Mount Evans

p

Info

Elevation: 

14,265 feet (12th highest)

Maps:

USGS Quad: Idaho Spring/Loveland Pass
Trails Illustrated® – TOPO Map # 104
Click here to purchase Trails Illustrated® maps for this route.

Contact:

US Forest Service, South Platte Ranger District 303.275.5610

Our Work

CFI completed major trail construction and restoration on Mt. Evans from 2005-2006. Due to heavy traffic on this peak, the standard route is maintained regularly by CFI and partner organizations.

Recommended Route

Summit Lake, via Mount Spalding—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. For detailed route information including pictures, maps, and elevation profiles, click here.

Route Information and Additional Resources 

Drive on the Mount Evans highway (this is a fee highway) to Summit Lake. From the Summit Lake parking lot, head north to the Chicago Basin overlook and climb up the west ridge to Mount Spalding. From Mount Spalding stay on the ridgeline and circle south, southeast to Mount Evans.

The above information does not replace the need to consult additional maps and Colorado Fourteener Guidebooks for more detailed route descriptions. We suggest checking multiple resources before departing on any hike. Keep in mind that not all guidebooks list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly.

Note: This route is likely not in a guidebook, the Forest Service is in the process of constructing a systems trail for this route.

Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces. Please stay on impacted trails. Due to no system trail currently there are several braided trails heading up the summit ridge. Travel on the trail that is most worn. Walk on rocks when possible. Damaged tundra takes a long time to heal. Do not climb from the road southeast of Summit Lake to the summit. These slopes have been seriously eroded by hikers. Respect Wildlife. Mountain goats frequent Mount Evans. Keep dogs on leash to minimize harassment to goats and other animals and other hikers. Do not feed or approach the goats.