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.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. 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.)."
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.
ROUTE MAP
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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ridethebicycle
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.
Huber.J
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.
Skotscott
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.
dyben
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!
thall1
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.
Gtmandan
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.
Clay44
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.
Eazy_Eric
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 !
Auclutch
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
mlag92
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!
JohnnyT
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!
micahling
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.
KrisLJames262
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.
masonblevins
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!
