Overview:
- Idaho Springs, CO
- CO-103S toward Mt Evans
- CO-5S at Park Entrance to the Mt Evans Summit
- CO-5S to Park Exit then continue on CO-103S toward Evergreen CO
- 63 Miles – Approx 2:15 hrs
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Description:
Getting to the top of the Mt Evans Scenic Byway gets you to the highest paved byway in North America at 14,130ft, which is only 15ft higher than its cousin ride up to the top of Pikes peak. It climbs over 7,000ft along the 28-mile stretch. Mt Evans has gone through a name change in 2023, and signs will start changing to the new name of “Mount Blue Sky.”
Before making the trip up to the top of Mt Evans, make sure you check the temperature and make sure you have appropriate clothing as the peak is 20-30 degrees cooler than in Idaho Springs.
Riding to the top of Mt Evans requires a reservation. These reservations (and the associated ticket) are available from https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438. The reservation set-up seems to work well so it controls the number of vehicles, so it does not become bumper-to-bumper.
Starting in Idaho Spring, CO, take CO-103S toward Mt Evans. CO-103S is the 2nd Idaho Springs exit off IH-70 coming from Denver. It is also the 2nd Idaho springs exit coming east on IH-70. This road winds slowly gaining elevation at first and then you start getting more sweeping and hairpin turns as you progress along the 13 miles on CO-103S. At that point you will see a turnoff to the right toward Mt Evans and there is a park entrance for CO-5. There is a parking area at the intersection of CO-103 and CO-5 where you can wait till your reservation time.
After starting up CO-5, you are still below the tree line for a mile or so, then it opens up and you have some sweeping and gentle turns until you get to Summit lake, where there is a rest area. As you progress beyond Summit lake, it quickly becomes more challenging as it becomes almost exclusively switch backs and hairpin turns. The road also gets a little narrower and a little rougher so care should be taken on the last stretch. There is parking at the top of Mt Evans and the views are amazing. There is also an old structure and there are some mountain goats that hang out at the structure.
Upon heading down, as you exit the park, turn right to continue on CO-103S toward Evergreen. CO-103 continues to have nice turns and elevation changes for another 32 miles.
Turn left onto CO-74 and continue on it toward IH-70. CO-74 will give you the ability to merge onto IH-70 heading either east toward Denver or west toward Grand Junction.
Road Conditions:
CO-103 is very well paved and maintained. CO-5 up to the top is well maintained pretty much even as you are above the trees. However, about 2 miles before you get to Summit lake, the road starts getting rough and narrower as winter weather takes its toll on the road and it is not maintained every summer.
