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 Summit of Mt. Evans by goingsolo
From I-70, its about a 13 mile drive to the road which takes you to the summit. This part of the drive is breathtaking as it meanders past snowbanks and offers glimpses of mountains iced in snow and covered with douglas firs. Near the entrance to the byway is Echo Lake Lodge, and one of the bluest lakes I have ever seen.
From here, its 14 miles to the summit. The road is narrow and winding with many a hairpin turn, but the views en route, and at the top, are worth it. Make sure to drive slowly and concentrate on the road as there is little room for error due to the sheer drops just inches beyond your tires. As you ascend, you'll probably encounter some mountain goats as well. The temperature also drops as you gain altitude, as you may have guessed. On a clear day in late May, it was nearly 80 degrees f. at the base, but dropped to about 48 deg at the top.
The byway is generally open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The CO DOT closes the road after the first heavy snowfall. I drove up a couple of days before Mem. Day when the road had just opened. The 14 ft high walls of snow that flanked the road accentuated the experience, even though they frayed my nerves just a tad.
There are 2 other things to be concerned about when attempting this drive. First, make sure that your car is adjusted for driving at this altitude. Most rental cars are, but if you're from another state, you may want to have your car checked before venturing up. This is not the greatest place for a stalled vehicle.
Second, beware of altitude sickness. Driving results in a quick ascent to 14,000 feet. If you feel dizzy, nauseous and/or have a headache, you probably have a touch of altitude sickness. The symptoms will disappear as you drive down from the summit, but don't stay at altitute too long if the symptoms develop, especially if you're the one driving. Leave a Comment Directions: From I-70, take the Idaho Springs exit to CO 103. Head south on 103 until you reach CO 5. Follow this road to the summit.Website: www.clearcreekcounty.org
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One of the highest peaks in Colorado is Mt. Evans at over 14,000 feet, about 60 miles west of Denver. It can be reached by way of what is purported to be the highest paved highway in North America. We were here in late December and did not see much wildlife, but there are bighorn sheep, elk and goats among alpine tundra and bristlecone pines (many are over 1,000 years old). I also understand that on a clear day you can see Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak, the Sangre de Cristo Range, Pikes Peak and the Continental Divide. The peak is accessible by hiking or, depending on snow fall, the Mt. Evans Byway (highway) opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes on Labor Day. There is a fee for use of the highway Nearby is the ancient glacial Echo Lake which is a most picturesque place for hiking, camping and picnicing. There are grills, tables and a stone shelter as well as a campground and the always welcome toilet facilities.
We are not hikers, but enjoyed the drive and the magnificent scenery. The Byway to the peak was closed for the winter so we didn’t reach the peak. However we were at about 13,500 ft which is the highest place on earth we have ever been Leave a Comment Directions: Take Interstate 70 west from Denver and exit 240 at Idaho Springs on Interstate 70. Drive south on Colorado 103 for 13.5 miles at Echo Lake.
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 by goingsolo
These are considered non-technical hikes, but there is some scrambling involved. If you decide to attempt this hike, make sure to have a good topo map and all the hiking essentials. Leave a Comment Directions: 40 mi w of Denver. I-70 to Exit 221, s to Stevens Gulch/Stevens Mine (4 mi) on a steep gravel road to parking lot. 4 wheel drive is not required but autos will have to take their time.
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Cute shops, great hiking in the Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, The Stanley Hotel which is where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining. Leave a Comment Directions: Estes Park--Take 36 west and then follow the signs (get a map too).Other Contact: The Stanley Hotel is where we ta
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Because of its proximity to Denver and its relative easiness, the mountain is very popular with beginner climbers and hikers. If you've hours on hand you can start at the base and trek all the way to the summit. To go back down, just do as the locals do and hitchhike. Since we didn't have all day we drove to the base of the summit (there is a $10 fee for all cars going to the summit). From Echo Lake at the base there are plenty of trails leading to the very top. Just be sure to dress warmly (as you can see from the pictures there's abundant permafrost) and acclimate yourself properly to the high altitude.
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Its different and kind of fun to see what you can come up with Directions: Between Denver and Central City you can't miss the signs
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Lots to do and "if you don't see an Elk, I'll give you $100." Elk were everywhere. There's lots of history at this park. You can also drive around to the Continental Divide, which is just a sign.
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Rafting and flyfishing during the summer and skiing during the winter.
It is neat to experience Vail in Winter and summer. I will remember the flyfishing as much as my visit there to ski. Leave a Comment Directions: Flyfishing on the Eagle River with Flyfishing Outfitter.
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Rocky Mountains is the place to be. You have to ski, snow board, sled, anything. you have too see how beautiful these mountains really are. they will blow you away.
There are numerous reasons to love these mountains so much. they are so beautiful and breath taking. they are also fun. there are about 4 different ski resorts within an hour of each other with some of the greatest snow in all of the US. This the place for letting loose and having fun. Leave a Comment Address: Copper Mountain, Breckinridge, Aspen
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4150 E. Mississippi Ave., Denver, CO - Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport
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