Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Denver: Address, Phone Number, Mount Evans Scenic Byway Reviews: 5/5
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
5
About
This high-altitude scenic drive climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,264 feet.
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Mount Evans Scenic Byway and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,018 reviews
Excellent
837
Very good
155
Average
20
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Otto West
15 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Extremely different experience driving up here, I'll let the bikers and hikers speak to their experiences. No guardrail, just a bunch of switchbacks which were fairly easily negotiated when oncoming traffic worked with you. Some drivers, however, were apparently in a race to the top and were passing people. Anyway, once up there (and a lot of the way up) the views are spectacular. Well worth your time.
Note: you must pre-purchase a time ticket to get on the road. The ranger estimated they turn half the vehicles away because they just show up. There are signs, but...
Note: you must pre-purchase a time ticket to get on the road. The ranger estimated they turn half the vehicles away because they just show up. There are signs, but...
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tlceey
Littleton23 contributions
Aug 2019
We drive the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway (Highway 5) at least once every summer. Via I-70 from downtown Denver to Idaho Springs exit 240 is about 32.5 miles, to Highway 103. Highway 5 is about 13 miles of Chicago Creek, past Chicago Forks and just beyond picuresque Echo Lake 10,600'. Denver Botanic Gardens Mount Goliath Dos Chappell Nature Center, +3 miles) at about 11,500' is advised; with hikes among wildflowers and bristlecone pines. Continuing UP Highway 5, views open to all directions, wildflowers line the road, and critters appear (marmots, pika, bighorns, mountain goats, and birds) Sharp dropoffs beside the road are common, hence the warning about acrophobia/a
goraphobia. Six miles to Summit Lake, 13,000' is stunning, with views up, down, sideways; parking is often crowded. Great views of the lake with Mt. Evans behind. Many, many alpine wildflowers through July into August. Occasionally wildlife near the lake. The final 5+ miles to "summit parking" at 14,130 abounds with switchbacks, pulloffs, sights, and often animals. Pika are elusive, marmots like to eat and sun, bighorns wander, and mountain goat are often along this section and/or at the top. Views from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak north and south, to the Collegiate Peaks west, and Denver and the Great Plains east. A short gravel walk/crawl to the peak at 14,250 is available. Water, sunscreen, snacks/food as this is a half to full day venture (120 miles round trip minimum) from downtown Denver. Bring layers of clothing.
goraphobia. Six miles to Summit Lake, 13,000' is stunning, with views up, down, sideways; parking is often crowded. Great views of the lake with Mt. Evans behind. Many, many alpine wildflowers through July into August. Occasionally wildlife near the lake. The final 5+ miles to "summit parking" at 14,130 abounds with switchbacks, pulloffs, sights, and often animals. Pika are elusive, marmots like to eat and sun, bighorns wander, and mountain goat are often along this section and/or at the top. Views from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak north and south, to the Collegiate Peaks west, and Denver and the Great Plains east. A short gravel walk/crawl to the peak at 14,250 is available. Water, sunscreen, snacks/food as this is a half to full day venture (120 miles round trip minimum) from downtown Denver. Bring layers of clothing.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ana
Houston, TX22 contributions
Nov 2019
Absolutely Stunning! We couldn't make it all the way to Mount Evans because that part of the road was closed in October but we made it to echo lake and it was truly beautiful. The drive there was also a sight to see and there are a couple of "stops" on the way up where you can park and take pictures on the side of the road. Just absolutely wonderful views, I'm in love with the mountains now! Being from Texas and seeing just pains and no snow, it is truly a different world and a sight to see.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jane
New York152 contributions
Sep 2021
We arrived in Idaho Springs in afternoon and decided to drive up Mount Evans. Pleasant drive up and through the moutains, we stopped by Echo Lake to walk around for awhile which was lovely. We were unaware that reservations were still necessary to drive to the top (visited on Labor Day) and visitor center and parking was too crowded so we just drove the rest of the route. Saw some elkhorn sheep and stopped for some pictures at scenic overlooks.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jen K
Lititz, PA183 contributions
Sep 2021
Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a very beautiful, scenic drive. Make sure you buy your tickets in town before driving up to the welcome station.The drive up to Summit Lake Park was winding, but not horrifying. It looks as if the last portion is where the twists and turns come in, but by the middle of September, even without snow on the ground, the road was closed. A little disappointing, but I'm glad we got as far as we did. I wish the welcome center would have told us. Summit lake was beautiful and we saw many mountain goats. Take your time on the drive and it will be enjoyable!
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rob S
Boise, ID594 contributions
Jun 2021
This was the highlight of our trip, way better than our visit to Pikes Peak. Road was not crowded thanks to the reservation system and the summit wasn't packed either. Lots of cool views on this road, the highest in the U.S.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DebR
Boston, MA21 contributions
Jul 2020
We took this ride in July 2020 it was very scenic with breath taking views. We were hoping to drive to the top of Mt. Evans but the auto road was closed. We saw a deer 🦌 eating on the side of the road we stopped to take pictures.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
houstonnative47
Missouri City, TX1,109 contributions
Oct 2019
We drove this scenic byway hoping to drive to Mt. Evans but only made it to Echo Lake as the road to the peak was already closed in October. However we drove all the way to Evergreen and it was a great drive on a nice road with colorful aspen leaves to look at. Juniper Pass was a great stop along the way.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jlcraft1990
Greeneville, TN2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
This drive was not as scary or intimidating as some reviewers let on. If you’re a competent driver, don’t even question doing this - just do it!
We rode with our windows down and could feel the gradual temperature drop. We did get a little dizzy once we reached the summit, but take deep breaths and stay hydrated. Lots of pull overs for photo ops along the drive as well as the summit.
We rode with our windows down and could feel the gradual temperature drop. We did get a little dizzy once we reached the summit, but take deep breaths and stay hydrated. Lots of pull overs for photo ops along the drive as well as the summit.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travelwi812
Louisville, KY75 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This isn’t for the faint at heart, but if you want a fantastic view of the area and the ability to say you have driven the highest road in North America, this is a great choice. The road is fairly narrow and has no guard rails, so make sure you can handle this. There are very few places you can turn around on your way up. We enjoyed seeing the tundra style plants and wildlife. We saw a lot of marmots, a herd of Bighorn does, and a mountain goat. Beware: the top is COLD and windy. Wear pants and a jacket.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
What places are driveable In early March? We would love to see something in the winter months!
tlceey
Littleton23 contributions
From the forest service website: "The Mount Evans Road is scheduled to OPEN for the season on Friday May 22, 2020 depending on weather conditions and snow removal. The top five mile section of road to the Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site is scheduled to be closed for the season on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Summit Lake." It is difficult and dangerous to remove snow from this road in the spring. If you wish to drive a mountain road, Pikes Peak Highway is open year around (a private road, with less snow than Mt. Evans), weather-dependent, starting at 7:30 a.m. Check websites for Pikes Peak information. Passes such as Cameron, northwest of Ft. Collins on CO 14, Hoosier on CO 9 Breckenridge to Fairplay, Fremont to Copper Mtn. to Leadville, Tennessee US 24, Rabbit Ears US 40 east of Steamboat Springs, Loveland US 6 west of Denver and other US highways are weather-dependent open in the winter. Access to Rocky Mountain National Park is available from Estes Park US 34/36 on the east, with snowshoeing and cross country skiiing, as well as from Granby from US 34/36 on the west with more snow; Trail Ridge Road across the park is only open from Memorial Day to about October 1.
Shay
Houston, TX12 contributions
My family and I will be visiting Denver and had planned to take the drive up Mt. Evans Scenic Byway on Tuesday, October 15th. After joining Trip Advisor and further researching I see that it's closed.
What is the next best thing, as far as elevation?
The kids and I were truly looking forward to a high elevation drive. :-(
Janet F
Highlands Ranch, CO1,172 contributions
Look up Pikes Peak highway out of Colorado Springs, or Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. They could be open if we don’t get snow by then. Both are high altitude roads.
I will be visiting Denver October 5 - 9. Can I drive to Mount Evans the first weekend in October?
Janet F
Highlands Ranch, CO1,172 contributions
The road to the top is scheduled to close September 3rd. If there is not a big snow prior to your visit, You may be able to drive up to Summit Lake. The Mt Evans Scenic byway is the lower loop from Bergen Park to Idaho Springs , and includes Echo Lake. The route is pretty, with lots of scenic views. If the Aspen is a bit late turning this year, you may still see some color. Be sure to check out Idaho Springs. It is a charming little old mining town with some great shops and restaurants,
Baguiotravellers
Houston, TX35 contributions
So the road to Mt Evans is open very early or is it open 24 hrs during summer?
NewEnglandGal
Leesburg, VA70 contributions
The road is public and therefore open 24/7. Once you come upon the national park entrance — the access road to the very top - I’m sure you can only enter once the entrance station is open and manned
can you drive halfway up , are there in btw stops, i am not very comfortable with high altitudes.
fun traveler Ohio
96 contributions
Yes you can. About halfway up is a stop where a ranger and volunteer tell you about plants at that altitude.
shan_messick
Lower Allen Township, PA
Do you need a pass to do the mount Evan scenic bypass? If so, where do you get it?
queechie
Pendleton, SC79 contributions
Yes, there is a fee to go all the way to the top. If you have a Senior Citizen National Park Pass it will work to get you in. You can possibly buy one there if you are of age.
Colleen C
Salt Lake City, UT5 contributions
Hello! We are staying in Conifer and would like to visit Mt. Evans. Excluding travel time to and from the byway (my GPS estimates 4 hours total) could anyone give me an estimate of how long the driving tour takes once you’re on the byway? We can take our time. We are planning to go for 4th of July or the weekend immediately following, any suggestions/tips are welcome. Not sure if going on a holiday is a good or bad idea. Thanks!
queechie
Pendleton, SC79 contributions
I agree that most likely the 4th would be a very very busy time at Mt. Evans. We went mid-week and it was not crowded but there were a lot of people everywhere, on the road, in the gift shop, at the top. Its a bit nerve wracking driving that road with all the cars and especially all the bikes you have to contend with. And yes, the weather can turn on you instantly and it gets cold and windy.Its still beautiful and well worth seeing and doing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- We recommend booking Mount Evans Scenic Byway tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Mount Evans Scenic Byway tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mount Evans Scenic Byway:
- Mount Evans & Red Rocks Park Small Group Tour From Denver (From $139.00)
- Blue Sky Mountain Summit (formerly Mt. Evans) (From $125.00)
- Scenic Mount Blue Sky / Mount Evans Tour from Denver (From $159.00)
- Mount Evans & Red Rocks Tour from Denver (From $195.00)
- Private Rocky Mountain Escape from Denver (From $599.00)
- Hotels near Mount Evans Scenic Byway:
- (6.98 mi) Tumbling River Ranch
- (9.20 mi) Hotel Chateau Chamonix
- (8.99 mi) Georgetown Mountain Inn
- (9.86 mi) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown Lake
- (8.79 mi) Horstmann House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Mount Evans Scenic Byway:
- (9.27 mi) Cooper's on the Creek
- (9.01 mi) The Alpine Restaurant & Bar
- (8.93 mi) The Shaggy Sheep
- (8.69 mi) The Happy Cooker
- (5.32 mi) Echo Lake Lodge