|
Mount
Evans - Near Idaho Springs
At the turn of the last century, Colorado Springs and Denver
were in a race for the hearts and minds (not to mention dollars) of the
eastern tourist. In 1888, the Cascade and Pikes Peak Toll Road Company
completed a 16-mile road up the north side of Pikes Peak. This became
a major tourist attraction, drawing tourists away from Denver Area. Not
to be outdone, Denver's Mayor Speer proposed that a road be constructed
to the top of Mount Evans. In 1917, he was able to procure state funds
to build the road. It was completed in 1927.
During the summers of 1941 and 1942, Denver Mountain Parks built the Crest
House (also known as Summit House). It quickly became a favorite destination
of Coloradoans and tourists. Containing both a restaurant and a gift shop,
one was able to enjoy excellent food and buy Mount Evans souvenirs while
enjoying an excellent view of Denver and the eastern plains. Unfortunately,
it burned on September 1, 1979 and was not rebuilt, but the rock foundation
and wall remain as an observation platform and a windbreak for mountain
travelers.
There are several attractions to visit on the mountain including Echo
Lake, Entrance Station, Sub Alpine Forest, Mt Goliath Natural Area, Walter
Pesman Alpine Garden, Lincoln Lake, Chicago Basin, Summit Lake, Abyss
Lake, Summit Parking Lot, Crest House, and the Mt Evans Summit.
Today, Mount Evans is under the jurisdictions of three different governmental
units. CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) is responsible for
the road. Denver Mountain Parks is responsible for Summit Lake, Echo Lake
and Echo Lake Lodge. The Clear Creek Ranger District of the US Forest
Service controls access as well as responsibility for the Mount Evans
Wilderness Area.
All 14 miles of the road from the entrance station to the Mount Evans
summit parking area (14,130) are paved. From there, you can hike the last
130 feet (about 1/4 mile walk) to the top at 14,264 feet. After you have
made this climb, you can tell all your friends: "I climbed a 14,000 foot
mountain in Colorado on my vacation!"
Mount Evans is Managed by the Clear Creek Ranger Station: 303-567-3000
(8:00am to 5:00pm)
Enjoy your visit.
|
|
