Overlaps the first segment of the Mt. Evans climb.

Cycling Juniper Pass - Echo Lake.

 Ride 16 miles to elevation 11,156’ gaining 3,764’’ at 4.3% average grade.

Both sides of the Juniper Pass climb are entirely within Colorado’s Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests which are jointly managed by the National Forest Service. Arapaho National Forest, established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt and named for the Arapaho Native American tribe consists of 723,000 acres, and Roosevelt National Forest, established in 1902 by President Roosevelt (originally named Medicine Bow Forest Reserve and renamed to honor President Theodore Roosevelt in 1932) consists of 813,000 acres.

This climb begins in Idaho Springs (pop. 1,746, 2016; elevation 7,526), less than 25 miles from Denver.  Our route is along Highway 103 (Chicago Creek Road, Mt. Evans Scenic Byway).  Highway 103 west from Idaho Springs overlaps the extraordinary Mt. Evans bike climb (the highest paved road in North America) for the first 13 miles.  Instead of turning right onto Mt. Evans Road at mile 13, continue straight on Highway 103 and travel another three miles to Juniper Pass.

Views of the first 13 miles from Idaho Springs to Echo Lake.

Stay left at mile 13 for the final three miles to the finish of this climb, or . . .

turn right to travel another 14 miles to Mount Evans, the highest paved cycling finish in North America.

Climb report by PJAMM’s Steve Jones, Olympia, WA:

The west side of Juniper Pass (11,130 ft.) is an enjoyable (but less strenuous) alternative to its neighbor, Mt. Evans.  Both climbs share a starting point in Idaho Springs, CO (7,524 ft.), as well as the first 13 miles to Echo Lake (10,597 ft.).  At Echo Lake, continue on State Route 103 for an additional 2.7 miles to the unmarked high point at 11,130 feet.  The grade is moderate and the pavement smooth.

Views along the last three miles.

Steepest ½ mile begins at mile 7.2 (7.3%).

Thank you Steve!