We loaded up the kids and dog and went to Mount Evans this past weekend. It was a lovely but windy day, 55°F (ish) at the summit, which was a nice change from the sweltering heat we’ve been having down here. Once you get to the base of Mount Evans, it’s probably an hour or so drive to the top. There will be a lot of cars — and bikes — driving up and down the road, especially if you go on a weekend. Be sure you’re comfortable driving on mountain passes — there are no guardrails and some pretty extreme edges, but it’s so worth it because the views are incredible. (I will fully admit that I made my husband drive ... I attempted a short portion, but was too freaked out by the drop-offs.)
There are many spots along the road where you can pull off to admire the views, take pictures, and/or get a close-up look at some wildlife. We saw mountain goats, including a mama and her baby, bighorn sheep, and a marmot last weekend.
There are also a few “official” stopping points that you will want to visit. Mount Goliath Natural Area and Dos Chappell Nature Center is located amongst a bunch of Bristlecone Pine trees that are 900–2,000 years old. Their trunks are twisted from the extreme winds at that altitude. The nature center there has all kinds of information about how plants and animals have adapted to living in sub-alpine and alpine environments. It is definitely worth a visit! Did I mention these are your first bathrooms on the way to the top?
The next stop up the road is Summit Lake Park. This is a beautiful area with a few different trails where you can get some more good views — no trees in your way — and dip your fingers or toes in the very cold lake! Our dog opted to lay down in the lake and take bites of the water. She was thrilled! It was buggy near the lake, but the bugs didn’t seem to be the biting variety; they were just pesky. The day we were there, some rangers had set up an interpretive table with animal skins, horns, antlers, flower identification books, and more. Speaking of flowers, the wildflowers are beautiful right now! I took way too many pictures of those.
Last but not least, you end at the summit of Mount Evans. You only have to work a little to get there. You’ll park in the lot at the very top, if you can find a spot (or along the road a little below the lot if you can’t), and take a very short hike to the summit. The 360° views are breathtaking up here! You can get a photo of the official elevation marker, and of course you’ll want to get a family photo. (Thanks to the random guy who snapped ours ... and even got the dog to look at the camera!) You can also check out and read about the old observatory building that burned down decades ago.
Don’t think the way back down the mountain will be boring. Everything that was behind you on the way up is now facing you on the way down. It’s like a whole new mountain.
We visited Echo Lake Park, a free area at the base of Mount Evans, on our way out. It was late afternoon and the park was reeeeally busy with families cooking out. We had our mountain bikes with us and were able to get in a little riding before the rain came, so it was still fun.
We drove out to Idaho Springs for the drive home, since we had approached Mt. Evans from the Evergreen side. Traffic on I-70 was pretty dense, so we ate dinner at Tommyknocker Brewery to let things thin out some before heading all the way home. Highlights included their homemade root beer, of which I was not a fan but the kids and hubs were, and America’s Funniest Videos playing on TV to entertain the kids. Other than that, it was noisy and crowded; I would not go back unless I was there without kiddos, and only to sample their brews — my husband liked the Maple Nut Brown Ale.
Tips for your trip to Mount Evans:
- Wear or bring layers - shorts, short-sleeved shirts, pants, sweatshirts, warm hat, rain gear, etc.
- Wear or bring appropriate shoes for hiking. The summit hike is short, but rocky and sandy.
- Bring and DRINK lots of water while you are there!
- Wear sunscreen, and bring extra. The sun is much stronger at altitude.
- Bring snacks - there is nowhere on the mountain to buy anything. (There is a gift shop and small restaurant, Echo Lake Lodge, at the base.)
- Bring binoculars and a camera.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
- Dogs must be on a leash. Be sure to bring bags to clean up after them if they do their business anywhere — even if it’s off trail.
- Always stay on the designated trails. The land up there is very fragile and takes hundreds of years to regenerate. You will see people who have ignored this rule; don’t be one of them!
Entrance Fees:
- $10 per vehicle (with 12 or fewer occupants), valid for three consecutive days.
- $25 Mount Evans Season Pass.
- $80 Interagency Annual Pass. Honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.
- For more information about passes, CLICK HERE.
