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 into 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 have 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.

Trip Advisor now rates Mount Evans as the #2 of 146 attractions in Denver!!!

September 24, 2009: Mount Evans is CLOSED for the 2009 Season!

CDOT has closed Highway 5 (the Mount Evans Road) for the 2009 season and it is scheduled to reopen on Friday, May 28, 2010. The status of the road reverts to that of "trail status" meaning that you can hike it,  and bike it (peddle bike)... but no motor vehiches of any type. Hope to see you next year!