushwhack through the vegetation. Oh! (The day after Labor Day, the road is open from Echo Lake to the upper Summit Lake through the first weekend in October, weather permitting, according to the U.S. Forest Service.) Echo Lake is a delightful mountain park with picnic benches, lake fishing, and views of snowcapped peaks. This listing here refers to that short trail from the parking lot. It’s longer than it’s says. Bikes are not permitted in the Mount Goliath Natural Area. No crowds at the summit. Had the summit to myself for the 20 minutes that I was there. (Provided by Campbell Levy) Mount Evans is the highest peak in the namesake Mount Evans Wilderness in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The Mount Evans hike starts at Summit Lake, which is the highest lake in Colorado at 3912 m above sea level. Summit Lake is not at the summit of Mt. Mount Evans Summit Trail is a 0.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The Mount Evans massif is considerably large, sporting numerous sub-summits worthy of their own outings. This is a well traveled path that features incredible views, takes hikers past the gorgeous Chicago Lakes, and eventually to the summit of Mount Evans. Exit 240 up the Mt. Albert Bierstadt named it for the wife of Fitz Hugh Ludlow, whom he later married. The sheer bulk of the range is known for creating its own weather, often violent, which marches toward Denver and the eastern plains beyond daily during the summer. June, 2005: Evans seen from the summit of Mt. Wear sunscreen, because at 14,000 feet, there is 50 percent less protection from the sun's rays. LOTS of people there when we went in September though. They also offer guided hikes throughout the summer. Mount Evans Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount Evans is: Mostly dryTemperatures will be well below freezing (max -8°C on Mon afternoon, min -18°C on Sat morning)Winds decreasing (near gales from the WNW on Sat afternoon, light winds from the W by Mon night). Evans wastes no time jutting skyward from Sullivan Ridge and can be seen for miles and miles while traveling the upper end of the Big Hole Valley. It was absolutely beautiful at the top! Stopped at summit lake and echo lake on the way down before grabbing coffee in Georgetown. Pretty empty - a few other cars came out. This is one of the grandest panoramas in Colorado and much of the state is visible, from the Never Summer Range in the north to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the south. Turn right and continue 0.6 mile up the road to the base of the northeast face, near 12,900' - 4. 20 minutes of solitude on the summit of Mt Evans. Bierstadt's sketch, Mountain L… At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. The prominent 14,271-foot (4,350 m) fourteener is located 13.4 miles (21.6 km) southwest by south (bearing 214°) of Idaho Springs in Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States, on the drainage divide between Arapaho National Forest and Pike National Forest. Nice little trail from the parking lot to the summit. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. There are picnic tables, hiking trails and fishing opportunities at this pretty alpine lake. Note you may be coerced to pay a toll fee (fee demonstration program) now that has increased to $15 (as of 2019) or have a Parks Pass ($80) with the $15 hologram add on to make it a Golden Eagle Pass. The tree thrives on adversity in severe, windy locations. Driving to the Rocky Mountains on I-70 from Denver. Denver has one of the world's most stunning backyards: the majestic Rockies and everything that Colorado has to offer. On the right side of the road, look for a small, unmarked trail that starts up the center of the face - 5. Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail [CLOSED], Mount Evans Summit Trail Via Mount Evans Road, Mount Evans and Mount Spalding Loop Trail, Mount Bierstadt, The Sawtooth, and Mount Evans Loop, Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans from Guanella Pass Rd, Abyss Lake via Guanella Pass & Rosalie Trail, Tour de Abyss Loop- Mount Evans, Bierstadt East Ridge, to Sawtooth, Summit Lake to Upper Chicago Lake via Chicago Lakes Trail, Mount Bierstadt East Ridge, Abyss Lake and Abyss Trail Loop, Mount Wilcox, Argentine Peak and Square Top Mountain, Mount Spaulding and Mount Evans via Summit Lake - Standard Route, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD746971. At the mountain's top, there is a short quarter-mile trail to the 14,264-foot summit. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. <3. At 13,000 feet, this is also a Denver Mountain Park and a good place to spot bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats, both of which have herds on the mountain. Echo Lake is a delightful mountain park with picnic benches, lake fishing, and views of snowcapped peaks. As usual, be prepared to make new friends on the trail. At this altitude, there is much less oxygen and breathing is difficult. From here, its just under 30-miles to the summit of Mt. Although it is 10,600 feet above sea level and 40 miles from Denver, Echo Lake is part of Denver's unique mountain park system. Well worth the views after a beautiful drive to the top. The wind was blowing hard so be sure to wear a sweatshirt and jacket. The drive there was also a sight to see and there are a couple of "stops" on the way up where you can park and take pictures on the side of the road. Was at the by 5:10am and was a beautiful morning! Begin in Idaho Springs, where you’ll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. Check out Echo Lake on your way up! Summit Lake Park At an elevation of 12,840 feet, Summit Lake Park anchors the high-altitude end of the Mountain Parks system. To save them, the city purchased land, creating a mountain park division that ultimately included treasures such as Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and Buffalo Bill's grave, which sits high atop Lookout Mountain. Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. In just three miles, the road breaks above timberline. Special Alert: Denver’s Clean & Safe Resource Guide, Latest Denver International Airport Updates, Learn About the Colorado Convention Center, Colorado Convention Center Sustainability, Denver Museum of Nature and Science Exhibitions, Lawrence Argent, the Man Behind the Blue Bear, Coors Field - Home of the Colorado Rockies, Mountains to Canyons - Denver to Las Vegas. At the summit you'll enjoy the big picture - the entire Front Range sprawls at your feet - but don't overlook the details. Bierstadt. Inspired by his first visit to Mount Evans in the 1920s, carpenter and German immigrant Justus "Gus" Roehling dreamed of constructing a "Castle in the Sky" for his then girlfriend (and future wife) Edith. Exit 240 up the Mt. Note you may be coerced to pay a toll fee (fee demonstration program) now that has increased to $15 (as of 2019) or have a Parks Pass ($80) with the $15 hologram add on to make it a Golden Eagle Pass. The view from the top is simply incredible. We were there in June so the lake was still mostly frozen. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. The iconic peak’s snowcapped, east-facing slopes are … Two cyclists coming down as I summited. The Mount Evans Highway ascends thousands of feet of windy mountain roads, and draws an estimated 200,000 people from all over the world. Evans Road brings you to Echo Lake. AllTrails marks the hike as 9.6 miles. Sunset atop Mt Evans. The road, which travels to the summit of the 14,265’ peak, will be open to bicyclists and hikers. $5/Vehicle at Summit Lake Park, which is part of the City of Denver's Mountain Parks system. Is there a 14ner that isn’t worth the work? Want to stay in the know on Denver happenings? 112 in the city, Snowing at Mt. a National Park Pass) are accepted. From the Summit Lake parking lot, follow the trail north, past a historic rock building, to an overlook of Chicago Lakes. The Mile High City is the gateway to amazing locations, just waiting for you... We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize content, and serve targeted advertisements. Mount Evans Peak in Colorado We go yearly and have never paid to enter.. Maybe it is because we are RETIRED VETS and Seniors? The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet. Inter-agency passes (e.g. Great way to start the morning. The Mount Evans Byway starts at Echo Lake and climbs 14 miles to the summit. It's also advisable to visit and be off the mountain before noon to avoid common afternoon thunderstorms. Details 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. Perfect walk if you're looking for an afternoon delight. The Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site The summit awaits you at the end of this 14 mile road. Find the most popular mountain parks to visit during your stay. For more information, please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD746971. Details 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. I actually hiked up from Summit Lake but you can drive to a parking lot that is a half mile from the summit. There is a National Forest information center here with maps and information on hiking trails and road conditions. ROUTE: Bicycling Magazine put together a route + GPX file to Mount Evans National Recreation Trail Bag the summit of Mount Evans, another one of the fifty-eight Fourteeners of Colorado, through a short but rather beautiful hike along Mount Evans Trail. Dogs are permitted in the Mount Goliath Natural Area and must be leashed at all times. Some switchbacks to the summit. Mount Evans Highway from Summit Lake to the top of the 14er will close to vehicle traffic on Sept. 5. Built at the terminus of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, it was the highest business structure in the United States. The name is also a reference to Monte Rosa, the highest peak in Switzerland. More than one hundred years ago, city officials realized that development was threatening some of the most scenic areas in the nearby Rocky Mountains. The Mount Evans Crest House is a building, now in ruins, located at the summit of Mount Evans in Colorado. Great views into the mountains and picking out peaks is a bit of fun. Mt. The views are stunning. Denver Botanic Gardens maintains a trail from here to Mount Goliath that winds across tundra, lined with alpine forget-me-nots, fairy primrose, purple fringe, chiming bells and spring beauty. Mount Evans Summit. Mount Evans Summit Trail is a 0.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Evans has a road that takes you to a trail just a few hundred feet shy of the summit where you are likely to see both Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats. Taken near Summit Lake on the Mt. The Ranger Station parking lot is another (with serviced bathrooms no less,), though space is limited. It is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We ended up doing almost 16 and there is no way we did an EXTRA 6 miles so something is up with the distance on this app. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. Crazy times. The trail completely ended at the stream and we searched around for the other end which was about a quarter mile away through the mud and vegetation. Evans wastes no time jutting skyward from Sullivan Ridge and can be seen for miles and miles while traveling the upper end of the Big Hole Valley. Easy trail just bring sun protection shads sun block cause that sun strong up there. Mount Evans Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. Evans so I'm not sure how it got that name but it looks like this. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from June until September. Taking out of towners here is a good option as well. Explore the Rocky Mountain foothills on a 40-mile loop including Golden, Morrison and Evergreen and attractions like Red Rocks, museums and dinosaur tracks. Continue south on State Highway 103 for 14 miles, slowly climbing in elevation with new vistas in every direction until you reach lovely Echo Lake. Denver offers quick, easy access to the Rocky Mountains, where a wealth of national and state parks, national forests and scenic areas fill your senses. Mount Evans Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount Evans is: Mostly dryTemperatures will be well below freezing (max -8°C on Mon afternoon, min -18°C on Sat morning)Winds decreasing (near gales from the WNW on Sat afternoon, light winds from the W by Mon night). Leave the parking area and walk back to the Mt. Amazing view!! There's a $10 fee to park at the Mount Goliath Natural Area, Summit Lake, and Mt Evans Summit. It's possible to return to Denver on scenic Highway 103 east over Squaw Pass, creating a circle loop back to I-70 at Genesee Park, yet another Denver Mountain Park. I had a blast! The Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site The summit awaits you at the end of this 14 mile road. On a Sunday afternoon I had the summit entirely to myself with the road up being closed. Evans and the route involves an elevation gain of 6,724 feet. Dogs are permitted in the Mount Goliath Natural Area and must be leashed at all times. My first 14ner. Hard to find a parking spot. I hike year round and have done other 14ers, but that doesn’t make me better than someone just because they cannot physically ascend an entire 14er. May, 2002: Evans' north face seen from Summit Lake. Evans Summit Hike Mount Evans is one of Colorado’s Front Range Fourteeners, and like Pikes Peak, Mt. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from June until September. Mount Evans is the closest fourteener to Denver, and the 28-mile drive south from Idaho Springs rises nearly 7,000 feet. There's a $10 fee to park at the Mount Goliath Natural Area, Summit Lake, and Mt Evans Summit. Great views. Hiked the Chicago Lakes trail to Summit Lake and the Mt Evans Rd to Summit trail. Bikes are not permitted in the Mount Goliath Natural Area. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Echo Lake to the summit averages 5.6% for 5.5 miles, then 4.1% for 2.7 miles and finally 5.7% for 4.25 miles to the top. Mount Evans was originally known as Mount Rosa or Mount Rosalie. The Colorado Department of Transportation typically closes this 5 … The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. Another good stop on the way to the top is Summit Lake. Today, Denver's Mountain Parks protect more than 14,000 acres of natural beauty. Evans road - 3. Slipped while navigating the mud hole and dropped my phone in it, so that ended my recording. It is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summit Lake is nestled into a glacial cirque between the north face of Mount Evans and the east face of Mount Spalding. In early fall, the shimmering leaves of the aspen, the quintessential Colorado tree, turn gold, sending locals and visitors rushing to the mountains. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet. This night in early September was one of the few during the … At the summit you'll enjoy the big picture - the entire Front Range sprawls at your feet - but don't overlook the details. And it’s free that early too! The race starts in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs at an altitude of 7,540 feet and finishes at 14,130 feet, 141 feet below Mount Evans' summit. Bierstadt and his guide, William Newton Byers, approached the mountain along Chicago Creek from Idaho Springs in 1863, and spent several days painting sketches of the mountain from the Chicago Lakes before climbing to Summit Lake and onward to the summit. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. An excellent stop here is at the Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, where you can view 1,700-year-old Bristlecone pines. Campbell Levy’s bike on the summit of Mount Evans on June 5, 2020. In 2019 myself and a group of coworkers hiked Mount Evans itself from Summit Lake to the summit. The view is amazing! I don’t think it’s fair to make fun of people if they don’t want to do the actual hike. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Either have a warning in the description of this hike, or use one of the other herd paths that travel out of the marsh to connect back to the start of the trail. The race is 27.4 miles in length and climbs 6,630 feet. One of the top outdoor and adventure destinations in the world is just an hour and a half from Denver. It is notable for both its significant architectural design and its unusual location. After Summit Lake, the road continues to climb, but it's only a short drive to the end of the road and the parking area. In summer, be sure to stop at the Echo Lake Lodge, an authentic 1926 log building with a charming four-sided stone fireplace. This is good for those who want to travel to 14,000 feet without the work. I had a hard time catching my breath while climbing. I enjoyed this trail with my dog. Because of snow, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Highway 5) is generally open to cars all the way to the summit only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Views were great. At this one, a herd of 40 buffalo grazes in a meadow, with snowcapped peaks as a backdrop. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. Note: Mount Evans Road (HWY 5) is closed for the 2020 season due to COVID-19. We couldn't make it all the way to Mount Evans because that part of the road was closed in October but we made it to echo lake and it was truly beautiful. On top of that I have seen nowhere in any description of the trail that the last 2.5 miles are through an overgrown marsh. Spalding (13,842`). Rising as the second highest summit in the Anaconda-Pintlers, Mount Evans is a classic mountain with sharp lines and bold colors. 80-90 DEGREES at the Basin and snowing at the top! Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Feet of windy mountain roads, and we 'll keep you posted by saying the views a. Hike, but still want some good 14er views listing here refers to that short trail from the summit to... 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