Mt. Evans Colorado
Douglas Family Tackles Mt Evans 8/20/05 
So we decided at the last minute to pack up and head to Mt. Evans. It has the highest paved road in the US. The "Road to the Stars" is the highest paved road in North America. Construction of the road from Echo Lake to the summit began in 1924 and completed in 1930. During construction, workers used ropes to pull themselves and their equipment up and down the steep cliffs of Mount Evans. Provisions for the workers included a two month supply of bacon and beans.
We experienced every type of weather condition you can think of. When we left the weather was blue skies and 80 degrees. Storm clouds started coming in. Started raining, then hailing, then snowing as we climbed up over 14 thousand feet. The temperature dropped to below 30 degrees. Roads did get a little rough in spots, but not really bad. Can do it in a car no problem. Cost $10 per vehicle to take the road to the peak. Don't forget to bring your hiking boots. There are tons of places to hike. The weather got bad on us, so we weren't able to hike too much. Good Idea to pack a lunch or eat in Idaho Springs on your way up or down.
DIRECTIONS:
From Denver (East):
o 32.4 miles West on US Interstate 70 to Idaho Springs and take the "Mt. Evans" exit (#240)
o 15 miles South on State 103 from Idaho Springs to Mount Evans Entrance
o 15 miles from Mount Evans Entrance to Summit at 14,264 feet.
The First stop!
Kids already had to go to the bathroom as soon as we went thru the gate. Luckily the first stop wasn't too far up. Great views and nice hiking trails start here! Don't forget to pull off the road any chance you get. Never know what you will see. This was a look back down at Echo Lake.
FEES:
# Of Passengers (per vehicle)
1-12 ..........$10.00
13-40.........$25.00
40+............$40.00
Annual.......$25.00
Motorcycles, Bicycles & Hikers..........$3.00
Golden Eagle, Golden Age or National Park Pass (with hologram sticker) No Charge
Here's pics of Summit Lake. Nice stop off point. Great views as usual and a great place for the kids to stretch their legs!
Here was our first shots of wildlife up close. Was very cool. I'm sure most of you know these are mountain goats. You don't see them very often unless up high in the mountains.
Castle in the Sky!! Highest point you can drive to. The castle was destroyed in 1979 due to Propane explosion. Too bad. Was the highest structure in the US.
Views from the Top!
Ronald Douglas
Colorado - United States
