After my teenage son had completed his required fifty hours of training for his driving permit, I decided it was time to really test his driving ability (as well as my courage) and suggested he drive the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Situated between Idaho Springs and Evergreen, Colorado on Highway 103, the road climbs from 10,700' at the base to 14,130' at the top. The road is not for the faint of heart. With no guard rails, often no shoulder, and a precipitous drop most of the fourteen miles, I handed him the car keys and off he sped. My friends told me I was crazy, and I must admit I questioned my sanity at the beginning. Although he was only 15-years-old, possessed no fear, and required several reminders on the speed limit, he did exceptionally well and we made it back to tell our story.
Thinking of trying out your driving skills on this road yourself? The quickest way from Denver is to take I-70 to Exit 240 in Idaho Springs. The entrance is 15 miles south on Highway 103. The road is open during the summer, usually closing near the end of September and opening around the end of May. It all depends on the snowfall, so dates fluctuate. Check with the Colorado Department of Transportation to find opening and closing dates. CDOT will close off the road at Summit Lake for a period before they close the road (or open) for the season.
There is a $10 entrance fee for cars. They will not tell you this at the ranger gate, but there was a lawsuit a few years ago where the court ruled that drivers did not have to pay the $10 entrance fee as long as they did not stop to use the road’s amenities. So, what did the government do to get around this ruling? They installed fee-collection stations in all parking lots ranging from $5 to $10. If drivers pay at the entrance, they do not need to pay again to park. However, if they do not want to get out of your car, they do not have to pay the entrance fee either. No, there is no sign telling drivers this. Most visitors most likely will want to get out of the car at the top, so paying at the gate is easier.
Thinking of trying out your driving skills on this road yourself? The quickest way from Denver is to take I-70 to Exit 240 in Idaho Springs. The entrance is 15 miles south on Highway 103. The road is open during the summer, usually closing near the end of September and opening around the end of May. It all depends on the snowfall, so dates fluctuate. Check with the Colorado Department of Transportation to find opening and closing dates. CDOT will close off the road at Summit Lake for a period before they close the road (or open) for the season.
There is a $10 entrance fee for cars. They will not tell you this at the ranger gate, but there was a lawsuit a few years ago where the court ruled that drivers did not have to pay the $10 entrance fee as long as they did not stop to use the road’s amenities. So, what did the government do to get around this ruling? They installed fee-collection stations in all parking lots ranging from $5 to $10. If drivers pay at the entrance, they do not need to pay again to park. However, if they do not want to get out of your car, they do not have to pay the entrance fee either. No, there is no sign telling drivers this. Most visitors most likely will want to get out of the car at the top, so paying at the gate is easier.
The other important item to be aware of is that although it may be more than 100 degrees in Denver, it can be snowing at the top of Mount Evans. When we drove to the top, it was raining, hailing, and snowing. Be prepared for all types of weather. Those not used to the elevation may experience altitude sickness. Often drinking water and eating a cookie will lessen the symptoms.
There are three fee areas. The first is at the Mount Goliath Natural Area, which includes a Nature Center and trails. This is not as popular as the other two fee areas. The second is at Summit Lake. From Summit Lake, visitors can hike up to Mount Evans on the Mount Evans Trail or down to Chicago Lakes, which are more strenuous than the easier walk to Summit Lake and the Chicago Lakes overlook. Those who intend to hike further should plan ahead by bringing along the proper clothing. The final fee area is at the summit.
On a clear day, the views at the summit are spectacular. Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Mt. Bierstadt, and Denver are all visible. Mountain goats and big horn sheep are usually present at the top. There is a short trail with an elevation gain of about 100 feet to the top of the mountain. This is definitely worth doing, and once you have, you’ll be able to tell your friends you climbed a 14-er.
There are three fee areas. The first is at the Mount Goliath Natural Area, which includes a Nature Center and trails. This is not as popular as the other two fee areas. The second is at Summit Lake. From Summit Lake, visitors can hike up to Mount Evans on the Mount Evans Trail or down to Chicago Lakes, which are more strenuous than the easier walk to Summit Lake and the Chicago Lakes overlook. Those who intend to hike further should plan ahead by bringing along the proper clothing. The final fee area is at the summit.
On a clear day, the views at the summit are spectacular. Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Mt. Bierstadt, and Denver are all visible. Mountain goats and big horn sheep are usually present at the top. There is a short trail with an elevation gain of about 100 feet to the top of the mountain. This is definitely worth doing, and once you have, you’ll be able to tell your friends you climbed a 14-er.
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