| |
| Steve Reardon and a friend, from the Big Shark Racing, conquer Mount Evans.
Apparently, there is not enough uphill riding in their native state of Missouri. |
| Author's note: There is a $3.00 entrance fee if you are riding a bicycle,
walking or running up Mount Evans. |
Bicycling to the top of Mount Evans is popular regardless of your home
location. In years past, there was an outfitter who offered cycle tours
from the summit to the entrance station, but they are no longer offering
cycling tours. Cyclists typically start from either Idaho Springs or the
Mount Evans Entrance station.
If you plan to ride from Idaho Springs, it is recommended that you park
your car in the Clear Creek Middle School parking lot that is on the south
side of Hwy 103 just past the Clear Creek Ranger Station. DO NOT park in
the Ranger Station parking lot, as space is limited. The 30-mile route involves
an elevation gain of 6,724 feet. If you take this route, do not be fooled
by the first 7 (easy) miles! Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to complete the
trip to the summit.
If you plan to ride from the Entrance Station, it is recommended that you
park your car in the parking lot just south of the Entrance Station. This
15-mile route involves an elevation gain of 3,530 feet. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours
to complete the trip to the summit.
NOTES:
- It is best to start your journey as early in the day as possible to
avoid automobiles and usual afternoon thunderstorms.
- There is no water on the mountain, so either plan on carrying all
the water you need or bum it off the friendly tourist! I typically carry
6 to 8 liters of water in my van and freely offer it to cyclist.
- Regardless of the temperature at your start location, it will be cold
at the top of the mountain. Carry at least a quality windbreaker or
insulated jacket for your time at the top and the ride back down to
your start location.
- Remember at 14,000 feet there is 1/2 the amount of oxygen in the air
as at sea level!
|
The elevation gain along your route will very dramatically. The two charts below are from Idaho Springs to the Entrance and from the Entrance to the Summit. For the most part it is a total uphill climb with only two of spots where you actually get to go down when going up. One is just before Summit Lake (after mile post 9 and the other is between mile posts 12 and 13. All elevations and elevation gains are in feet and all miles base on road-side mileage markers. Elevations was determined by GPS receiver (WAAS). Your elevations may vary and subject to change without notice <G>.
| Miles (Grade) |
Elevation |
Gain |
|
Miles (Grade) |
Elevation |
Gain |
| 0 (Idaho Springs) |
7,586 |
|
0 (Entrance Station) |
10,750 |
|
| 1 (1.4%) |
7,661 |
75 |
1 (5.0%) |
11,016 |
266 |
| 2 (2,3%) |
7,784 |
123 |
2 (5.6%) |
11,311 |
295 |
| 3 (2.9%) |
7,940 |
156 |
3 (6.1%) |
11,631 |
320 |
| 4 (4.4%) |
8,173 |
233 |
4 (5.6%) |
11,926 |
295 |
| 5 (6.1%) |
8,496 |
323 |
5 (5.8%) |
12,231 |
305 |
| 6 (6.1%) |
8,819 |
323 |
6 (4.8%) |
12,486 |
255 |
| 7 (2.1%) |
8,934 |
115 |
7 (3.1%) |
12,650 |
164 |
| 8 (6.3%) |
9,264 |
330 |
8 (3.9%) |
12,858 |
206 |
| 9 (5.4%) |
9,548 |
284 |
9 (1.2%) |
12,920 |
62 |
| 10 (5.2%) |
9,821 |
273 |
10 (2.4%) |
13,045 |
125 |
| 11 (5.5%) |
10,138 |
317 |
11 (3.7%) |
13,242 |
197 |
| 12 (5.4%) |
10,424 |
286 |
12 (3.9%) |
13,447 |
205 |
| 13 (4.8%) |
10,680 |
256 |
13 (5.2%) |
13,722 |
275 |
| |
|
|
14 (5.1%) |
13,991 |
269 |
| Entrance (13,35) |
10,750 |
70 |
Summit (14,65) |
14,127 |
136 |
|
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