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Car heading up Mt. Evans Byway with cloudy blue skies
Heading up Mt. Evans Byway. Photo by: Barry Dale Gilfry

Mount Evans Byway – Idaho Springs

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As the highest paved road in North America, Mount Evans Byway is a rare chance to drive into a different world. There are many highlights along the 28-mile trip to over 14,000 feet, including high alpine lakes and stunning wildlife.

Gems along the byway include the Mount Goliath Nature Area, Summit Lake Park, and the Crest House site at the summit. Echo Lake Park is also worth a visit, which is located at the Welcome Station of the byway up Mt. Evans. The trip begins in Idaho Springs at 7,526 feet and winds up to 14,130 ft.

Summer Scenic Fourteener Drive

This is a short video with a few highlights from the drive.

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in Colorado, at 14,130 ft. Colorado’s “New Switzerland” opened in 1930. It was built in response to the Pikes Peak Highway and Denver’s competition for tourists. Pikes Peak Highway is Colorado’s second-highest road reaching 14,115 ft.

The byway begins its second half of the drive by Echo Lake, south of Idaho Springs, at around 10,600′. It then travels 14 miles to the top. Once at the top parking lot, there is a short, but rewarding, hike to the summit at 14,271 ft.

There is a per-vehicle fee for visiting if you’re planning on parking at the top. Otherwise, it’s free to drive the highway but a timed reservation may be required. It’s seasonally open from late May to mid-October.

Activities on Mt. Evans Byway

Echo Lake CO
Echo Lake.

There are numerous things to do other than drive on the Mt Evans Recreation Area and Scenic Byway:

Biking – Many people bike up the pass or any of the beautiful roads around the area. While it won’t be the steepest ascent, the long and winding road is sure to be a challenge for riders.

Camping – There’s no camping after you start up the byway, but there are several options around the base. Camping is available at Echo Lake and in the surrounding Arapaho National Forest. There are two campgrounds near Mt. Evans and some dispersed camping close to Idaho Springs.

  • Echo Lake Campground is beside Echo Lake Lodge, featuring 18 sites: 11 serving RVs and 7 for tents. Reservations can be found on Recreation.gov.
  • West Chicago Creek Campground is 9 miles from the lake, near Idaho Springs. There are 16 reservable sites.
  • Dispersed camping can be found on Hefferman Gulch Rd and West Chicago Creek Rd, both located north on CO 103 toward Idaho Springs. Each has about a half dozen or so spots.
  • Read about the camping near Evergreen and Mount Evans or theย camping near Idaho Springs and Mount Evans.

Fishing-ย Located at the start of the byway, Echo Lake is the closest place to cast a line, before or after the drive. The fishing is so-so, with lots of seaweed. Summit Lake located on the byway has no fish.

Hiking –ย There are numerous opportunities to hike on the byway, in the nearby Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness.

  • Chicago Lakes Trail is a short trail from Summit Lake that leads to a beautiful overlook of the Chicago Creek Valley. From here you can ascent to Mt. Spaulding and Mt. Evans, or continue on the Chicago Lakes Trail to Echo Lake.
  • Mt Goliath Nature Area has 2 short trails wind along the hillside.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Summit of Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

Other Facilities:

  • Echo Lake Park – Situated before the start of the byway, this picturesque lake features camping, hiking, and picnicking. The fishing is ok, but you might have to fight through loads of seaweed.
  • Summit Lake Park – Acquired in 1924, it’s Denver’s only treeless park and the highest city park in the U.S at 12,840′. It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Summit Lake is a naturally formed glacier lake, covering 35 acres.
  • Summit – Parking area, restroom, Crest House ruins, Mt Evans Observatory, 360 views’, and a final (short) trek to the summit.

Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

Mount Goliath Natural Area
Mount Goliath Natural Area requires a parking pass.

Three miles after the Welcome Station, you’ll find the Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center. Maintained in collaboration by the Denver Botanic Gardens and US Forest Service, this is a great place to stretch your legs and learn something new on your way to the summit.

The interesting stop features the highest cultivated garden in the country, 2 nature trails, and a variety of educational exhibits about life in the harsh alpine environments. There are also several Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine trees ranging from 700 to 1000 years old.

Echo Lake Lodge and Restaurant

Echo Lake Lodge CO
Echo Lake Lodge.

Right before the Welcome Station, you’ll find the Echo Lake Lodge and Restaurant, which operated until 2022 serving visitors for over 55 years. The old log cabin was jam-packed with souvenirs and snacks, perfect for refueling or taking a small memento home from your adventure. The family-owned business also served up hearty meals and desserts and provided a resting place for anyone visiting Mt. Evans.

Although the future is uncertain for the lodge itself, it’s still a nice place to stop and have a picnic or ogle at the old building.

Mount Evans Byway Echo Lake
Looking down at Echo Lake from just up the byway.
Mount Evans Byway
Mountain views.
Mount Goliath Natural Area
There are a couple nature trails and a nature center with displays.
Mount Goliath Natural Area
The nature center probably lies around 11,500 feet.
Mount Goliath Natural Area
The bristlecone pine grove on the east slope of Mount Goliath, are some of the oldest known trees in CO.
Mount Evans Byway
The road quickly climbs above the tree line.
Mount Evans Byway
The highway hugs the mountain side.
Mount Evans Byway
Mountain goats greet you on your way.
Mount Evans Byway Summit Lake
Summit Lake sits at 12,836 feet.
Mount Evans Byway
A short trail leads to an overlook of the Chicago Creek Valley.
Mount Evans Chicago Creek Lakes
Chicago Creek Valley – Upper Chicago Lake, Lower Chicago Lake, Idaho Springs Reservoir
Mount Evans Byway Black Wall
Black Wall and Gray Wolf Mountain.
Mount Evans Byway Summit Lake
Summit Lake is a natural glacier lake and way too cold for fish.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Nearing the top.
Mount Evans Byway
The Mount Evans Observatory is visible at the top (run by DU).
Mount Evans Byway
The end of the road.
Mount Evans Byway
Looking back down from an overlook.
Mount Evans Summit Hike
The true summit requires a 1/4 miles hike.
Mount Evans Byway
The Crest House was constructed between 1939 and 1941, but had a propane explosion in 1979.
Mount Evans Byway
Overlook.
Mount Evans Byway
Climbing up to the summit.
Mount Evans Summit Hike
Nearing the top.
Mount Evans Summit
At the top!
Mount Evans Summit Views
Summit Lake is visible below.
Mount Evans CO Summit
Sunny day at 14,264 feet.
Mount Evans Byway
Heading back down.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway Views
Beautiful views.
Mount Evans Byway
Still plenty of snow in June.
Mount Evans Byway
Descending.
Mount Evans Byway
Dramatic cliffs keep the drive exciting.
Mount Evans Byway Lake
Not sure which lake.
Mount Evans Byway
Mountain goats grazing.
Mount Evans Byway
Rocky Mountain goats are the largest mammals in their habitat, which reaches over 13,000 feet.
Mount Evans Byway
Back down to treeline.
Echo Lake Lodge Bar
Echo Lake Lodge for a beer.
US Colorado Flags
The bottom flag is Denver’s.
Mount Goliath Nature Area
Mount Goliath Nature Area.
Mount Goliath Nature Area Monument
Monument.
Mount Evans Byway Stone Shelter
Historic stone shelter.
Mount Evans Byway Summit Lake
Summit Lake.
Mount Evans Byway Chicago Lakes
Upper Chicago Lake and Lower Chicago Lake.
Mount Evans Byway Front Range
Front Range.
Mount Evans Byway
Byway curves around the mountains.
Mount Evans Byway
Gazing back on the byway.
Mount Evans Byway Switchbacks
Winding up the mountain.
Mount Evans Byway Final Strech
Final stretch.
Mount Evans Byway Summit Hike
Hikers making the last effort to reach true summit.
Mount Evans Byway Crest House
“Castle In the Sky” – Crest House was completed in 1941.
Mount Evans Byway Summit
Looking down at the parking from near the top.
Mount Evans Byway Summit Lake Aerial View
Summit view of Summit Lake.
Mount Evans Byway
Back down the pass.
Mount Evans Byway Cliffs
Some cliffs.
Mount Evans Byway
Highway winds and curves.
Mount Evans Byway Switchback
Switchback.
Mount Evans Byway Goats
Mountain goats graze along the highway.
Mount Evans Byway Mountain Goats
Rocky Mountain goats.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Mount Evans Byway.

Details

Address: Hwy 103 & Mt Evans Rd, Idaho Springs, CO

Phone: 303-567-3000

Season: late May to mid-October

Pets: Yes, on-leashโ€‹

Fee: Only if you plan to park at the summit

Distance: 28 miles from Idaho Springs (14 miles from Welcome Station)

Campground Reservations:

  • Echo Lake CG
  • West Chicago Creek CG

Website: codot.gov/…

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