Although the trail climbs only 120 feet in elevation, it will seem like you climbed the whole mountain.
At this altitude, there is much less oxygen and breathing is difficult. At the mountain's top, there is a short quarter-mile trail to the 14,264-foot summit. At 13,000 feet, this is also a Denver Mountain Park and a good place to spot bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats, both of which have herds on the mountain. They also offer guided hikes throughout the summer.Īnother good stop on the way to the top is Summit Lake. The tree thrives on adversity in severe, windy locations.ĭenver Botanic Gardens maintains a trail from here to Mount Goliath that winds across tundra, lined with alpine forget-me-nots, fairy primrose, purple fringe, chiming bells and spring beauty. They don't fare as well in Colorado because, ironically, the conditions are too good for them. These are the oldest living things on earth in California and Nevada, they achieve ages of 4,000 years. An excellent stop here is at the Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, where you can view 1,700-year-old Bristlecone pines. In just three miles, the road breaks above timberline. The Mount Evans Byway starts at Echo Lake and climbs 14 miles to the summit. The lodge has a restaurant, bar, and gift shop and is known for their pan-fried trout. In summer, be sure to stop at the Echo Lake Lodge, an authentic 1926 log building with a charming four-sided stone fireplace. Today, Denver's Mountain Parks protect more than 14,000 acres of natural beauty. To save them, the city purchased land, creating a mountain park division that ultimately included treasures such as Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and Buffalo Bill's grave, which sits high atop Lookout Mountain. More than one hundred years ago, city officials realized that development was threatening some of the most scenic areas in the nearby Rocky Mountains. There are picnic tables, hiking trails and fishing opportunities at this pretty alpine lake.Īlthough it is 10,600 feet above sea level and 40 miles from Denver, Echo Lake is part of Denver's unique mountain park system. ECHO LAKEĬontinue south on State Highway 103 for 14 miles, slowly climbing in elevation with new vistas in every direction until you reach lovely Echo Lake.
There is a National Forest information center here with maps and information on hiking trails and road conditions. Forest Service.) To "bag" this fourteener, head west from Denver on I-70 for 32 miles to Exit 240 at the town of Idaho Springs. (The day after Labor Day, the road is open from Echo Lake to the upper Summit Lake through the first weekend in October, weather permitting, according to the U.S. Because of snow, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Highway 5) is generally open to cars all the way to the summit only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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