by Michele Kadison

Mount Evans Road is the highest paved road in North America, offering some of the most breathtaking views imaginable.  Ancient pine forests, Alpine lakes, and stentorian granite walls are just some of the elements that make this area such a strong vacation attraction.  Rising 14,130 feet above sea level, you will be even higher than some of the clouds.

Start your trip in Idaho Springs, a former mining town that sits in the lush Clear Creek Valley.  Enjoy the tour of the Argo Gold Mill and Mining Museum as well as a few hours wandering through the Idaho Springs Heritage Museum.  Take a dip in the famous hot spring pools to dispel any lingering tension and then hop in your car to continue on your way.

Going south on Colorado Highway 103 to the junction of Colorado Highway 5, you will land at the entrance to Mount Evans Road.  Dense pine groves open out to the exposed mountainsides and rocky pinnacles as you ascend.  Below you will see glacier-cut valleys where bighorn sheep and mountain goats graze and pose as you take their pictures.  There are no guardrails as you approach the summit, so put your eyes back on the road until you are ready to park.  Be advised that the road from Echo Lake to the Mount Evans peak is closed during the winter.

A 2 hour, 29 mile drive.

No related posts.