Snow along side the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway View
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About Mount Evans Byway
Mount Evans is the highest paved road in North America. This Colorado scenic highway rises from 7,500 feet to 14,264 feet above sea level. It is even possible to see Kansas from the top on a blue-sky day, which is over 250 miles away.
The Mount Evans Byway was originally built for tourism to help rival Pikes Peak Highway down in Colorado Springs. The Denver area of the front range wanted a better attraction.
While visiting Mount Evans, even during summer, snow is possible. The drive up is 14 miles of breath-taking scenery with plenty of shear drops along the side of the road. Once you get to the top, there is a short 5-10 minute hike to the summit, making you feel like you accomplished a major hike.
The closest major towns are Evergreen in one direction and Idaho Springs in the other (following Colorado Highway 5). Mount Evans Scenic Byway closes around September and usually opens near June.
Mount Evans Byway
Mount Evans Byway Location
Big horn sheep atop Mount Evans in Colorado.
Mount Evans Byway Info
Georgetown, CO 80421
Nearby Cities: Evergreen, CO; Idaho Springs, CO
Duration: 1.5 hour (14 miles to Summit)
Reopening: May 27, 2011 (closed Sept 4, 2010)
SUV's heading up the road at Mount Evans Byway.
View of Echo Lake from Mount Evans Byway.
Summit Lake on the drive up to Mount Evans Summit.
Summit Lake view from Mount Evans.
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