Mount Evans (Mt. Blue Sky) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

42
PDI
27.4 mi
DISTANCE
6,774 ft
GAINED
4.6 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Bruce Hamilton and Stacy Topping, USA Erich Pawelka, Vienna, Austria

INTRO

"The paved road on Mount Evans ends as the highest in the northwestern hemisphere and is one of the most unique rides in the World. One of the most difficult climbs in Colorado, it is not steep but its length and altitude will work on many riders all the way up to its craggy summit. The start is a bit congested and over shallow grade but signs of civilization soon end and the grade gradually increases along a tree lined route within a drainage. Graceful curves and a very steady grade accompany you on this stretch. As you approach Echo Lake the grade eases and then goes flat for a short section as you pass the lake on the right..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in Colorado, pg. 100.)

Mt. Evans has been renamed Mt. Blue Sky. 
Climbing Mt. Evans is all about altitude, not gradient.  The grade is almost always in the 4-7% range.  45% of the climb (12.4 miles) is at 0-5% grade and 47% (12.7 miles)  5-10%.  The steepest quarter mile is only 8.4% and the steepest mile 6.6%.  I've ridden Mount Evans four times and do not recall ever seeing a double digit grade on my Garmin.  The average grade is a mild 4.5% (5.8% if several brief descents are removed from the equation).  

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Note from NFS Website:  "Construction will begin in late July or early August 2024 with a temporary lane closure in the project area near Summit Lake. Visitors may experience traffic delays. Starting Sept. 3, 2024, through all of 2025, Mount Blue Sky Highway will be closed to motorized and non-motorized travel (foot, bike, etc.)."

Roadway:  The roadway is in excellent condition although beware of the expansion joints (linear ruts) in the road along much of the upper section of the climb -- they are very uncomfortable.  

Traffic:  Mild and not a problem.  

Parking:  There is ample public parking at the climb start. Map, Street View. 
The only place to get food and liquids is the Echo Lake Lodge at mile 13 (Google Map + Reviews).  As for clothing, check the PJAMM weather tool for Peak Weather and bring warm clothing as indicated by the summit weather forecast.  Remember, you are starting your climb nearly 7,000' above where you start. 
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
You would not go wrong by staying in Denver (30 miles) or Boulder (44 miles), as both locations are great places to stage a cycling trip.
Booking your travels through one of these links helps us continue to bring you awesome info on climbing and cycling. Thank you! 

At the Top:  Check out the views at the parking lot and sun dial area. Also consider walking a short distance to the Welcome Center near the lot and Meyer Womble Observatory (Google Map + Reviews; the observatory is not open but the hike and views are great).  Also consider hiking to the very summit (4350m/14,271') which is a 0.3 mile hike gaining 80' (map).  See All Trails Best trails in Mount Evans Wilderness if you are interested in hiking. 

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Strenuous
2.8
Road
3.6
Traffic
4.9
Scenery

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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

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Jul 22, 2024
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 1
Jul 22, 2024
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 1
This is one of the most spectacular climbs anywhere because of the scenery and the altitude and the wildlife, but beware: The road quality between Summit Lake (~12,800’) and the top of the road is not to be underestimated, especially on the descent. Cracks, crevices, craters, holes, and (frost) heaves abound, making for a descent that wears heavily on the brakes and on the hands that operate them. Heading down, take the first several miles off the summit much more slowly than usual.
Jun 21, 2024
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 4
traffic: 4
road: 4
Jun 21, 2024
scenery: 4
traffic: 4
road: 4
This is a review up to Mt. Goliath (which is about 16 mi. up) as I (a) wasn't acclimated to higher altitudes, and (b) was rocking a head cold. A few notes: 1. Bikes are indeed free, no toll. 2. Mt. Goliath has a little visitor center for a scenic view and vault toilets. 3. There is NO potable water on this trip - Echo Lake Lodge is CLOSED and doesn't appear to be reopening any time soon. 4. The descent from Mt. Goliath is BUMPY - the little seams one rides over going up become like craters on the way down. However, once you get to the last 13 miles on Rt. 103, it's a fast descent and smooth sailing! I'd try this again if given the chance, but it's amazing how a 5% gradient feels like death when under the weather and unexposed to high altitudes.
Aug 11, 2023
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 2
road: 3
Aug 11, 2023
scenery: 5
traffic: 2
road: 3
Aug 10, 2023 Parked at the ranger station at the start of hwy 103 in Idaho Springs. As others have mentioned, great road up to the tollbooth at the midway point of the climb, then the road is "challenging" all the way to the top. Of course it's not so noticeable on the way up but coming down - yikes ! Heard a rumor that the road will close all of next year for repairs. Hope so ! The climb from Idaho Springs is a long and arduous non-stop grind past fantastic scenery. Just a parking lot and some ruins, a bathroom but no water at the top. Expect cold blustery winds for the last 5 miles. Heavy traffic the entire way but slow speed and courteous drivers. No tollbooth fee for bikers - free. The decent from the tollbooth on 103 back to Idaho Springs is wonderfully smooth and fast.
Jul 29, 2023
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 2
Jul 29, 2023
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 2
I rode the this climb the full distance from Idaho springs. There's plenty of time to get yourself warmed up if you're a slow stater. I did it as part of the hill climb event so traffic was very moderate. I highly recommend chugging water as that was the best I did to reach the top as I'm from Wisconsin. The views on the mountain are legendary and the accomplishment of making the summit are easily worth the nonstop burn in the legs!
Jul 17, 2023
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 2
Jul 17, 2023
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 2
Bautiful climb, but it takes a long time. The distance combining with the elevation makes it very hard, but once you get to the top, the road quality gets worse and worse and you get more exposed to the wind. Definetly would reccomend.
Aug 30, 2022
difficulty: Challenging
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 2
Aug 30, 2022
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 2
After climbing Pike Peak the previous day, I would have to say Mt. Evans was easier (in comparison)… it was long climb but nothing difficult. I found the scenery to be spectacular and each turn had a better view. As others had commented earlier, the road condition is quite poor in some sections and descending the climb was bumpy and dangerous in some sections. I actually thought the landscape on this climb was better than Pikes Peak, but perhaps I wasn't able to appreciate the scenery due to the tough ride.
Jun 21, 2022
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 2
Jun 21, 2022
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 2
Completed the out and back starting in Idaho Springs on 6.20.22 Great ride. Its difficult because of the length and the fact that there is very little down hill or flat riding during the climb. Once you start climing out of Idaho Springs you'll be climbing for the next several hours. There is a short rest near Echo and Summit lakes. Road quality is garbage but you likely already know that. Things get real bad in the summit lake area. If you can fit wide tires do it. Your hands and butt will thank you for it. Scenery is absolutelt stunning! Seeing this via bike is really the way to go IMO. Weather is unpredictable. Check mountain forcast for an idea of what to expect. Start early in the day because the weather typically turns sour after noon. Bring tons of extra water or a filter since there isnt tap water along the way. I carry a sawyer squeeze filter with me and refilled out of Echo Lake. There are 3-4 oit toilets along the way but no other services.
Jun 14, 2022
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 4
Jun 14, 2022
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 4
This climb was awesome. I started my ride pretty far in Arvada so to the top of mount evans it was 55 miles so when I got to the top I was dead! The grade is very doable and pretty consistent. The mountain goats at the top were cool to see! Be careful on the way down,the first 7 ish miles of the descent are sketchy with big cracks in the road from snow melt . Lastly! Make sure to stop at the lodge left of the toll and get a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie ! Still the best cookie I have eaten to date !
Aug 27, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Aug 27, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
I just signed up to say thank you for providing the detailed information on this ride as well as Pikes Peak. I flew in from Korea last weekend for this ride and was able to make it up the mountain. The goal for me was making it up safely rather than breaking any records. It is indeed a strenuous climb going through multiple temperature and air pressure zones. A couple points: riding in August you can easily ride with a short sleeve jersey and short bibs for the first 3/4 but you should have a windbreaker or kneewarmers/armwarmers for when you get to the top and for when you get back down. I also recommend full finger gloves. You can easily stock up on drinks/energy at the halfway summit house but after that there is really nothing so bring at least two large water bottles and plenty of energy bars or boost ups. After 2pm it starts to get real chilly on top so plan on reaching the top before then. As noted in the article, there is plenty of parking at the bottom at the ranger h
Aug 9, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 3
Aug 9, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 3
I rode this on 8/2/21 and this truly embodies an epic climb from start to finish. Road quality: great from the start to Echo Lake, less than average from Echo to Summit Lake, awful from Summit lake to the top. There is a toll booth at Echo Lake, but no toll for bikes. Cars that want to go from Echo on the road to the top require a reservation in addition to the toll. Plan accordingly if you want to drive on the road or have a support car. I did Mt. Lemmon, Mt. Mitchell, and Dante's View prior to this so I had a good idea of how to approach the climb. The altitude was the only thing I had no experience with. It affected me mentally, I found that after Summit Lake I became scatterbrained and woozy. But I was aware it was happening to me so I knew not to panic. I wore a windjacket the entire ride. It is a must have here. The temperature at the top was in the 40s. Descent was slow due to road quality, disc brakes are a must. DEFINITELY DO THIS CLIMB!
May 21, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 3
May 21, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 3
One of my favorites. Start from Idaho Springs and be sure to take off early in the morning. Otherwise, you risk running into afternoon thunderstorms and significantly more traffic. Until arriving at Echo Lake, the road is awesome. Above Echo Lake, expect some seriously rude road surfaces. Incidentally, while most address the mountain CLIMB, the decent below Echo Lake is absolutely awesome!
Mar 26, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
Mar 26, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 3
I biked this last summer when it was closed to cars (all summer!) Was very glad to have zero traffic. The road close to the summit is pretty jarring. Large seams in the road make the descent a little scary at times. But besides that the conditions are pretty good. There are always mountain goats at the summit and a nice area to snack and rest before descending. I started in Idaho Springs, which makes the round trip 55 miles with about 7,000 feet of climbing.
Mar 9, 2021
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 4
traffic: 3
road: 3
Mar 9, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 3
road: 3
The first half from Idaho springs is pristine road but heavier traffic. In Sept of 2020, the road was closed to traffic from echo lake to the summit. So zero concern of vehicles. However, the road from echo lake to the summit is deteriorating pretty rapidly. Very rough descent. A must do climb simply to say you've done the highest rd in N.A. - MUCH easier climb than Pikes Peak.
Mar 4, 2021
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 4
Mar 4, 2021
scenery: 5
traffic: 3
road: 4
In my few short years on the bike, this has been my favorite ride to date. The highest paved road in North America at over 14,000ft is breathtaking. One, because of the altitude, and two because of the amazing views. We were lucky to get a clear day in July with cool sights like 7+ feet snow drift and numerous mountain goats. I enjoyed this one more than it's fellow Colorado 14'er, Pikes Peak, as the grade was less extreme and less traffic. Traffic the first half from Idaho Springs was moderate, but once turning at Echo Lake it was less. The few cars that did head that way were even cheering us on along the way. Be sure to take some time at the top to soak in the views. Be careful the first 5 or so miles of the descent as the road was quite bumpy when I did this ride in 2019. This is a must do!
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - view from lookout point at top of climb, three big horn sheep standing on low rock retaining wall overlooking mountainside, blue sky and white clouds in distance

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado: The highest paved road in North America

Ride 27 miles gaining 6,740’ to 14,130’ at 4.5% average grade.

Note from NFS Website:  "Construction will begin in late July or early August 2024 with a temporary lane closure in the project area near Summit Lake. Visitors may experience traffic delays. Starting Sept. 3, 2024, through all of 2025, Mount Blue Sky Highway will be closed to motorized and non-motorized travel (foot, bike, etc.)."

Climb summary by PJAMM’s John Johnson.

Cycling Mt. Evans - Garmin headset with road, bike and deer 

Last hairpin to the top.

Cyclist and Mountain Goat at Summit of Mount Evans, Colorado 

You cannot cycle any higher than this in North America.

There are not many rides you will do where you can say, "This is the highest . . ." but this is one of  them.  Mt Evans, Colorado -- the highest paved road (therefore the highest paved climb by bike) in North America!  For all that strive to climb the hardest, the longest, the steepest, the highest, this is a must-do!  

Last five miles to the top.

Mile markers correlate to the start of Mt Evans Road at mile 13 of the full climb.

You  will encounter unique wildlife as you climb this mountain, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep,  mountain goats, deer, and marmots.  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.  

Mt Evans Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep 

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, deer, marmot, mountain goat.     

                               

Our climb begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado with a four mile warm up at 3.1%.  Colorado is a mecca for climbing, particularly high altitude climbing, and routes across the Continental Divide.  We travel along Colorado State Highway 103 for the first 12.9 miles before making our only traffic turn on the route onto Mt. Evans Highway.  

START TO ECHO LAKE

Ride 12.9 miles, gaining 3,090’ to elevation 10,632, at 4.5% average grade.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - map of climb and climb gradient graph

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, bike parked against retaining wall along signs for I70 East and I70 West, road signs for Mt. Evans

The climb begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Just off I70 on Highway 103 (Mt. Evans Scenic Byway).

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, road sign for City of Idaho Springs parking, photos of public parking lots

There is public parking on the left at the beginning of the ride . . .

. . . but . . .

. . . you gotta finish in 12 hours . . .

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, aerial view of two cyclists riding along road shoulder for Scenic Byway, blue road sign for Scenic Byway with blue PJAMM Cycling jersey hanging below it

Climb start.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, climb map and gradient, bike parked in grass along road side, sign for Idaho Springs Cemetery, white covered wagon along side of road

First couple of miles.

These 12.9 miles are the least scenic of the trip, but the last half of this segment is through heavier forest with much less traffic than at the start and is very pleasant.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, cyclists riding along road lined with thick evergreen trees, road sign for Steep Grade and Sharp curve next 7 miles, view from rear view mirror of car of two cyclists riding single file along road side

Bike climb Mt. Evans  - Arapaho National Forest sign on Hwy 103 while riding by bike to Mount Evans, Rocky Mountains

We ride in Arapaho National Forest most of the climb.

cycling hwy 103 to mt evans - roadway between trees with street sign

Highway 103 -- a pristine roadway for the first half of the climb.

You’ll know you are near the lakes because just before Echo and Summit Lakes there is a brief descent.  

ECHO LAKE

Mile 13.

Cycling to Mt Evans - Mirror Lake with Mount Evans in background

Echo (mirror?) Lake at mile 12.9.

Mt. Evans Summit is center photo.

This is close to the half-way mark.

This is a beautiful shallow glacially formed lake.  At the junction of Highway 103 and Mt. 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.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - Echo Lake Lodge, gift shop, and restaurant

Echo Lake Lodge, Gift Shop and Grill/Bar 

Open seven days a week from 9AM to 6PM.

Climbing Mt. Evans  - Mount Evans Park entrance sign

Enter the Recreation area at mile 12.9 (No charge for bikes as of 2021).

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, bike parked next to bushes with welcome sign for Mt. Evans, North America's highest auto road

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM cycling logo in corner, bike parked next to road sign for Bergen Park, Mt. Evans, bike parked in front of road closure signs

In August 2020, due to the pandemic, the road from Echo Lake to the Summit was closed . . .

. . . for motor vehicles, not bikes. 👍👍

ECHO LAKE TO SUMMIT LAKE

9.2 miles gaining 2,246’ to 12,870’ at 4.4% average grade.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - climb map and climb gradient

Cycling past road sign on Mt Evans Road Rocky Mountains

From Echo Lake to the summit it is 14.5 miles/3,622’’ gained at 4.5% average grade.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - bike handlebars and Garmin looking over hillside, above treeline, Garmin reads 11633 feet elevation

View down to Echo Lake from four miles up Mt. Evans Highway.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, views of road signs along climb, climb map and gradient, bike parked along roadway next to rock formation

First few miles after turning onto Mt. Evans Highway.

Use the invaluable PJAMM Adventure App for your trip.

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.

Bicycling Mount Evans - Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest sign 

Just about to go above treeline here at mile 15.9.

Cycling Mt. Evans  - above treeline to Mt Evans in Rocky Mountains Colorado

No need to guess where treeline is!

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - view above treeline looking down over tree covered mountainsides, dense clouds above

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - climb map

The four points plotted above correlate to the next four photos/collages below.

From each of these points you view the first mile up from Summit Lake to the top (elevation 12,839’-13,142’).

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - views of Garmin reading 11,364 feet, bike parked along mountainside, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Six miles from the middle of the first segment up to the summit from Summit Lake.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, views of mountainside above treeline, Garmin reading 12,321 feet

. . . 3.7 miles . . .

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - view of bike handlebars and Garmin overlooking mountainside, Garmin reads 12,564 feet

. . . 3 miles . . .

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - view of bike handlebars and Garmin on roadside overlooking mountain ranges, Garmin reads 12,882 feet

. . . and 1.2 miles -- just about at the most challenging part of the ride.

This is the highest high-altitude cycling you'll ever get on a road bike in North America, so be prepared.  3% less oxygen for every 1,000' of climbing (42% less oxygen at 14,000' than at sea level).  It is highly recommended that you climb a few of the "lower" peaks in the area before tackling Mt. Evans. I was a bit light headed and wobbly towards the top my first of four trips up Mt. Evans. 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'!    

SUMMIT LAKE

Elevation 13,000’

Cycling Mt. Evans - aerial drone photo of Summit Lake

Summit Lake is at mile 22.5

To the summit is 5.4 miles, gaining 1,460’ at 4.6% to elevation 14,150’.

Bike climb Mt. Evans - aerial drone photo just before Summit Lake - roadway and mountains

Miles 21-22 just before Summit Lake.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, bike parked in grass along roadside,  heard of mountain goats crossing road next to bike, bike parked along turn in roadway with four bighorn sheep crossing road next to bike

Mountain goats (top) and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (bottom) in August 2020.   

SUMMIT LAKE TO SUMMIT

5.3 miles gaining 1,376’ to elevation 14,130’ at 4.7% average grade.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - climb map and climb gradient

Be aware that Mount Evans Road (Hwy 5) is closed to motor vehicles from Labor Day through the first weekend in October.  You will have no SAG support between Labor Day and October for the second half of the climb.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, aerial views of hairpins at the top of climb

Aerial view of the hairpins at the top of the climb.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, more aerial views of hairpins, between Summit Lake and the climb's finish

Last of ~12 hairpins between Summit Lake and climb finish.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM cycling logo in corner, views of Garmin device with readings of 12,000, 13,000 13,500, and 14,000 feet

CLIMB FINISH

14,130’

The highest paved road in North America - 14,130’.

Bottom middle photo - ultra cyclist and trekker Penny Fink. 

Penny was 71 when we met her at the top on August 16, 2020.

Cycling Mt. Evans, Colorado - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, bike parked in severely rocky portion of mountainside at climb's finish

Bring something other than cycling shoes if you plan to hike to the peak (14,265’).

CLIMBING NORTH AMERICA’S ONLY 2 14ERS . . . IN A DAY

Photos clockwise from top left:

Start Mount Evans; Finish Mount Evans; Start Pikes Peak; Finish Pikes Peak

3 months into my chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma I decided that if it looked like I would be o.k. at the end of my treatment, I would try an epic cycling climbing challenge - riding North America’s and the US’s only 2 paved 14ers in a day.  On September 9, 2021, I did it 👍👍 - https://www.strava.com/activities/5937168400 

This is a great challenge and please do ping me if you decide to or have done it - I appreciate hearing the story of others who have done, or intend to do, fun and epic cycling challenges - John@pjammcycling.com 

HELPFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION

When to cycle Mount Evans:  “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. The road and access to the top of Mount Evans is closed at Summit Lake the day after Labor Day. For the latest information about the road visit [this website]”  (Forest Service - Mount Evans).

How to Cycle Mount Evans: Train as much as you have ever trained for any climb.  This is an extremely challenging road bike climb due to the altitude we ride to (there is 42% less oxygen at the summit than at sea level). We suggest at least a compact chain ring and 28 to 30t cassette.  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).

Before heading out on your Mt. Evans cycling adventure, be sure to rely on our list of Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip, and use our interactive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.

Bob Cook

Photo:  Bicycle Race 

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.  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. The race has been held every year (except three) since its inaugural in 1962.  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.

Roadway and Traffic:  Miles 0-13 are along Highway 103 (Chicago Creek and Squaw Creek Roads). 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.  Traffic is mild for the entire climb on Mt. Evans Road (14 miles) and the roadway surface good, although a little rough for the five mile descent from the top to Summit Lake.  Additionally, as of summer 2020, there are expansion ruts (linear gaps) in the roadway along the top section of the climb which make descending uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.

Great summaries of Mt  Evans are found at Steep Climbs and Mt. Evans. 

That’s a wrap!!