How long is the road to Mount Evans?
Usa, north-america
23.17 km
4,307 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Colorado! This epic route clocks in at 14.4 miles, kicking off from the paved Mestaa’Ėhehe Road (aka Colorado State Highway 103) and winding its way to a staggering 14,130 feet. Yep, that's the highest paved road in North America!
Budget about 45 minutes to conquer this paved toll road, but trust me, you'll want to stop. Located just an hour west of Denver, the views are insane. Picture this: You're cruising through five different life zones, from lush forests to windswept alpine tundra. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and those adorable marmots. The road ends at a parking lot by the ruins of the Crest House.
Timing is everything. Summer is prime time, but here's a local's secret: try to hit the summit when thunderstorms are brewing around Denver. Watching the storm unfold from above, under a sunny sky, is seriously mind-blowing.
The views are killer. We're talking alpine lakes, massive granite formations, and ancient, twisted bristlecone pine trees. The road itself? A masterpiece of engineering with smooth curves. There are a ton of pull-offs, so you can soak in the scenery. Plus, the road delivers a killer aerial view of the Denver metro area.
Heads up: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The road has switchbacks and some serious drop-offs. Large vehicles (over 30 feet) should probably skip this one. When descending, drop it into a low gear to save your brakes. Also, remember to hydrate! The altitude can hit you hard, so take it easy on that final climb to the very top.
The road is usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (check conditions before you go), when the snowplows have cleared a path. They may keep the first part of the road open later.
Starting at Squaw Pass Road, you'll gain over 3,450 feet in elevation. Translation: It's steep! But oh-so-worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.17 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,307 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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