Mount Evans
Mount Evans
5
About
From the top of Mount Evans, you’ll have the neighboring mountains and the Great Plains at your feet. To get there, drive from the town of Idaho Springs all the way to the mountaintop, pulling over occasionally to soak up the commanding views of the surroundings. The hike to the summit from the parking lot takes less than 10 minutes.
Make sure you visit in the warmer months, as the road to Mount Evans is closed for the best part of the year. If you’re up for some intense trekking, hike the 5.3-mile trail from Summit Lake.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,572 reviews
Excellent
2,150
Very good
358
Average
42
Poor
10
Terrible
12
K B
Houston, TX10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Once we got to the top, it was worth the terrifying drive up. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life and I don’t think I would ever do it again.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassbella
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA183 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Initially went to explore Idaho Springs but after seeing it as another tourist stop we ventured to the top of Mt Evans which is 14,000 feet above sea level! 14 miles to the top where we encountered sun, rain, sleet and snow at the summit. We even saw lightning strike as we came back down. The road up was nerve racking in several spots but just take it easy.
So glad we decided to do this vs leaving town.
On the way back down a few miles from town is a turn off with beautiful waterfalls that you can easily wade in the upper falls on a sunny warm day.
Next time we will have water shoes ready to go.
So glad we decided to do this vs leaving town.
On the way back down a few miles from town is a turn off with beautiful waterfalls that you can easily wade in the upper falls on a sunny warm day.
Next time we will have water shoes ready to go.
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodney M
3 contributions
Jun 2022
Spectacular 90 minute curvy drive from Denver drive to the summit of Mount Evans. It's worth the drive! View is spectacular! Make sure to reserve!
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael E
Northbrook, IL3 contributions
Jun 2022
Climbed on a bike from Idaho Springs on a perfect day in mid June (shortly after the road opened) with family driving up after spending some time in Idaho Springs. Great experience we all enjoyed, exhilarating views. Key was first acclimating for a week in Colorado sleeping around 8000' with some smaller climbs and also picking a nice sunny day with low winds. The road surface is great to Echo Lake, so-so before Summit Lake, then pretty bad, so took the family car down.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristyle B
5 contributions
Jun 2022
Beautiful drive up, a couple lakes and views for days! I've visted many times and have never been disappointed!
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SergioEvergreen
Evergreen, CO143 contributions
Jul 2022
The drive up was fun with plenty of wildlife to gawk at. The top is difficult to describe except to say that the views are spectacular.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha Gardner
Ames, IA8 contributions
Jun 2022
We were nervous because we went on a whim with no reservation not long before it closed, but we were able to pay and drive right in. We had to keep moving to not lose daylight, but it was an excellent drive with beautiful views. Because it was later in the day, we had the top of the mountain to ourselves. It was quite chilly, so bring a jacket, but it was well worth it. Drive slow and watch out for people driving too fast on the switchbacks.
Written 27 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A. M.
79 contributions
Aug 2022
What a drive with switchbacks, great views, and thinner air at the top. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the ride up to the top. Bring a jacket for the top it's colder, This is higher than the famous Pike Peak however no train! You must drive it. We loved it. If your comfortable with mountain driving this is worth the drive.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oohl
Adelaide, Australia230 contributions
Sep 2022
Beautiful drive, lots of pullouts on the road and scenic vistas.... and we had our fill of Rocky Mtn sheep pics.
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry Goodknight
Denver, CO34 contributions
Jun 2022
Mount Evans is a beautiful view, I believe it's a "14er", but not positive. The good thing about this trip is you can drive all the way up, so you get all the benefits of a 14er without the strenuous hike that usually goes along with it.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin I
Omaha, NE126 contributions
What are the odds that I’ll experience bad weather on the mountain between noon and 2pm in late June?
Michael R
Denver, CO
Are dogs allowed on any of the trails?
paulek116
Chorzow, Poland20 contributions
Yes, dogs are allowed but only on leash. However, the trail to the summit from the parking is quite narrow and steep (and sometimes icy) so it would be difficult to go there with your dog. And there are mountain goats around, so your dog may be nervous...
Melissa Gutierrez
Helotes, TX1 contribution
How far is Mount Evans from Downtown Denver?
Lisa R
Lone Tree, CO156 contributions
About 1.5 hours. But the drive up the mountain to 14 thousand feet takes an hour too. This road is narrow and no gaurd rails and lots if switchbacks. You have to go slow
Kathie
Braselton, GA17 contributions
Since Mount Evans is part of the National Forest System, will a senior NP pass get you in rather than the fee per person? Thanks for the information.
Heidi B
Englewood, CO217 contributions
About an hour to Idahoe Springs and another 30 minutes up to the top of Mount Evans parking lot. Then you can go on a little hike to the summit. Remember WATER , sun protection and change of weather - always have a jacket in the mountains!!
Going to be there in June on motorcycles. Can motorcycles drive up the mountain or only cars?
Renee T
Highlands Ranch, CO345 contributions
I'm late in responding, but the following roads are still closed due to heavy snow this season. Motorcycles are common and fine. The following roads are mostly still weeks (or more) away from being open:
– State Highway 5 Mount Evans
– State Highway 82 over Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen. (Scheduled to open in early June.)
– Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)
– Kebler Pass in the Crested Butte area (Scheduled to open late May or early June)
– Cottonwood Pass between Buena Vista and Gunnison County. (Scheduled to open Saturday, June 22)
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Claim your listingMOUNT EVANS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Evans
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mount Evans:
- Mt. Evans Summer Mountain Summit (From ₱7,146.02)
- Half Day Rappelling Clinic (From ₱15,624.86)
- Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado mountains (From ₱4,431.09)
- Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver (From ₱442.61)
- Smartphone Driving Tour between Boulder and Vail / Breckenridge (From ₱442.61)
- Hotels near Mount Evans:
- (11.16 km) Tumbling River Ranch
- (14.61 km) Hotel Chateau Chamonix
- (15.66 km) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown Lake
- (14.27 km) Georgetown Mountain Inn
- (13.95 km) Horstmann House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Mount Evans:
- (14.73 km) Cooper's on the Creek
- (14.30 km) The Alpine Restaurant & Bar
- (14.34 km) The Shaggy Sheep
- (13.78 km) The Happy Cooker
- (8.51 km) Echo Lake Lodge
- Attractions near Mount Evans:
- (0.17 km) Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- (6.03 km) Guanella Pass
- (14.02 km) Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour
- (13.58 km) Georgetown Loop Railroad
- (3.63 km) Summit Lake Park