Mount Evans Scenic Byway & Wilderness

Mount Evans is the road into the sky. Drive from 8,700 feet at Idaho Spring where you turn of Interstate 70 to 14,240 feet to the summit and you will pass through 3 life zones, passing ancient trees, lakes and forest to the land above timberline. It can be 90 degrees in Denver and 40 degrees at the top of Mount Evans. Mountain Goats and Bighorn Sheep will greet you as you climb to the top of the world.

Rocky Mountains can make their own weather and high winds can easily turn surface snow in to a blizzard thus closing the highway. THE MOUNTAIN WILL BE OPEN ONLY WHEN ROAD CONDITIONS ARE SAFE. Call the Clear Creek Ranger Station at 303-567-3000 before you begin your trip to Mount Evans.

About the Mount Evans Road: The first 4 miles from Idaho on 103 is surprisingly flat then there is a 4-6% grade to the entrance that continues to Summit lake. The last 5 miles has grades of 2-5% but because you are above 12,000 feet it will feel like 10-15% grade.to top. See Bicycling Page for elevation/grade chart.

Sept 2, 2008 - The top 5 miles above Summit Lake will close for the 2008 Season on Sept 2, 2008!!!

The top 5 miles will be close to motorized traffic on September 2, 2008. The top 5 miles will remain open for hiking and biking (no motor kind). The first 9 miles from the entrance to Summit Lake will remain open until close by bad (snow) weather or until October 1, 2008 which ever occures first.

May 26, 2008 — Fight over public lands fee spills into the courts

The lawsuit claim the Forest Service is violating the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which gives the agency permission to charge fees for specific services or amenities. More Info...