Mount Evans Scenic Byway

The Mount Evans Scenic & Historic Byway is the highest paved automobile road in North America. Only 35 miles from Denver and starting in the historic community of Idaho Springs, the 28-mile drive crests at Mt. Evans Peak.

Work on the road began in 1915, as part of the Peak-to-Peak Highway, a road system designed to connect Colorado's northern fourteeners. Though a portion of the Byway (Highway 103) is open year round to Echo Lake, the road to the summit usually closes in mid-September and opens Memorial Day weekend due to the 10 to 75-foot snow drifts on the summit road.

You can view the entire Front Range and the Continental Divide from Mt. Evans' 14,265-foot summit. You'll also experience the same flora and fauna life zones you would find in the Arctic Circle. In addition, you might spot herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Colorado's state animal.

Mountain lakes
During your climb up the Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway from Idaho Springs, you will pass several mountain lakes, including Echo Lake at 10,600 feet, Lincoln Lake at 11,700 feet and Summit Lake at 12,830 feet. There are trailheads from the road leading to the lakes. Overall, there are more than 100 miles of hiking trails on Mt Evans. Mountain and road bikers often traverse the Byway to enjoy the scenic magnificence as well.

One of the best places to hike is in the Mount Goliath Natural Area, between Echo and Lincoln Lakes. From the upper trailhead you can visit the Alpine Garden, which has a spectacular floral display. From the Alpine Garden loop, you can descend into a grove of bristlecone pines, one of the world's oldest species. Some of the bristlecones on the mountain are thousands of years old. Many of them are "flag trees" as their branches grow only on the side away from the prevailing wind. Bristlecone pine grow in the subalpine zone.

There are three plant and animal zones along the Mt. Evans Scenic & Historic Byway. The first, the montane zone, is the traditional forest environment you see at around 7,000 feet at the beginning of the Byway. Here, you'll see ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, along with deer, weasel, porcupine, fox, chipmunk, squirrel, black bear and beavers.

The subalpine zone begins at 8,000 feet. Vegetation varies here, but you still can see the bristlecone pines, dense thickets of skinny lodgepoles, aspens and Englemann spruce. The lodgepole cones adapted to survive many fires by producing lots of seed, which makes for a dense forest. Although you may get a glimpse of elk, the subalpine zone is home to smaller animals like the yellow-bellied marmot, badger, ermines and pikas.

At 12,000 feet, you'll hit timberline. Here, intense solar radiation, high winds and freezing temperatures prevent the growth of vegetation larger than a bush. Above timberline is the alpine zone where you'll see alpine tundra--wild flowers and other small plants specially adapted to the short growing season at this high elevation.

Mt. Evans is one of the few areas below the Arctic Circle where alpine tundra is found. The rocky alpine zone is a hospitable area for the ptarmigan, the sure-footed bighorn sheep and white mountain goat. Notice the horns on the male bighorn sheep--you can tell the ram's age by the rings of growth laid in the curl. But this is no petting zoo. Rangers caution us that these are wild animals that bite and ram with their horns. There is a fine for anyone caught feeding the animals. Please keep a respectful distance.

The flora is extremely vulnerable. There are still areas along the road trying to re-vegetate years after clear-cutting took place for the road construction.

The U.S. Forest Service Clear Creek Ranger's Station on Highway 103 in Idaho Springs has information that goes into detail about the phenomena present on the mountain. There is a video, audio tape and other printed material on the area at the station as well as the Heritage Museum & Visitors Center (2060 Miner St, Idaho Springs). The U.S. Forest Service also maintains three picnic areas and a campground along the Byway.

High-altitude lab
In addition, the summit is home to the University of Denver's high altitude laboratory. It is open to the public on a reservation basis only.

Sudden changes in weather are not uncommon along the Mt. Evans Scenic & Historic Byway. Daytime temperatures often plummet with the arrival of a cloud or the stirring of the wind. Expect at least a 15 degree difference between Idaho Springs and the summit of Mt. Evans. Dress warmly and always take a jacket or sweater when exploring the upper elevations. Snow is possible at any time, and in summer thunder showers are frequent in the late afternoon.

Don't miss the breathtaking experience of this scenic and historic byway. Bring your camera, go early in the day, enjoy the wildlife, the vegetation and the view. But please remember that this is a fragile ecosystem and be respectful of the vegetation and wildlife along the Byway. Your visit will be memorable!