Why Driving Colorado’s Mount Evans Is Scary But Popular

Why Driving Colorado’s Mount Evans Is Scary But Popular

 

Unquestionably, driving to the summit of Mount Evans is a heart-stopping experience. On the way to the summit see alpine lakes, arctic tundra, wildflowers, unlimited snow-capped mountain views, archaic bristlecone pine trees, and nature trails.  

Furthermore, do not be surprised if you spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and a bison herd.

 

Surprise! This Scenic Road Is Not As Wide As Pikes Peak

 

I have never been scared to drive a road until Mount Evans. We thought this scenic drive would be similar to Pikes Peak. We were wrong.

 

Sometimes, double yellow lines are painted in the middle of a narrow one and a half-lane road. Are we supposed to share this space? Because of the narrow road, room for error is not an option. Mainly, because in some segments not even an inch of shoulder exists where the edge pavement meets a sharp drop off. I was not nervous because of my driving skills, but how others drive. Driving narrow jeep roads in the Rocky Mountains with sheer drop-offs is not a big deal. After all, we are usually the only people driving these roads for miles around. 

The road to Mount Evans is different though. You are not only responsible for your driving but, at the same time, need to anticipate what other bad drivers are doing. Adding a seriously narrow road on the outside lane makes it scary. Some people drive their vehicles over their lane and into yours. Simply, others just do not care and drive where they feel comfortable.

 

Oh, did I mention many edges of the outside lane have eroded and crumbled? As a result, you have to cross over the yellow line to go around these sections. Try this with a constant stream of traffic coming at you. I am not a big fan of sliding down a 14,000-foot mountainside, so I kept my eyes glued to the road.  

Good News

 

Luckily, the whole drive is not like this, just closer to the top. This Colorado Rocky Mountain scenic byway exists as a popular destination for an easy road trip from Denver.

 

Since Denver is only an hour away, it is one reason why driving Colorado’s Mount Evans is scary but popular.

 

Driving The Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Colorado Highway 103, also named Mount Evans Scenic Byway, looks like most highways in Colorado as you begin. A beautiful mountain road with a few houses, a few rivers with good fishing, switchbacks, and scenic views effortlessly welcome drivers.  

Tip: Look for the herd of bison which live in this habitat.  

As you gain elevation, only the road with a scenic view remains. Switchbacks become the norm as trees thin out and the highway continues to ascend. Shoulders transform into the narrow rocky ground with a short drop off connecting the mildly sloping mountainside. Now, stunning views start to appear with a glimpse of snow-capped mountain tops for as far as the eye can see.

Switchbacks become tighter and excessive the higher you drive, so take it slow and be careful. Closer to the top, everyone will enjoy the awe-inspiring views but, at the same time, the driver needs to concentrate on the road.  

 

Next, watch for places where the shoulder disappears altogether and the road narrows. Keep an eye out for other drivers too. Guaranteed, some will drive in the middle of the road instead of their half while along steep drop-offs.  

Closer to the top of Mount Evans we saw white mountain goats on the road and the mountain. 

When you make it to the top of Mount Evans relax and enjoy the 360-degree scenic views from the Mount Evans Welcome Center. Parking is paved so everyone can get out and look around.

 

Experience A Fascinating Colorado Scenic Drive With Silly Chipmunks

 

What To Do On Your Road Trip To Mount Evans

 

Stop at Echo Lake for delightful views of Mount Evans peak along with trails and picnic tables. After finishing the drive stop at the Echo Lake Lodge log cabin for the restaurant and souvenirs.

If you are into camping then check out the Echo Lake Campground.

 

The Mount Goliath Natural Area and Dos Chappell Nature Center focus on Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine trees. Here, you can learn about these 700 to 1,600-year-old trees. You can also look at the rock gardens and wildflowers.

Next, you will want to stop at Summit Lake Park, the highest city park in North America and part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. Incredible views, wildlife and wildflower viewing, hiking trails, and arctic tundra await your discovery here.

Some of these rare alpine-arctic plants live here in this habitat and above the arctic circle.

Important: Follow the Leave No Trace Guidelines.

Note that Summit Lake Park becomes very crowded and overflow parking happens alongside the road. 

 

At The Summit Of Mount Evans

 

Park on top of Mount Evans and look around. The welcome center is more than a paved parking lot though. 

Take the short hike to the summit where you can see Denver, the continental divide, along with other 14,000 foot mountains like Pikes Peak and Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Do not forget to look for mountain goats and marmots since they live here too.

Notably, the Meyer-Womble Observatory, constructed by the University of Denver, stands out close to the welcome center.

 

Crazy, But Crested Butte Is Better Without Snow!

 

Visit The Small Town Of Idaho Springs After Your Scenic Drive

 

Drive to Mount Evans as early as possible then visit the small town of Idaho Springs after. By doing this, you can avoid the heaviest traffic and later relax and have fun in this historic mining town.  

The Argo Gold Mine and Mill should be the first building you will notice since its red color stands out. Take a tour of one of the largest and most famous restored gold mines along with its equipment.

Another gold mine tour to consider is from the Phoenix Gold Mine. Additionally, learn how to pan for gold from professionals.   

Everyone will enjoy a trip inside the Idaho Springs Heritage Museum too.

Check out the historic Idaho Springs downtown commercial district for nicely restored buildings housing museums, fine art, boutiques, souvenirs, and much more.

As you can see, Idaho Springs embraces its gold mining history. For a small town, there is plenty to do and see revolving around gold mining.

You will find ample restaurants to choose from in Idaho Springs. Beau Jo’s, Westbound & Down Brewing Company, Smokin Yard’s BBQ, Main Street Restaurant, Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub, and MTN Prime make up some of the most popular ones.   

After you leave Idaho Springs take exit 254 off of I-70 for a chance to see a herd of bison which the City of Denver maintains.

 

Tips For Driving Mount Evans Scenic Byway

 

Drive it slow and enjoy the 360-degree views

Prepare for intense driving on some sections

Ask at the entrance gate where the herd of mountain goats can be found that day

Very few guardrails exist, especially closer to the top with steep drop-offs

Expect lots of crowds in summer and weekends

Best to go during weekdays and as early as possible

Even in summer, it can snow

Strong Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons so watch the weather closely

If a thunderstorm happens, stay inside your car

Vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended

The road is closed in Winter from Echo Lake to the Mount Evans summit

Allow 2 hours each way to enjoy it

Obey speed limits

Expect other drivers to cross into your lane 

Drive aware of hikers and bikers sharing the road

Drive around blind corners slowly and in your lane. Expect other drivers to ignore this because it never fails

Adjust to the altitude first, do not attempt to drive on the first day you arrive in Colorado

 

For an easier drive, see how we had lunch all alone with a herd of elk in Glacier National Park.

 

Rocky Mountain High Altitude Test Center

The Rocky Mountain High Altitude Test Center is nearby in Empire. They test the performance of vehicles and engine components for automobile manufacturers in high altitude and cold weather. In fact, they are the only place in the world where vehicles can be tested in altitudes as high as 14,130 feet.

You will see these driving on Mount Evans and around the area. Most of the time they are covered with black and white designs to camouflage each manufacturer and any important secret details. Since these models have not been released to buy, everything is a secret.

On the other hand, a few times we have seen new, but on the market, models testing without camouflage.

 

When in the area we always stay at the same hotel because it is one of our favorite hotels in the US. Here, we have seen every US automobile manufacturer with their camouflaged vehicles. These brands do not want the public to get close so they hire security to keep people away.  

Mostly, they keep the top-secret vehicles covered until they drive them.  

The engineers do not like to talk and some can even be rude. Others will smile and acknowledge you, but the Ford truck guys are the friendliest.

Every time we stay at this hotel we see different vehicles in their camouflage along with their engineers, who also drive them, in the hotel. You can recognize them because they usually walk around with their laptops.  

 

Directions To The Mount Evans Scenic Byway From Denver

 

From Denver, Take I-70 west to Idaho Springs exit 240, then go south on highway 103. Mount Evans Scenic Byway is easy to find and easy to get to. From downtown Denver, this route is 60 miles.

But, for a more scenic route from Denver take highway 8 past the Red Rock Park and Amphitheatre. Highway 8 turns into highway 74 through the small town of Evergreen. Next, turn west on Squaw Pass Road, or highway 103. Highway 103 will intersect with highway 5, or Mount Evans Road at Echo Lake Lodge. Continue on Mount Evans Road to the summit. From downtown Denver, this route is 64 miles.

This is important. Although the road is open 24 hours a day seven days a week, the Cost is 10.00 per car and 5.00 to park at Summit Lake. A ticket gate is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. However, there is no charge for hiking and biking without a vehicle, or if you don’t intend to park at one of the fee areas. If you arrive before or after gate hours then there is no charge either.

This works out perfectly because we recommend getting there as the sun comes up to avoid as much traffic as possible. 

 

More Fun Facts About Mount Evans Scenic Drive

 

Elevation of 14,260 feet (4,346.5 meters)

14 miles (22.5 km) long

Watch for wildlife. This includes bison herd, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots, just to name a few.

Even in summer, it will be windy and cold

Dress in layers because the temperature can be about 30 degrees cooler than Denver

From Denver, you will gain approximately 9,000 feet

From Denver, one way is 60 miles

The road passes through five climate zones

The last 14 miles to the summit is maintained by the USFS

The sun is stronger at high altitudes so bring sunscreen and a hat. You will get a sunburn much faster.

Drink a lot of water to help prevent altitude sickness, but not drinks with carbonation

A restroom is at the top of the summit

The road is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, depending on the weather

Cell service is unreliable

Pick up snacks and drinks in Idaho Springs

 

Final Thoughts

 

Our house is divided. I can not wait to drive this road again, only early at sunrise and slowly. On the other hand, Kristi repeatedly says she will sit it out. Although I drive, she is terrified of this road and refuses to look out the window at the scariest sections. If I am concentrating on driving, who will take photos? Since I would like to go back for more photos, our adult son excitedly volunteered.

We think many people will enjoy this rare scenic drive. However, If you are afraid of heights, steep drop-offs, narrow roads, and no guardrails, then you should sit this one out too. Even if you do not drive to the summit, make sure to stop and enjoy it.

Which side would you choose?

Thanks for reading Why Driving Colorado’s Mount Evans Is Scary But Popular!

Tom and Kristi