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
Colorado Maps and Info
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 Name | Mount Evans Scenic Byway |
| Location | Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 39.5883° N, 105.6431° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | Byway length: 28 miles (45 km) from Idaho Springs to the summit of Mount Evans |
| Established | 1960s (as a scenic byway / road access to summit) |
| Founder | Colorado Department of Transportation & U.S. Forest Service |
| Managed By | U.S. Forest Service (Arapaho National Forest) & Colorado Department of Transportation |
| Region | Front Range / Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
| Address | Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA |
| Zip Code | 80452 |
| Area Code | 303 / 720 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | High-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 Attractions | Mount Evans Summit - Summit Lake - Echo Lake Park - Alpine Tundra Ecosystem - Wildlife (Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep) |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 200,000–250,000 |
| Entry Fee Type | Free to access (no toll), parking at summit and Echo Lake may require a fee |
| Ticket Price Range | Parking fee: $10 per vehicle at summit / Echo Lake |
| Ticket Options | Self-Drive Scenic Tour - Guided Mountain Tours - Hiking Trails - Photography Stops |
| Best Time to Visit | June–September (summer months, road open, mild weather); early morning recommended for wildlife and fewer crowds |
| Nearby Airport | Denver International Airport (DEN) – 60 miles (97 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via Mount Evans Scenic Byway from Idaho Springs - Hiking trails from parking areas - Guided tour buses |
| Official Website | https://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)
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