mount evans

Yes, I rated this as an excellent experience, but.... If you have any degree of acrophobia (and you know if you do) be prepared to have an attack. The road up to Mt. Evans, in my opinion, is much, much more terrifying than Trail Ridge Road. Mt. Evans has some switchbacks with shear 1,000s of feet drop off. The drive up was an eye opener. Great views, saw lots of wildlife (eagles, crows, marmots, deer, etc. Stopped several times. Got to the top just as a late morning thunderstorm rolled in on a sunny day. The hikers going to the peak, were swiftly scurried to the parking lot as the storm had a lot of lightning. Then a sleet storm erupted. Yes, in August!!! And the road was white with sleet!!!! Needless to say, the drive back down was unforgettable. The views on the way up and down are awesome. Some of the best mountain scenes I can remember.

this place has an imaginary view, there is a small cottage for BBQ and you can hike along beautiful road I had been there once , I am interested to go there again.

Driving all the way up to Mt. Evans and then realizing how much less "touristy" it feels up there compared to Pikes Peak is incredible! Don't get me wrong, love Pikes Peak but I actually love Mt. Evans more. Definitely a must do!

The road to the top of Mount Evans is the highest paved road in North America which makes it an easy place to get to for beautiful mountain top scenery. We drove up the mountain in June, the weather was nice but don't forget proper shoes and clothing as it is cold at the top of the mountain (I was wearing sandals, haha). The views are breathtaking and totally worth the drive up. Just drive safe as there are no barriers, one wrong turn and you are driving off a cliff. We didn't see any mountain goats in June unfortunately.

You can drive all the way up to the summit. We decided to hike which was cool since the Mountain goats were in full force. There is a lot of scenery and wildlife to see. The drive up is amazing because of the views and the wildlife right by your car.

I have summited Mt. Evans from the west and had a truly perfect climbing experience. The toll road is also a one-of-a-kind experience. It should be on everyones must do while in Denver/ Where else do Peak Baggers, Tourist and Eagles meet?

Lived in Denver since the 70's finally made it to Mt. Evans. great drive. An amazing trip. Fun to hike @ the summit.

Road to the top has wonderful views. Once on top your greated by mountain goats and a skyscraper view to a short climb to the top.

Breathtaking views. Take your fishing pole, because half way up is Echo Lake, just sitting there, waiting for you to try and hook a nice trout. Or you could take the trail from Echo Lake and find the lakes only hikers have seen. Summit heaven.

Travel the highest paved road in North America and treat yourself to stunning views, even an opportunity to take a short trail (1/4 mile) up from the parking area to the highest point (or a longer and lovely hike up from Echo Lake). I highly recommend a visit. Do check on whether the road to the top is open (closed in winter) and do keep an eye on the weather any time of the year.

This is a great place to go and experience the high alpine environment. Since the road goes all the way up you don't have to be a marathon runner to experience it. But if you want to, you can hike it from Echo lake, through the Chicago lakes trail, that's about 15 miles round trip. You can also take short to mid length hikes from summit lake. There is always plenty of wildlife, the mountain goats and the marmots are practically domesticated. (don't feed or approach them please) Definitely dress in layers, it gets cold up top. If you have a thermometer in your car, note the temperature when you get off of I-70, then again at Echo Lake, then again at the summit.If you're not used to the altitude, be sure to take it easy and drink lots of water. You can get dizzy pretty quickly at 14,000 feet.Respect the fences and closures, the plant life is very fragile. If you hike down from the summit to Summit Lake, keep an eye out for the pikas, they're hard to spot, they look like rocks and don't show themselves much.Hiking down to Upper Chicago Lake from Summit Lake is a good way to get away from the crowds, but be sure to figure twice the effort to get back up.

This attraction is near Denver; about 35-40 minutes outside of town. The road into the park is in Idaho Springs and is clearly marked. During the spring, summer and fall, it provides one the opportunity to be at 14,240 ft. It is one of two roads that allow you to drive to the top of a 14er; the other being Pikes Peak. There is a fee to enter the park, it is reasonable; the park is in the middle of a wilderness area. Since many people, for various reasons, are not able to climb the 14'ers, this is the only way you will get to see a view such as this. There are 52 peaks in Colorado that break the 14,000 foot barrier and I have climbed them all; and I highly suggest you explore them in this fashion. You have two options at Mt. Evans. You can drive all the way to the top or you can park at the lake below, have a picnic, and hike the last few miles following the ridge. The parking lot at the top is still not the very summit; you will be required to hike the short, yet steep <1/4 mile to get to the summit. There is a herd of mountain goats that hangs out at the top. They fear none, and will walk right up to you if you let them. There is a ridge called 'Sawtooth' that crosses from Evans over to Bierstadt, another 14'er due west. It is a popular route, but not for the faint of heart as the knife edge has a sheer drop on either side that is close to 1000 ft. You better be in top shape if you are going to attempt that route. The ridge is only 6 inches wide in places and you need to straddle it to cross. Hear me, you are up high in rarefied air. People with asthma and breathing problems will have to take it easy and keep their inhalers near. Also, the change in altitude via car does not allow you to acclimate to the altitude. Drink lots of water and take an asprin before you start your trip; it will help you from getting altitude sickness. The view is a spectacular 360 degree that you won't find anywhere else. Do this trip on a nice clear day! Those of us in Colorado know that we can expect lightning and showers around 1:30-3pm every summer afternoon. Be prepared. Sometimes, you can even be surprised by a freak squall of snow in July! It may be in the 80s down in Denver(5280ft.), but at the top, it will be in the low 40s/50s. Dress appropriately if you are gonna wander the high country. Carry water. Stay safe! Enjoy our state!One other thing; it can be crazy crowded on the road in the summer. Be patient. Also, the road winds and has one heck of a drop-off. The drive can freak some people out who are not used to driving in the mountains! You can see their white knuckles and clenched jaws if you look for it! LOL!

Enjoyed the drive up Mt. Evans. Saw a lot of mountain wildlife and great views! Good road and well kept! Closed in the winter.

Finally took the time and drove to the very top last summer. Very educational and beautiful vistas. Rangers very helpful with interesting facts. Don't miss the nature center at Mt. Galbraith on the way.

At Mt. Goliath on the way up there are short wild flower walks, Ranger guided tours are available there but start very early so you must be staying nearby or be willing to get up very early. One could stay at Idaho Springs where there is also an old-fashioned (not very attractive) hot springs facility. There is an informative visitor center with bathroom facilities. Summit Lake, farther up, is also an excellent location for wild flowers as well as rocky little ponds that could inspire garden design. Some rare alpine wild flowers are to be found at the top, behind the derelict observatory building. I find the extensive mountain views up there a little boring -- not easy to get a good photograph that you will appreciate later -- but am probably in the minority with that opinion. We have been there several times -- always in the summer. The wild flowers change across the summer season.