Mount Evans Wilderness

Designated as a Wilderness Area in 1980 by the United States Congress, the Mount Evans Wilderness now spans over 70,000 acres of land. It’s managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The protection of this wilderness began long before the Wilderness Act was even passed. It was designated as the Abyss Lake Scenic Area under the U-Regulations Act.

Activities

It’s good for all of the common recreational activities found in wilderness areas. The Mount Evans Wilderness features two fourteener mountains: Mount Evans, which stands at 14,264 feet, and Mount Bierstadt at 14,060 feet. Both are great climbs for daring climbers and mountaineers.

Wildlife is also abundant in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Visitors can find bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats roaming around the mountainsides.

It should be noted, however, that the wilderness experiences heavy human use. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway and the closeness of the wilderness to major cities attracts thousands of visitors into the wilderness per year. Peace and quiet may not be that available in the Mount Evans Wilderness, but it still has a lot to offer when it comes to views and scenic locations.

There are several alpine lakes and alpine tundras around the wilderness and one can surely appreciate the gorgeous vistas and surroundings in the wilderness while hiking or camping.

Getting There

You can access the wilderness area from several points. Head south on CO Hwy 103 out of Idaho Springs toward Mount Evans Byway.

Details

Address: Evergreen | Idaho Springs

Phone: 303-567-4382

Season: Year round

Management: USFS

Designated: 1980

Website: fs.usda.gov/…