What is Mount Evans?
Mount Evans is a 14er in the state of Colorado. In Colorado we use the shorthand 14er to designate a mountain whose elevation exceeds 14,000 feet above sea level. It is one of 54 mountain peaks whose elevation is above 14,000 feet in the state of Colorado and it has an elevation of 14,264 ft. Mount Evans is located in Clear Creek County.
Today, Mount Evans features the highest paved roadway in North America. But that wasn't always the case. The original idea was to have a roadway that connect Grand, Colorado and Highway 285. The 28 mile stretch starting from Idaho Springs and ending at the summit of the mountain is what remains of the original idea.
It is a beautiful place to practice landscape photography and nature photography (with mountain goats and bighorn sheep known to be on the mountain often).
While not a national park, it is managed by the park service and there is a fee for driving the road. Contact the U.S. Forest Service for current fees. I have not found an official listing of the access fees, so that is why I have not provided a link, yet.
Today, Mount Evans features the highest paved roadway in North America. But that wasn't always the case. The original idea was to have a roadway that connect Grand, Colorado and Highway 285. The 28 mile stretch starting from Idaho Springs and ending at the summit of the mountain is what remains of the original idea.
It is a beautiful place to practice landscape photography and nature photography (with mountain goats and bighorn sheep known to be on the mountain often).
While not a national park, it is managed by the park service and there is a fee for driving the road. Contact the U.S. Forest Service for current fees. I have not found an official listing of the access fees, so that is why I have not provided a link, yet.
Echo Lake Park
At the base of the ascent is Echo Lake park, owned and operated by the City of Denver's Mountain Parks division. The park sits at 10,600 feet and at the foot of the entrance of Mount Evans. Echo Lake offers a shelter, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and various activities on and around the lake.The park actually sits inside of Roosevelt National Forest.
While not technically in the park itself, it presents an important landmark. Not only as a starting point, but also to notice the topography and vegetation around you. The National Park Service points out that "journeying to Mount Evan's Parking lot...is a lot like taking a trip through Canada to Nome, Alaska. Every 1,000 feet gained is equivalent to traveling 600 miles north in latitude." On the Mount Evans ascent one will pass through three life zones. So as you are starting your journey, take a moment and look around at your surroundings because they will change rapidly.
First stop: Mount Golaith Research Natural Area
The first probable stop for most people within the Mount Evans scenic area is another mountain, Mount Goliath. You can't just drive straight up Mount Evans, it would be far too steep, so the road twists and turns and crosses paths with nearby mountains. At an elevation of 11, 540 feet this research area is right at treeline. This is the point where the air thins to the point where it can't support trees any longer. So if you've traveled above a certain point you will see that there are no more trees! While there are still some remaining trees at this point, the trees are what are primarily being studied here. The research center contains 160 acres set aside for the protection and study of the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine. These are the oldest single living organisms on earth capable of living thousands of years. That is quite a feat, especially in that harsh environment where there will typically be snow eight months out of the year. Next Stop: Summit Lake Park
Don't let the name deceive you. When you are at Summit Lake, you still have to travel about 1,500 feet upwards to reach the summit of Mount Evans. Just reaching the park at 12,830 feet feels like an accomplishment. Looking around when you have reached it, it feels much different than the last stop at Mount Goliath. One of the first things that can be noticed about the vegetation is the lack of trees. Yes, if you have made it to Summit Lake Park, then you have crossed the treeline. Despite its location in the alpine, the environment mirrors the arctic. The dry alpine tundra, along with plants usually found above the Arctic Circle can be readily be found in and around the park. There are remnants of glaciers that can be seen from the park. I know there is a size condition for glaciers, and I am not sure if these still meet the definition of a glacier. But it is cool to drive about 90 minutes from Denver on August 1st, and still see ice in the middle of the field. Final Stop: The Top!
Once at the top one is rewarded with spectacular views of neighboring mountains, animals (including mountain goats and bighorn sheep), and really thin air. So once you have reached the parking lot there are some viewing areas with panoramic views and on the far side of the parking lot there is a hill (see the photo). There is a trail here where you can hike the last 100 feet or so, to the true summit of Mount Evans. It takes about 10 minutes or so to climb up it, so don't be intimidated.Be on the lookout for animals while you are there. The animals blend in really well with the surroundings even though there are no trees and very little cover at this altitude. On my most recent trip we saw a family of five mountain goats from the parking lot at the top, and my buddy had to point them out to me. And at first I didn't see them and he had to physically point my head in the right direction. They are almost camouflaged with the surroundings.
Final thoughts
Here are some side notes that I really didn't think were appropriate to list anywhere else. First, the road is really narrow, and cars must share it with bicyclists and hikers (who park their cars lower and hike the remaining way). I have seen both bicyclists and motorists who were not paying attention and used more than half of the road. There are steep cliffs on both sides of the road, and this is is not a place to be in a hurry or to lose focus while driving or doing anything else.Another thing to consider to note is there is little hiking opportunities, or much recreation. The vegetation and the topography is so fragile one must stick to the trails.
However, if one brings a camera there are many picturesque places to take some photographs. Also it is a great place to practice stock photography.
Link List
- Tulum Ruins
- This is a guide to visiting to the Tulum Ruins, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. It offers first-hand advice, and photos from my tour while there.
by DenverPhotography
My name is Joseph Thomas and I am a Denver Photographer. My photography specialties are headshots, landscapes, and portraits. If you have a time please... more »
- 0 featured lenses
- Winner of 3 trophies!
- Top lens »
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- America's Southwest: A Grand Circle Road Trip America's Southwest: A Grand Circle Road Trip
- Voyageurs National Park Information | Photos Voyageurs National Park Information | Photos
- Playground Slides Playground Slides
- Things to do While Visiting Houston Texas Things to do While Visiting Houston Texas
- Hiking In Ouray, Colorado Hiking In Ouray, Colorado
- Gardens to Visit Gardens to Visit
