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Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

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

Gems include the Mount Goliath Nature Area, Summit Lake Park, and the Crest House at the summit. Echo Lake Park is also worth a visit, which is located at the start.

Summer Scenic Fourteener Drive in Idaho Springs

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in Colorado, at 14,130 ft. Colorado’s “New Switzerland” opened by 1930. It was built as a result of Pikes Peak Highway and Denver’s competition for tourists.

Pikes Peak Hwy is Colorado’s second highest road (not all paved), reaching 14,115 ft. The byway begins 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 14,264 ft.

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

The fee is $10 per vehicle fee for visiting, if you’re planning on parking at the top. Otherwise it’s free to drive the highway. It’s seasonally open from late May to mid October.

Mount Evan Highlights

Echo Lake CO

Echo Lake.

  • Echo Lake Park – Situated before the start of the byway, this picturesque lake features camping, hiking and picnicking. The fishing is ok, but lots of seaweed.
  • Echo Lake Lodge – Built in 1926, it features a great restaurant, large gift shop and bar.
  • Nature Center – Three miles west of start, it features a variety of plant life and 2 nature trails.
  • Summit Lake Park – Acquired in 1924, it’s Denver’s only treeless park and the highest city park in the U.S (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 the final (short) trek to the summit.

Activities

Biking: Many bike the pass, or any of the beautiful roads around.

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

  • Echo Lake CG – Beside Echo Lake Lodge, 18 sites, 11/RV, 7/tent, Reservations
  • West Chicago Creek CG – 9 miles from lake, near Idaho Springs, 16 sites, Reservations
  • 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.

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

  • Chicago Lakes Trail – A short trail from Summit Lake 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 – 2 short trails wind along the hillside.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Summit of Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

Echo Lake CO

Echo Lake.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Peak of Mount Evans.

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

Details

Address: Hwy 103 & Mt Evans Rd, Idaho Springs

Phone: 303-567-3000

Season: late May to mid October

Pets: Yes, on-leash​

Fee: $10/vehicle to park at summit

Campground Reservations:

  • Echo Lake
  • West Chicago Creek

Website: coloradodot.info/…

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