Where is Mount Evans Scenic Byway,Idaho Springs, Colorado?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mount Evans Scenic Byway is located in Colorado, USA. It lies between Idaho Springs and Echo Lake and is situated in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is famous for being the highest paved road in North America and offering stunning mountain views.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway Location Map,Idaho Springs, Colorado

Top Attractions Inside Mount Evans Scenic Byway

  • Summit of Mount Evans – High-altitude peak offering panoramic views and alpine landscapes.
  • Echo Lake – Picturesque mountain lake with picnic areas and short hiking trails.
  • Alpine Tundra Viewing – Unique high-elevation ecosystems with rare plants and wildlife.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and birds along the byway.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails ranging from short walks to challenging climbs in alpine terrain.
  • Summit Lake Park – Scenic stop with lake views, picnic areas, and access to nearby trails.
  • Scenic Pullouts & Overlooks – Multiple viewpoints offering dramatic vistas of mountains, valleys, and Denver skyline on clear days.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway Facts

Official NameMount Evans Scenic Byway
LocationIdaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado, USA
Latitude & Longitude39.5883° N, 105.6431° W (approx.)
Total AreaByway length: ~28 miles (45 km) from Idaho Springs to the summit of Mount Evans
Established1960s (as a scenic byway / road access to summit)
FounderColorado Department of Transportation & U.S. Forest Service
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service (Arapaho National Forest) & Colorado Department of Transportation
RegionFront Range / Rocky Mountains, Colorado
AddressMount Evans Scenic Byway, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA
Zip Code80452
Area Code303 / 720
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHigh-altitude Scenic Drive, Mountain Views, Wildlife Viewing, Alpine Lakes, Hiking Access
Sections (Areas)Idaho Springs Entrance - Echo Lake - Summit Lake - Mount Evans Summit Parking - Trailheads for Hiking
Famous AttractionsMount Evans Summit - Summit Lake - Echo Lake Park - Alpine Tundra Ecosystem - Wildlife (Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 200,000–250,000
Entry Fee TypeFree to access (no toll), parking at summit and Echo Lake may require a fee
Ticket Price RangeParking fee: ~$10 per vehicle at summit / Echo Lake
Ticket OptionsSelf-Drive Scenic Tour - Guided Mountain Tours - Hiking Trails - Photography Stops
Best Time to VisitJune–September (summer months, road open, mild weather); early morning recommended for wildlife and fewer crowds
Nearby AirportDenver International Airport (DEN) – ~60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar access via Mount Evans Scenic Byway from Idaho Springs - Hiking trails from parking areas - Guided tour buses
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=53187

Distances from Mount Evans Scenic Byway to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mount Evans Summit – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Echo Lake Park – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Summit Lake – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Mount Goliath – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Mount Evans Wilderness Area – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Idaho Springs, CO – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Georgetown, CO – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • St. Mary’s Glacier – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Mount Bierstadt – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Evergreen, CO – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Denver, CO Downtown – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Loveland Pass – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Clear Creek County – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Summit Lake Park – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Echo Lake Lodge – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Mount Evans Road Entrance – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Mount Evans Visitor Center – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Mount Evans Parking – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Mount Evans Rest Area – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Mount Evans Wildlife Viewing – 3 km (1.9 mi)