Mount Evans is approximately 30 miles west of Denver in central Colorado. It begins near Idaho Springs and travels south through Arapaho National Forest to the summit of Mount Evans. The byway follows CO 103 and CO 5, which are two-lane paved roads. Colorado Highway 103 is suitable for most vehicles including those pulling trailers 25 feet long or less. Colorado Highway 5 is not recommended for large RVs or vehicles pulling trailers. The byway is 28 miles long. Highway 5 is usually open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Traveling through the Arapaho National Forest, Mount Evans scenic byway rises nearly 7,000 feet in elevation to 14,150 feet. The byway is the highest paved road in North America. The view from the summit is simply incredible. Hundreds of miles of Rocky Mountain peaks lie north, south, and west; the plains can be seen in the east. Surrounding the summit is preserved wilderness, known as the Mount Evans Wilderness. Trailheads along the byway provide access to this large wilderness area.
As you climb the byway you’ll pass two scenic alpine lakes, both containing trout. Echo Lake and Summit Lake have park areas managed by the city of Denver. A campground is located at Echo Lake and has a total of 16 campsites. Another campground with 11 sites is but a short drive off the byway on FSR 188.
A visitor center is located at the start of the byway in Idaho Springs, just off I-70. The center offers educational and interpretive exhibits, nature and historical literature, guidebooks and reference books, and a self-guided tape tour of the Mount Evans scenic drive.