Mt. Evans: A Fine Summer Outing on One of America’s Fourteeners

My Friends and Me at Some 14,000 Feet

There’s a lot of talk about fourteeners in Colorado, especially in the summer when some people make it a goal of hiking a bunch of them. Fourteener refers to a mountain at least 14,000 feet tall. Colorado claims fifty-three of them and yes, there are folks that miraculously manage to climb them all. Some are known to be fiercely challenging, characterized by scree fields and dramatic precipices that have proved to be many mountaineers’ demise, especially on the descent.

I’ve always thought I’d like to climb one some day, however, I think I need to hone my hiking skills more for such an endeavor. (A six-hour climb to the summit of a fourteener is about what’s required for even the easiest.)

So when my hunny expressed his desire to go to Mt.Evans, one of the Rocky Mountain state’s most renowned fourteeners, last weekend, my ears perked up. It didn’t matter that a stop at this Front Range mountain would require a significant detour from the rest of our itinerary. I was mainly happy that he wanted to visit something since he’s the kind of guy that would much rather hike, ski or climb a mountain. Touring in the most touristic sense of the word typically eludes him.

But we’re talking about a fourteener here. You actually drive to the summit of this more- than four-thousand meter peak. (Actually you drive to the parking lot at 14,130 feet, then climb a stretch to arrive at the 14,263 summit.) You see Mt. Evans boasts the highest paved road in the United States. And what a road—what a drive—it is!

It’s funny, in the more than ten years I’ve been living in Colorado, I haven’t heard much talk about Mt. Evans. I can tell you now that it’s one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever visited. The fourteen-mile drive from the entrance to the top wends around jaw-dropping cliffs that give way to expansive views across the Continental Divide. Much like on some of the most inspiring roads in the Alps, there are no guardrails on this narrow, barely two-lane road. I took solace in knowing that I had a good driver behind the wheel of a safe vehicle and that in case of a breakdown, AAA would nonetheless show up to provide assistance. (As long as the road is paved—no matter how high—AAA will come.)

Our drive began quietly enough through the cool, dark and moist subalpine forest, rich with spruce, low-lying bushes and a smattering of wildflowers (not so much this year). At tree limit, we were awed by centuries-old, stunted and crooked trees that have clearly struggled to grow in this windy and harsh climate. Long stretches of road then gave way to a high alpine landscape reminiscent of the “Sound of Music.” Marmots chirped and whistled as we traversed this odd-looking tundra blooming with wildflowers, moss and other types of unusual flora the likes of which we had never seen.

Arrival at the Summit of Mt. Evans—Or Almost

Mt. Evans Climbers

A few more hairpin turns later, we finally pulled up to the summit. I was kind of bummed to see that I had two bars remaining on my cell phone. Oh well, this and the steady flow of tourists visiting the top, didn’t prevent me from feeling like I had indeed reached an otherworldly environment, one which I had never experienced before. We climbed the extra distance to the top where we truly felt on top of the world. Looking down at immense mountain peaks is both empowering and humbling. Gazing out over misty, ethereal vistas feels beyond mystical.

We greeted fellow travelers at the summit. Folks from all corners of the earth—in saris, turbans and tank tops—much like the field of foreigners I’ve encountered at other outstanding sites such as the Grand Canyon and the Great Wall of China. Steve, my hunny, crawled to the highest peak for the perfect photo op. I had the nerve to ask him to stretch out his arms in triumph. (I missed the tippy-top by about ten feet.)

Our drive down felt more like a release albeit one filled with just as many oohs and aahs as the ascent. The native mammals—especially the mountain goats—showed up in great force. How lovely it is to see these kindly animals grazing peacefully in this unique land. How strong they must be to endure this inhospitable climate where even in summer, the average daytime temperature hovers in the low forties.

Superman on Top of the World

Oh Say Can You See

I never imagined a fourteener could fill me with so much wonder. I feel grateful that man managed to pave a road (in the 1920s no less!) to the top of of this magnificent mountain, for all to enjoy

Visiting Mt. Evans is surely a must in Colorado.

More Goats

Another Kind of Billy?

Note that the road to Mt. Evans is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, depending on the weather. Dress warmly and be prepared for all kinds of weather including snow and lightning. Sunscreen is extremely important at this elevation as well. And make sure your brakes are in good working order!

Stop into historic Echo Lake Lodge (303-567-2138 or 719-632-5168 in winter) for a refreshment and some fun souvenir shopping. Located at the entrance to the gatehouse for Mt. Evans, this lodge has been a popular place to visit since it was built in 1926.

Check out Mt. Evans.com, 14ers.com and Hiking the Rockies for more information on Mt. Evans and other fourteeners.

Want to buy a fourteener? Telluride Truffle, one of Colorado’s finest purveyors of chocolate, sells them in the form of fourteen exquisite, mountain-shaped wonders presented in one glorious package. They’re almost too beautiful to eat but eat them—no savor them—you must since their heavenly flavor will transport you high into the clouds. And as a special perk to Bonjour Colorado readers, type in promo code Bonjour in the Telluride Truffle Redeem Coupon Box upon ordering to receive a 10% discount on online orders.

Rainbow Over Dallas Divide

Thank you to my trusty iPhone for the above pictures. The rainbow was our reward after a long drive home to Telluride. It shines on Ralph Lauren’s ranch and some of the most glorious peaks of the San Juan Mountains. In the distance you can spot Mt. Sneffels, one of our famous fourteeners.