From each of these points you view the first mile up from Summit Lake to the top (elevation 12,839’-13,142’). Evans and this lake is on the way there. Greatest bike climbs in the world. It is the only place between Idaho Springs on Highway 70 and Mount Evans where you can find an excellent meal, water & other hiking needs and Mount Evans collectibles and souvenirs. Evans … Evans, Colorado: The highest paved road in North America. There maybe occasional short 10% grades, but the average is just over 5% (4,000 divided by 15 times 5280 is .0505). Note: the Mount Evans Highway (Colorado Highway 5, from Echo Lake to the summit) will not open to motorized vehicles for the 2020 season. Cycling Mt Evans, Colorado will earn you the badge of completing the highest paved climb by bike in NA. Be aware that the top 5.3 miles of  the climb are limited to foot and cycling traffic after Labor Day (as of 2014) and closed to cyclists/hikers whenever weather dictates. Just about to go above treeline here at mile 15.9. Cycling Mt. For the latest information about the road visit [. It then travels 14 miles to the top. These are more noticeable on the return home since you have to bike uphill on these. Please bring a little extra money to stop at the Echo Lake Lodge and buy yourself a treat (bring your mask). I had climbed several 8,000' peaks in California the week before the trip, but that didn't sufficiently prepare me for another mile of climbing after 8,000'! Evans. Each July cyclists race from Idaho Springs (7,560’) to the end of the pavement above 14,000’ in the. Facilities: There are 17 sites available. This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 10:59 am and tagged with bucket list, climbing, colorado, cycling, denver, echo lake, elevation, Idaho springs, juniper pass, Mount Evans, rocky mountains, summit lake and posted in Climbs. Each July cyclists race from Idaho Springs (7,560’) to the end of the pavement above 14,000’ in the Bob Cook Memorial Bicycle Race. Evans by bicycle is one of the most classic, epic, exhilarating and awesome ways to spend a summer day in Colorado. Evans Highway. Erich Pawelka, Vienna, Austria, There are not many rides you will do where you can say, "This is the highest . The climb has a short flat at Echo Lake and a slight downhill just before Summit Lake. Great summaries of Mt  Evans are found at. Evans Highway. Cycling Mount Evans - This is an extremely difficult bike climb to the highest paved roadway finish in North America. Explore the route with streetviews, photos,videos, weather reports as well as browse other routes in the area. . 3% less oxygen for every 1,000' of climbing (42% less oxygen at 14,000' than at sea level). In August 2020, due to the pandemic, the road from Echo Lake to the Summit was closed . The trail is primarily used for bird watching and scenic driving and is accessible year-round. You gain 1993 altitude metres in 46.6 km. The road and access to the top of Mount Evans is closed at Summit Lake the day after Labor Day. Prepare for your journey with our interactive map below. You’ll know you are near the lakes because just before Echo and Summit Lakes there is a brief descent. Evans. Bottom middle photo - ultra cyclist and trekker, The Mount Evans Road and Scenic Byway (Colorado Highway 5) is typically open the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the first weekend in October, depending on weather conditions. Evans Scenic Byway). Note: Photos are to be used only to promote Colorado as a leisure destination or in a news story. If it doesn’t look good by the time we hit the gate at Echo Lake, we will drop down to Idaho Springs for the Reverse Loop of Hell. Ride 27 miles gaining 6,740’ to 14,130’ at 4.5% average grade. The climb begins 2/10's of a mile southwest of the intersection of Highway 40 and Chicago Creek Road in Idaho Springs, Colorado, 55 miles west of Denver International Airport (39.73919, -105.52242 latitude/longitude). See http://www.bicyclerace.com for more info. This ride is named after Bob Cook, who died of melanoma at age 23 after having won the race an unbelievable six times in his young life. Once at the top parking lot, there is a short, but rewarding hike to the summit at 14,264 ft. It is highly recommended that you climb a few of the "lower" peaks in the area before tackling Mt. Take Exit 240 at Idaho Springs on Interstate 70. The start point in Idaho Springs is about 45 minutes east of Summit County, but if you fancy yourself a climber, this and Pikes Peak are the "Big Kahunas” for cycling in Colorado. That goes on top of the starting point of almost 11,000 mind you. Tips & Resources for Hiking Echo Lake, Colorado : TIP: Early morning means that Echo lake is still, providing no windy weather, and is a perfect time to photograph or just to observe the rocky mountains reflected in the water. Top, best and greatest bike climbs in Colorado. For sure, climbing between 12,000' and 14,000' is a lot different than climbing from 10,000' to 12,000’. but this is one of  them. Evans Road Entrance Sign. It is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. After about an hour, I headed back down, packed up my gear, and hit the homeward bound road at 11:00. The Mount Evans is 4306 high. If you love climbing by bike and would like more detailed information on the world’s top bike climbs, join our PJAMM Cycling group and receive our Special Edition Climb Report. There is public parking on the left at the beginning of the ride . First few miles after turning onto Mt. Mount Evans 6. Six miles from the middle of the first segment up to the summit from Summit Lake. Owned by Denver Mountain Parks and is known for its excellent fishing (it is stocked yearly) and its picnic area at the north end of the lake. Drive south on Colorado 103 for 13.5 miles at Echo Lake. Erich Pawelka, Vienna, Austria. No hiking for us as we were heading to the airport. The climb has a short flat at Echo Lake and a slight downhill just before Summit Lake. He just started cycling recently on an old bicycle and decided to try out Mt. You can drive to Echo Lake and ride the 15 mile, 3,500 foot climb. The marmots in particular seem very curious and you likely will encounter them staring at you along the side of the road towards the very top of the climb. For the latest information about the road visit [this website]”  (Forest Service - Mount Evans). Operation Pie! The second half is a steady climb to the top. Evans Road (mile 12.9) is Echo Lake Park and the 1926 Echo Lake Lodge and Gift Shop where you can get supplies and/or a meal. , who died of melanoma at age 23 after having won the race an unbelievable six times in his young life. Evans summit is typically accessible by vehicle from late May through late September. From I-70 take Exit 240 and then Colorado Highway 103 to Echo Lake. We suggest at least a compact chain ring and 28 to 30t cassette. Dogs are also able to use this trail. . Evans- Summit Lake. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway consists of State Highway 103 from Idaho Springs, Colorado on I-70 about 13 miles (21 km) to Echo Lake, and Colorado 5 from Echo Lake 15 miles (24 km), ending at a parking area and turnaround just below the summit. Great summaries of Mt  Evans are found at Steep Climbs and Mt. Evans. Evans Road (14 miles) and the roadway surface good, although a little rough for the five mile descent from the top to Summit Lake. Its length is … Starting at Echo Lake will cut the ride shorter to a 14-mile climb. The course record is held by Tom Danielson, who did the climb in 1:41:20 in 2004 and again in 1:42:09 in 2009 - that's averaging 16 mph on the way UP! Mount Evans is the closest fourteener to Denver, and the 28-mile drive south from Idaho Springs rises nearly 7,000 feet. We travel along Colorado State Highway 103 for the first 12.9 miles before making our only traffic turn on the route onto Mt. Aerial view of the hairpins at the top of the climb. . The byway begins by Echo Lake, south of Idaho Springs, at around 10,600′. Last of ~12 hairpins between Summit Lake and climb finish. You can follow … Cycling Mt. If you want to get a sense of the magnitude, check out The Col Collective’s video. Evans by bike. Ride 12.9 miles, gaining 3,090’ to elevation 10,632, at 4.5% average grade. Evans/Echo Lake - See 2,534 traveler reviews, 1,789 candid photos, and great deals for Denver, CO, at Tripadvisor. START LINE 320 Chicago Creek Road (THE OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL) IN IDAHO SPRINGS – FINISH IS AT THE SUMMIT. There are not many rides you will do where you can say, "This is the highest . Enter the Recreation area at mile 12.9 (No charge for bikes as of 2017). and 1.2 miles -- just about to the most challenging part of the ride. I was a bit light headed and wobbly towards the top my first of three trips up Mt. Mountain Goats. Grades to Echo Lake average 3.5% for 6.7 miles and The race has been held every year (except three) since its inaugural in 1962. Idaho Springs Heritage Museum. Get detailed and entertaining information on the greatest bike climbs and climbing areas throughout the world. Drive east on I-70 to Idaho Springs exit 240, turn right and park at the Forest Service Visitor Center on the south side of I-70. This is the highest high-altitude cycling you'll ever get on a road bike in North America, so be prepared. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. Evans, starting from Echo Lake. ." The highway surface is a smooth two lane road with no bike lane,  but minimal traffic, particularly along the last several miles before the Mt Evans Road turn off. We ride in Arapaho National Forest most of the climb. Roadway and Traffic:  Miles 0-13 are along Highway 103 (Chicago Creek and Squaw Creek Roads). When you reach Echo Lake, take Route 5 (also known as the Mount Evans Road) and prepare yourself for some vertigo-inducing and precipitous views. At the junction of Highway 103 and Mt. Evans and makes a nice end-to-end roughly 80 mile ride starting in Evergreen and ending in Idaho Springs with a side trip up Mt. Traffic is mild for the entire climb on Mt. Bottom middle photo - ultra cyclist and trekker Penny Fink. . Evans road (Colorado 5). https://theknow.denverpost.com/2020/06/10/biking-mount-evans-2020/240346 You've now bagged one of Colorado's "14ers" in a unique fashion. The highway surface is a smooth two lane road with no bike lane,  but minimal traffic, particularly along the last several miles before the Mt Evans Road turn off. Just off I70 on Highway 103 (Mt. 9.2 miles gaining 2,246’ to 12,870’ at 4.4% average grade. The out & back from Idaho Springs is the most popular route option. You will have no SAG support after Labor Day from mile  22.1 (Summit Lake Park) to 27.4 (summit). Echo Lake Lodge, Gift Shop and Restaurant. From The Summit. We go above the tree line around mile 16 and from there to the top are striking, unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and several natural and beautiful lakes along the way. The Echo Lake Campground is located near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Evans along Highway 103. Many people start in Idaho Springs (the route of the famous Bob Cook Memorial race) which adds 13 miles and 3,600 feet of climbing. RACE DISTANCE 28 MILES, EXCEPT FOR JUNIORS 9-16, WHICH IS 11.1 MILES, START TO ECHO LAKE. Grades to Echo Lake average 3.5% for 6.7 miles and 5.8% for 5.8 miles. Professional (or soon to be professional) cyclists have won the race over the years, such as: Alexi Grewal 1981, 1984, 1990; Ned Overend 1985-1986; Michael Engleman 1991-1995; Jonathan Vaughters 1997, 1999; Scott Moninger 1998, 2000-2002; Tom Danielson 4004, 2007, 2009; Peter Stetina 2010; LeRoy Popowski 2011-2013; Christopher Carr 2013; Lachlan Morton 2015; Chris Butler 2016; Chad Haga 2017; and Gregory Daniel 2018. I had jersey / shorts, arm warmers, a Gore Tex vest and knit gloves (the kind with the rubber dimples on the palm). Bruce Hamilton and Stacy Topping, USA For detailed information on camping near Echo Lake in Mt. Evans. It will literally challenge body, mind and spirit. The iconic peak’s snowcapped, east-facing slopes are … The lake was pretty and we snooped around the lodge that was closed too. The climb begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado. USAC Clubs: Racer X Cycling/Colo Bike Law, Team Evergreen Cycling. Mt Evans, Colorado -- the highest paved road (therefore the highest paved climb by bike) in North America! Find out which part of the climb will be most challenging. 5.3 miles gaining 1,376’ to elevation 14,130’ at 4.7% average grade. This is a ride (climb) to the summit of one of Colorado's "14ers" - peaks over 14,000' in elevation and to the top of the highest paved road in the country. Once there, enjoy the expansive views, but also look down and marvel at the view of the 11 switchbacks you just rode. Prepare for your journey by reviewing the gradient profile. The highest paved road in North America - 14,130’. 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