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Mount Evans Recreation Area
Mount Evans Recreation Area features the highest paved road in North America, which leads to the summit one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. Take a short walk to the top once the summit parking area is reached. Overlook spectacular views of distant mountain peaks, alpine lakes and glacier valleys. Along the way are stops that offer glances into life in the high alpine environment, including Mount Goliath and its demonstration garden managed by Denver Botanic Gardens.
MOUNT EVANS SCENIC BYWAY
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which begins at the Idaho Springs Visitor Center follows Hwy. 103 south of Idaho Springs before turning onto Hwy. 5 at Echo Lake, climbs more than 7,000 feet in its 28-mile length. It reaches an altitude of 14,130 feet at the summit. The route offers scenic views of the Continental Divide, mountain goat and bighorn sheep herds, wildflowers and pine forests. Overlook spectacular views of distant mountain peaks, alpine lakes and glacier valleys along the way. The road is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting, through the first weekend in October. The Hwy. 5 portion requires a fee and reservation. Access to the top is closed at Summit Lake in early September. Weather changes quickly and drastically on the summit. Regardless of conditions at the base, be prepared for intense sunlight, cold temperatures, snow, hail or rain, extreme wind and low oxygen levels. The road can close any day due to winter-like conditions. Mount Evans is a very popular destination. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking with full parking lots and lines on most weekends. The best time to visit is on weekdays and mornings. Vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended on Hwy. 5 due to the steep, narrow, winding road. For the latest road information, visit coloradodot.info.
MOUNT EVANS RECREATION AREA RESERVATIONS
To reduce crowding at welcome stations, restrooms and parking areas, reservations are required for entry to the Mount Evans Recreation Area in 2021. Regular fees, ranging from $5-$15, also apply. Private vehicles entering the area, including annual and lifetime passholders, must have a timed reservation. Reservations are not required for biking and hiking into the area. All pass sales and reservations must be made online at recreation.gov. It is best to make reservation before arriving as cell service is limited at entry gates.
Mount Evans summit
Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Evans Wilderness Mount Evans Wilderness
Mount Evans Recreation Area
Guanella Pass Road Mount Evans State Wildlife Area
C.R. 43
Squaw Pass Road F.S. 188 F.S. 247
Upper Bear Creek Road Deer Creek
Geneva Creek C.G.
Burning Bear C.G. Threemile
Hells Hole Trail Mt. Bierstadt Trail Summit Lake Rosalie Trail Tanglewood Trail
Threemile Trail
Summit Lake Trail Beartrack Lakes Trail Lost Creek Trail Indian Creek Trail Cub Creek Trail Cub Creek Trail Meridian Trail
Lincoln Lake Trail Beaver Meadows Trail
Captain Mountain TrailResthouse Meadows Trail
Rosalie Trail Abyss Lake Trail Roosevelt Lakes Trail Abyss Lake Trail Chicago Lakes Trail SUMMIT LAKE PARK MT. MT. EVANS BIERSTADT SUMMIT
ECHO LAKE UPPER GOLIATH Guanella Pass C.G.
Clear Lake Meridian Camp Rock Cub Creek
Hells Hole Echo Lake Lost Creek
To Georgetown West Chicago Creek South Chicago Creek South Chicago Creek Trail Grant To Idaho Springs To Bergen Park & Evergreen To Evergreen Guanella Pass Road
C.R. 47 Guanella Pass Road To Kenosha Pass
No camping, campfires or stove fires are allowed except in designated campgrounds.
To Morrison/ Denver
