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    Mount Evans

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3.5-5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    13.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    430 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.9
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama on Mount Evans hike in Denver, Colorado

    The Mount Evans hike takes you to 4,348 m, with the route going along the West Ridge via Mt. Spalding is an epic hike that will provide separation from the crowds on this popular Colorado 14er!

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    Route Description for Mount Evans

    The Mount Evans hike starts at Summit Lake, which is the highest lake in Colorado at 3,912 m above sea level. Summit Lake is nestled into a glacial cirque between the north face of Mount Evans and the east face of Mount Spalding.

    From the Summit Lake parking lot, follow the trail north, past a historic rock building, to an overlook of Chicago Lakes. A sign marks the start to Mt. Evans Trail and climbs up the East Ridge of Mount Spalding. Don’t take the trail up the ridge, and not follow the other route that follows the base.

    After reaching the summit of Mount Spalding, make your way down to the Evans-Spalding saddle, following cairns south toward the West Ridge of Mount Evans. This rocky section of trail may require the use of your hands and has two prominent features. The first is a notch in the ridge which you must pass and the second is a false summit known as “West Evans”. Keep going and you’ll reach the summit of Mount Evans is at 4,348 m.

    After enjoying a break at the summit of Mount Evans, your return is to either head back the way you came, or take a steeper and more direct route down the Northeast Face Route of Mt. Evans.

    Check out some other great hikes around Denver:

    Insider Hints for Mount Evans

    • There is a charge of $15 per vehicle to drive up Mt Evans Rd. Parking at Summit Lake is a $5 charge.
    • Altitude sickness is a real thing! Even though Mount Evans is one of the easier 14er, give yourself time to acclimate to the higher elevations and stay hydrated!
    • Start before 7am to have fewer crowds and to give yourself plenty of time to get off the mountain before afternoon thunderstorms.

    Getting to the Mount Evans Trailhead

    From Denver, take I-70 west towards the mountains. Take Exit 240 in Idaho Springs towards Mt Evans via Mt Evans Rd. Enter the Mount Evans Wilderness and pay an entrance fee at the ranger station. Continue driving up Mt Evans Rd for approximately 14.5 km to Summit Lake parking area.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      April to November

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No camping allowed on Mt. Evans

    • Toilets

      Yes, primitive pit toilet

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Mount Evans Elevation Graph

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