by Michele Kadison

Only one hour outside of Denver, Colorado sits one of the area’s most famous mountains, Mt. Evans. Over 14,000 feet high, you can reach the top of Mt. Evans even if you’re not the fit climber you wish you were.

The adventure begins by driving up Mt. Evans Road, the highest paved road in North America. With its two lanes and many switchbacks, it’s almost as exhilarating as having climbed the mountain on foot. Park in the lot at the end and you will have reached a height of 14,130 feet. You now have only to hike the remaining 130 feet to reach the peak.

Once graced with a restaurant and gift shop at the top, the top of Mt. Evans now boasts an excellent observation platform where you can see as far as downtown Denver and beyond. Gazing at the alpine lakes fanning out below and the cascading mountain peaks piercing the sky above, you will be glad you brought your camera to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of big nature.

On your drive up Mt. Evans, open your windows to feel how the temperature drops by 5 degrees with ever 1,000 feet you cover. Where it may be 80 degrees F in Denver, on the top of Mt. Evans it could be a mere 50. Set out early in the morning and watch for the beautiful white mountain goats, big horned sheep, mule deer, marmots, pikas, and Golden Mantle squirrels that make the mountain their home.

On your hike to the peak, walk only on the worn paths so you don’t trample the precious alpine plants and flowers. Watch for the signs that say “alpine flowers grow by the inch and die by the foot” and you’ll get the message.

Only five miles down Mt. Evans Road you will come to Summit Lake, where there are many trails to choose from, as well as a parking lot and bathrooms. If you arrive during the springtime, you will see the abundant wildflowers that lead to the lake. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a permanently frozen area just across the road, a truly unique find in the United States along with similar areas only in Alaska.

Coming down the mountain, stop at the Mount Goliath Natural Area where alpine tundra and sub-alpine forests merge. The awesome Bristlecone Pine trees make this area their home. They are the oldest living trees on earth, with some boasting over 1,700 years old! Take the time to listen to a nature talk given by one of the knowledgeable rangers who will educate you on the phenomenal ecological development of the region.

Don’t forget your picnic lunch for your afternoon at Echo Lake where you can also set up your rod and reel for a relaxing day of fishing. Bring your easel and paints like some of the locals do. There are plenty of inspiring sights to ignite your creative imagination. Roam the trail that rings the lake and then explore the woods that ring with birdsong.

With the clear, clean mountain air, the awe-inspiring mountains, and the still clear lakes, visiting Mt. Evans and its environs is sure to bring you the feeling of peace and well-being that you deserve.

Address: Clear Creek Ranger Station in Idaho Springs (manages area)
Phone: 303-567-3000 8 am to 4:30 pm
Directions: Off I-70 to Mt. Evans Exit #240, Idaho Springs. 15 miles on State Hwy 103 to Mt. Evans entrance gate. 15 miles from Mt. Evans entrance to summit at 14,264 feet
Admission: Admission Pass valid for 3 days.
Passenger per vehicle fee $10
Annual fee $25
Motorcycles Bicycles & hikers $3
Golden Eagle, Golden Age, National Park Pass (with hologram sticker): no charge
Mechanical collection machine for after hours: $10 – bring exact change
Hours: Open daily 24hrs from Memorial Day to until the first significant
snowfall, usually mid-September

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