Once there, enjoy the expansive views, but also look down and marvel at the view of the 11 switchbacks you just rode. 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. When to cycle Mount Evans:  “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. It will literally challenge body, mind and spirit. The race has been held every year (except three) since its inaugural in 1962. It’s essentially an all-day event that will require some careful planning in terms of nutrition, hydration and gear. Evans. 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 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. Aerial view of the hairpins at the top of the climb. Colorado is a mecca for climbing, particularly high altitude climbing, and routes across the Continental Divide. Evans. Bring something other than cycling shoes if you plan to hike to the peak (14,265’). Evans … 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. START LINE 320 Chicago Creek Road (THE OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL) IN IDAHO SPRINGS – FINISH IS AT THE SUMMIT. Ride 12.9 miles, gaining 3,090’ to elevation 10,632, at 4.5% average grade. . Evans. We travel along Colorado State Highway 103 for the first 12.9 miles before making our only traffic turn on the route onto Mt. At the Crest House. Echo Lake is a delightful mountain park with picnic benches, lake fishing, and views of snowcapped peaks. Each July cyclists race from Idaho Springs (7,560’) to the end of the pavement above 14,000’ in the. From Echo Lake to the Mount Evans parking lot, it’s another 14.65 miles. Grades to Echo Lake average 3.5% for 6.7 miles and 5.8% for 5.8 miles. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in Colorado, at 14,130 ft. Colorado’s “New Switzerland” opened by 1930. but this is one of  them. This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 10:59 am and tagged with bucket list, climbing, colorado, cycling, denver, echo lake, elevation, Idaho springs, juniper pass, Mount Evans, rocky mountains, summit lake and posted in Climbs. 9.2 miles gaining 2,246’ to 12,870’ at 4.4% average grade. It is highly recommended that you climb a few of the "lower" peaks in the area before tackling Mt. . Note: Photos are to be used only to promote Colorado as a leisure destination or in a news story. That goes on top of the starting point of almost 11,000 mind you. Pikes Peak Hwy is Colorado’s second highest road (not all paved), reaching 14,115 ft. Mountain Goats. You cannot cycle any higher than this in North America. In other words, things get really high, really early on the second half. Evans Highway. For detailed information on camping near Echo Lake in Mt. 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. Evans and this lake is on the way there. Find out which part of the climb will be most challenging. I had jersey / shorts, arm warmers, a Gore Tex vest and knit gloves (the kind with the rubber dimples on the palm). Six miles from the middle of the first segment up to the summit from Summit Lake. This is a beautiful shallow glacially formed lake. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, deer, marmot, mountain goat. 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. but this is one of  them. Note that there may be a park entrance fee charged beyond Echo Lake. Cycling Mount Evans - This is an extremely difficult bike climb to the highest paved roadway finish in North America. After about an hour, I headed back down, packed up my gear, and hit the homeward bound road at 11:00. The Mount Evans hill climb is a Colorado classic that every cyclist must check off the list. I had climbed several 8,000' peaks in California the week before the trip, but that didn't sufficiently prepare me for another mile of climbing after 8,000'! Our climb begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado with a four mile warm up at 3.1%. Miles 0-13 are along Highway 103 (Chicago Creek and Squaw Creek Roads). You've now bagged one of Colorado's "14ers" in a unique fashion. Mountain goats (top) and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (bottom) in August 2020. . Idaho Springs Heritage Museum. To the summit is 5.4 miles, gaining 1,460’ at 4.6% to elevation 14,150’. At the junction of Highway 103 and Mt. Echo Lake is located along Highway 103 just north of the Mount Evans Entrance station. Great summaries of Mt  Evans are found at. Starting at Echo Lake will cut the ride shorter to a 14-mile climb. ." You can follow … Just off I70 on Highway 103 (Mt. and 1.2 miles -- just about to the most challenging part of the ride. Evans Road Entrance Sign. It was built as a result of Pikes Peak Highwayand Denver’s competition for tourists. 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. The trail is primarily used for bird watching and scenic driving and is accessible year-round. For the latest information about the road visit [. Drive south on Colorado 103 for 13.5 miles to Echo Lake. Bikers. Cycling Mt. Mt. For the latest information about the road visit [this website]”  (Forest Service - Mount Evans). There is public parking on the left at the beginning of the ride . Check elevation, wildlife, summaries, and detailed climb info. Each July cyclists race from Idaho Springs (7,560’) to the end of the pavement above 14,000’ in the Bob Cook Memorial Bicycle Race. For sure, climbing between 12,000' and 14,000' is a lot different than climbing from 10,000' to 12,000’. The annual Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb put on by Team Evergreen Cycling, takes place every July going up Mount Evans from the Idaho Springs route. First few miles after turning onto Mt. Nestled in mature subalpine forest near Echo Lake, the Mt. Evans. Cycling Mt. It's actually a fantastic ride down into Idaho Springs from Mt. It is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 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. Climbing Mt. Top, best and greatest bike climbs in Colorado. You’ll know you are near the lakes because just before Echo and Summit Lakes there is a brief descent. You will pass through 3 climate zones, passing ancient trees, lakes and forest, and land above timberline; and may see a mountain goat or two as well. The road to the summit of Mount Evans is the highest paved auto road in North America, climbing to 14,260 feet above sea level. Evans greatest bike climb. How to Cycle Mount Evans: Train as much as you have ever trained for any climb. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Evans, Colorado: The highest paved road in North America. 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. USAC Clubs: Racer X Cycling/Colo Bike Law, Team Evergreen Cycling. This ride is done as a timed race in July each summer. Discover beautiful landscapes with drone video and professional photos of remote and exotic places. The lake was pretty and we snooped around the lodge that was closed too. Its length is … Evans summit is typically accessible by vehicle from late May through late September. There are two downhill sections around 11,000-12,000'. 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. From each of these points you view the first mile up from Summit Lake to the top (elevation 12,839’-13,142’). I was a bit light headed and wobbly towards the top my first of three trips up Mt. They have supported cyclists for years so let’s give back to them. We suggest at least a compact chain ring and 28 to 30t cassette. It then travels 14 miles to the top. Mt. Mt. Enter the Recreation area at mile 12.9 (No charge for bikes as of 2017). 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