Last weekend I was reminded of the beauty I am surrounded by every day – the amazing Rocky Mountains in Colorado. My bloggy BFF Heather, from Terrell Family Fun came for a visit so we could see Adele in concert together (AMAZING!) and we had one day to do some mountain exploration. I wasn’t sure where to take her because the mountain traffic on Sunday afternoon is terrible but after talking to a few friends I decided to do the Mount Evans Scenic Byway drive with her.
About Mount Evans Scenic Byway:
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. A day trip to the top is a journey that snakes and climbs through nearly 9,000 feet of elevation gain, from the high plains of Denver through five climate zones to the 14,264-foot summit of Mount Evans – one of 54 peaks in Colorado that soar to 14,000 feet and above – the famous “fourteeners.”
I am a native of Colorado and this was my first trip to Mount Evans and now this is my go to day trip for anyone that comes for a visit because WOW! First, look at this photo above, that winding paved road is SMALL and narrow – hello cliff! Second, look at this view – it is only just beginning.
Heather was kind enough to capture my white knuckle driving up the incline! HA! This was a whole new experience for me, I have driven in the mountains my entire driving “career” but this trip was different. We kept saying #JustDontSneeze – seriously!
Once we made it up the road we entered a whole new environment and climate. It was 95 degrees in Denver that day but up on Mount Evans it was a nice brisk 45 degrees. You could totally tell who wasn’t from Colorado because they were the people dressed in snow suits and hats! That fresh cool breeze felt so refreshing. CLEAN air!! Also, notice there are no trees – at 14,264 feet above sea level we were above timberline.
Mountain Goats roam around the summit. We didn’t get any photos but there were some adorable little baby goats too.
The moments we spent looking around and taking in the views were totally refreshing and perfect. Its days like this that we all need – take a moment and look around the space you live in every day. All I can think about is how amazing it is that we live in a state that you can drive up a mountain and feel like you are at the top of the world.
Tips for visiting Mount Evans Scenic Byway:
- Take Water – altitude sickness is real
- Stop at all of the “viewing areas”
- Bring a camera
- If you do not like the cool weather – pack warmer clothing
- Wear hiking shoes or tennis shoes
- Admission is $15 per car
- Have a driver comfortable with intense driving
- Plan for at least two hours for drive up and exploring
Purple Mountain Majesty!
A beautiful breathtaking view. For those really dedicated mountain explorers you can also hike to the summit just like any of the fourteeners in Colorado.
If you are looking for a great day trip when in Colorado you must add this to your list – hey natives I am talking to you too!!
Have you taken a trip to a Fourteener in Colorado?
Wow, just stunning!! I would love to drive around here…with all there is to see! I'm from Canada but in the south there's not much to look at. Everything's pretty flat and boring!
You have some wonderful pictures and it sounds like it was such a wonderful journey. I love traveling through mountains, there is something mystic about and you have a peace that surrounds you.
Visiting the Rockies with my family is on my bucket list, for sure! I just can't get over those breathtaking views. Thank you for tips — hopefully I make it there soon with my family.