! ALERT ! THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED THIS SEASON. Official Statement: "Due to issues associated with COVID-19, USDA Forest Service and Denver Mountain Parks will not be able to provide services for visitors on Mount Evans this summer, and the Mount Evans Highway (Colorado Highway 5) will not open to motorized vehicles for the 2020 season. The Colorado Department of Transportation, the USDA Forest Service, and Denver Mountain Parks — the agencies that jointly manage Mount Evans — have reached this decision after careful consideration of both health and safety risks and economic feasibility." You can still hike or bike up the road, just no motorized vehicles.
Technically the easiest 14er (what locals call mountains over 14,000 feet) to summit because you can drive almost all the way to the top! Mount Evans Byway is the highest paved road in America.
The climb to the actual summit starts next to the parking lot at the top. You only climb a couple hundred feet over some rocky areas to get to the peak. Incredible 360 degree views await you at the top, along with one of your best shots of seeing mountain goats in Colorado.
This is a great place to take out-of-towners who want to be on top of the world in Colorado without actually hiking all the way up a mountain. The views really are spectacular the whole drive up. Be aware the road is tight in some areas with no guard rail, so those afraid of heights may not want to drive. Or look down.
With out of this world views, and abundant wildlife, this is a quintessential Colorado alpine adventure, without having to climb a peak for it. This makes it a fantastic adventure for kids, or grandparents, or anyone who wants to experience one of the highest mountains in the country and not have to climb it.
There is a $10 fee to use the road, so be aware.
Mount Evans is a great place to practice your landscape and wildlife photography. With gorgeous sweeping mountain vistas, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, as well as a plethora of mountain goats and bighorn sheep, bring your camera!
This is a great adventure for the whole family, as you can practically drive to the top. There are plenty of lookouts and views for days! Experience the peak of a Colorado 14er without an intense climb on foot!
The easiest Colorado 14er to check off the list. The summit is a short climb from the parking lot at the top.
This is the highest paved road in the US! The over 13 miles to the summit has some sharp curves and is lacking guardrails. A great place to conquer your fear of heights! Watch for cyclists while driving, as this road is shared by many in shape riders! This adventure starts at Echo Lake Lodge, just South of Idaho Springs. There is a $10 fee to drive the road, be aware!
