. The four points plotted above correlate to the next four photos/collages below. Mt. Evans by bicycle is one of the most classic, epic, exhilarating and awesome ways to spend a summer day in Colorado. These 12.9 miles are the least scenic of the trip, but the last half of this segment is through heavier forest with much less traffic than at the start and is very pleasant. Pikes Peak Hwy is Colorado’s second highest road (not all paved), reaching 14,115 ft. This ride is named after Bob Cook, who died of melanoma at age 23 after having won the race an unbelievable six times in his young life. Nestled in mature subalpine forest near Echo Lake, the Mt. Its length is … That goes on top of the starting point of almost 11,000 mind you. Note: Photos are to be used only to promote Colorado as a leisure destination or in a news story. Aerial view of the hairpins at the top of the climb. It is never really steep nor is the climb from Echo Lake to Mt Evans ever really steep. Drive south on Colorado 103 for 13.5 miles at Echo Lake. Once at the top parking lot, there is a short, but rewarding hike to the summit at 14,264 ft. and 1.2 miles -- just about to the most challenging part of the ride. You've now bagged one of Colorado's "14ers" in a unique fashion. This is an extremely challenging road bike climb due to the altitude we ride to (there is 42% less oxygen at the summit than at sea level). Evans Road. . Starting at Echo Lake will cut the ride shorter to a 14-mile climb. In other words, things get really high, really early on the second half. This was the end of the drive in October because anything past this lake is closed up to the peak for automobiles. To the summit is 5.4 miles, gaining 1,460’ at 4.6% to elevation 14,150’. The day after government agencies announced that the highway from Echo Lake to the summit of Mount Evans will remain closed to motorists this year due to coronavirus concerns, Evergreen cyclist Campbell Levy decided it was a perfect time to do the classic but arduous ascent. Professional (or soon to be professional) cyclists have won the race over the years, such as: Alexi Grewal 1981, 1984, 1990; Ned Overend 1985-1986; Michael Engleman 1991-1995; Jonathan Vaughters 1997, 1999; Scott Moninger 1998, 2000-2002; Tom Danielson 4004, 2007, 2009; Peter Stetina 2010; LeRoy Popowski 2011-2013; Christopher Carr 2013; Lachlan Morton 2015; Chris Butler 2016; Chad Haga 2017; and Gregory Daniel 2018. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. Penny was 71 when we met her at the top on August 16, 2020. The road and access to the top of Mount Evans is closed at Summit Lake the day after Labor Day. Six miles from the middle of the first segment up to the summit from Summit Lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in Colorado, at 14,130 ft. Colorado’s “New Switzerland” opened by 1930. The second half is a steady climb to the top. Mount Evans Road. Echo Lake to the summit averages 5.6% for 5.5 miles, then 4.1% for 2.7 miles and finally 5.7% for 4.25 miles to the top. Evans … Echo Lake Lodge (build in 1926) can be found at the entrance to Mount Evans, some 14 miles from Idaho Springs (Interstate 70) and 14 miles from the summit. The Mount Evans hill climb is a Colorado classic that every cyclist must check off the list. Evans Highway. It is highly recommended that you climb a few of the "lower" peaks in the area before tackling Mt. Bottom middle photo - ultra cyclist and trekker, The Mount Evans Road and Scenic Byway (Colorado Highway 5) is typically open the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the first weekend in October, depending on weather conditions. For sure, climbing between 12,000' and 14,000' is a lot different than climbing from 10,000' to 12,000’. Idaho Springs Heritage Museum. Last of ~12 hairpins between Summit Lake and climb finish. There are two downhill sections around 11,000-12,000'. Evans Road (14 miles) and the roadway surface good, although a little rough for the five mile descent from the top to Summit Lake. You gain 1993 altitude metres in 46.6 km. From The Summit. Explore the route with streetviews, photos,videos, weather reports as well as browse other routes in the area. Check elevation, wildlife, summaries, and detailed climb info. but this is one of  them. A trail goes around the lake. This is a beautiful shallow glacially formed lake. A number of pro cyclists participate in addition to age group classifications for us mere mortals. For detailed information on camping near Echo Lake in Mt. For the latest information about the road visit [. Prepare for your journey with our interactive map below. Take Exit 240 at Idaho Springs on Interstate 70. Erich Pawelka, Vienna, Austria, There are not many rides you will do where you can say, "This is the highest . Evans. You can follow … Many people start in Idaho Springs (the route of the famous Bob Cook Memorial race) which adds 13 miles and 3,600 feet of climbing. Evans. This is an epic and bucket list bike climb. Drive east on I-70 to Idaho Springs exit 240, turn right and park at the Forest Service Visitor Center on the south side of I-70. Lived in Demver at the time, so we drove up to Idaho Falls that AM, got out of the car and it was 51*. We go above the tree line around mile 16 and from there to the top are striking, unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and several natural and beautiful lakes along the way. The road and access to the top of Mount Evans is closed at Summit Lake the day after Labor Day. The climb begins 2/10's of a mile southwest of the intersection of Highway 40 and Chicago Creek Road in Idaho Springs, Colorado, 55 miles west of Denver International Airport (39.73919, -105.52242 latitude/longitude). Tips & Resources for Hiking Echo Lake, Colorado : TIP: Early morning means that Echo lake is still, providing no windy weather, and is a perfect time to photograph or just to observe the rocky mountains reflected in the water. Great summaries of Mt  Evans are found at Steep Climbs and Mt. Leave Evergreen, CO and access the Mount Evans Road and Mount Evans Recreation Area from Squaw Pass, CO 103 at Echo Lake. If it doesn’t look good by the time we hit the gate at Echo Lake, we will drop down to Idaho Springs for the Reverse Loop of Hell. . Ride 12.9 miles, gaining 3,090’ to elevation 10,632, at 4.5% average grade. The iconic peak’s snowcapped, east-facing slopes are … Take Exit 240 at Idaho Springs on Interstate 70. The race has been held every year (except three) since its inaugural in 1962. At Echo Lake, the road levels out for about a half mile which is a nice respite for the legs and lungs. . It's a 56-mile round trip consisting of 28 miles up; all up - 7,000' of climb from an elevation of 7,500' all the way up to 14,200' and then 28 miles back down the same road. Cycling Mt. This is a short video w… For all that strive to climb the hardest, the longest, the steepest, the highest, this is a, Our climb begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado with a four mile warm up at 3.1%. The lake was pretty and we snooped around the lodge that was closed too. It's actually a fantastic ride down into Idaho Springs from Mt. It was built as a result of Pikes Peak Highwayand Denver’s competition for tourists. You can drive to Echo Lake and ride the 15 mile, 3,500 foot climb. Evans and makes a nice end-to-end roughly 80 mile ride starting in Evergreen and ending in Idaho Springs with a side trip up Mt. Drive along the slopes of Mount Evans, a Colorado 14er standing at 14,264 ft. 5 switchbacks down from the summit, on a tight hairpin turn, is a small parking area near 13,900ft. We travel along Colorado State Highway 103 for the first 12.9 miles before making our only traffic turn on the route onto Mt. Evans Highway. Additionally, as of summer 2020, there are expansion ruts (linear gaps) in the roadway along the top section of the climb which make descending uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. Note that there may be a park entrance fee charged beyond Echo Lake. We suggest at least a compact chain ring and 28 to 30t cassette. They have supported cyclists for years so let’s give back to them. More importantly, it gains another 3,400 feet. 9.2 miles gaining 2,246’ to 12,870’ at 4.4% average grade. Echo Lake Lodge, Gift Shop and Restaurant. Bruce Hamilton and Stacy Topping, USA Mile markers correlate to the start of Mt Evans Road at mile 13 of the full climb. Climbing Mt. Here is my Mt. Enter the Recreation area at mile 12.9 (No charge for bikes as of 2017). There are several ways people ride Mt. The grades are about the same as from Evergreen (6% range) except right up to Echo Lake, where they approach 10% for a short time. Mt Evans, Colorado -- the highest paved road (therefore the highest paved climb by bike) in North America! No hiking for us as we were heading to the airport. We travel along Colorado State Highway 103 for the first 12.9 miles before making our only traffic turn on the route onto Mt. We suggest at least a compact chain ring and 28 to 30t cassette. From Echo Lake to the Mount Evans parking lot, it’s another 14.65 miles. The Mount Evans is 4306 high. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway consists of State Highway 103 from Idaho Springs, Colorado on I-70 about 13 miles (21 km) to Echo Lake, and Colorado 5 from Echo Lake 15 miles (24 km), ending at a parking area and turnaround just below the summit. Facilities: There are 17 sites available. Pay the entrance fee and drive 9 miles up the Mt. Mt. ." Bottom middle photo - ultra cyclist and trekker Penny Fink. Evans Road Entrance Sign. Mount Evans Road is the highest paved road in all of North America, and it will take you to over 14,130 feet of elevation. Each July cyclists race from Idaho Springs (7,560’) to the end of the pavement above 14,000’ in the. I had jersey / shorts, arm warmers, a Gore Tex vest and knit gloves (the kind with the rubber dimples on the palm). Drive south on Colorado 103 for 13.5 miles to Echo Lake. Mount Evans Scenic Byway [CLOSED] is a 30.8 mile point-to-point trail located near Evergreen, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The out & back from Idaho Springs is the most popular route option. Gain insider knowledge on where to stay and how to conquer some of the most difficult climbs. Mt Evans, Colorado -- the highest paved road (therefore the highest paved climb by bike) in North America! Cycling Mt Evans, Colorado will earn you the badge of completing the highest paved climb by bike in NA. Evans. The climb has a short flat at Echo Lake and a slight downhill just before Summit Lake. Summit Parking. View down to Echo Lake from four miles up Mt. He just started cycling recently on an old bicycle and decided to try out Mt. This is a ride (climb) to the summit of one of Colorado's "14ers" - peaks over 14,000' in elevation and to the top of the highest paved road in the country. Evans Road (mile 12.9) is Echo Lake Park and the 1926 Echo Lake Lodge and Gift Shop where you can get supplies and/or a meal. Train as much as you have ever trained for any climb. Once there, enjoy the expansive views, but also look down and marvel at the view of the 11 switchbacks you just rode. The climb begins 2/10's of a mile southwest of the intersection of Highway 40 and Chicago Creek Road in Idaho Springs, Colorado, 55 miles west of Denver International Airport (39.73919, -105.52242 latitude/longitude). It will literally challenge body, mind and spirit. It’s essentially an all-day event that will require some careful planning in terms of nutrition, hydration and gear. Mt. Be aware that the top 5.3 miles of  the climb are limited to foot and cycling traffic after Labor Day (as of 2014) and closed to cyclists/hikers whenever weather dictates. The trail is primarily used for bird watching and scenic driving and is accessible year-round. The scenery along the route is spectacular, from the forested surroundings at lower altitude to the stark mountainous landscape as we ride above tree line. … You will have no SAG support after Labor Day from mile  22.1 (Summit Lake Park) to 27.4 (summit). At the junction of Highway 103 and Mt. At the Crest House. Just about to go above treeline here at mile 15.9. Climbing Mt. In August 2020, due to the pandemic, the road from Echo Lake to the Summit was closed . https://theknow.denverpost.com/2020/06/10/biking-mount-evans-2020/240346 Mt. Mountain Goats. The byway begins by Echo Lake, south of Idaho Springs, at around 10,600′. There are not many rides you will do where you can say, "This is the highest . Click map for an interactive version and downloadable GPS files. Evans Scenic Byway). The highway surface is a smooth two lane road with no bike lane,  but minimal traffic, particularly along the last several miles before the Mt Evans Road turn off. Evans by bike. There maybe occasional short 10% grades, but the average is just over 5% (4,000 divided by 15 times 5280 is .0505). After about an hour, I headed back down, packed up my gear, and hit the homeward bound road at 11:00. Traffic is mild for the entire climb on Mt. He thought my way of doing things seemed pretty neat; perhaps he'll try it some time. USAC Clubs: Racer X Cycling/Colo Bike Law, Team Evergreen Cycling. Evans and this lake is on the way there. Evans. View down to Echo Lake from four miles up Mt. Grades to Echo Lake average 3.5% for 6.7 miles and We ride in Arapaho National Forest most of the climb. but this is one of  them. . Top, best and greatest bike climbs in Colorado. Our climb begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado with a four mile warm up at 3.1%. Evans Highway. The start point in Idaho Springs is about 45 minutes east of Summit County, but if you fancy yourself a climber, this and Pikes Peak are the "Big Kahunas” for cycling in Colorado. Highway 103 -- a pristine roadway for the first half of the climb. , who died of melanoma at age 23 after having won the race an unbelievable six times in his young life. Evans, see the Recreation.gov page. Evans Highway. Evans Road (14 miles) and the roadway surface good, although a little rough for the five mile descent from the top to Summit Lake. This ride is done as a timed race in July each summer. . Mount Evans 6. You can park near the lake (by the picnic area) or drive up to the Echo Lake Lodge and park in one of the parking lots near the entrance to the Mt. How to Cycle Mount Evans: Train as much as you have ever trained for any climb. When you reach Echo Lake, take Route 5 (also known as the Mount Evans Road) and prepare yourself for some vertigo-inducing and precipitous views. Weather alert! It then travels 14 miles to the top. 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