Hiking Mount Evans – Denver’s Closest 14er

As the closest 14er to Denver, with a road directly to the top, Mount Evans is one of the most frequented mountains in Colorado. Hiking this peak can be done in various ways, from a half mile quick hike to a strenuous 17.2 mile very difficult trek. This post will help you understand all of your options.

Difficulty – Strenuous
Distance – 17.2 miles miles round trip (27.68 km)
Height – 14,264 feet (4,347.7 meters)
Elevation gain – 5,520 feet (1,682.5 m)
Duration – 12 to 14 hours (book time)
Hike Class: Class 2
Seasons – Year-round (caution and experience needed in winter – see below)
Trailhead Location – Echo Lake Trailhead – 10,690 feet (directions below)

 

Need To Know Information:

• Mount Evans Recreation Area requires vehicle permits/reservations to enter. You can purchase those reservations here.
• The road up Mount Evans is closed during the winter. The status of the road can be found here.
• Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

 

Trail Map

 

Trails

 

Echo Lake Trailhead | 17.2 Miles Round Trip | 5,520 Feet Elevation Gain | Class 2

This is the longest route up Mount Evans is an absolutely stunning hike. This is a well traveled path that features incredible views, takes hikers past the gorgeous Chicago Lakes, and eventually to the summit of Mount Evans. Hikers will reach treeline just shy of 5 miles into the hike. 5.9 miles into the hike, hikers will reach Summit Lake at just shy of 13,000 feet. The summit of Evans is clearly visible and close by then with only 2.7 miles remaining.

 

Summit Lake Trailhead | 5.8 Miles Round Trip | 1,500 Feet Elevation Gain | Class 2

The Summit Lake Trailhead is a great option for hikers that need or want a bit of a shorter hike to the summit of Evans. This is also where the road closes in early October.

 

Guanella Pass Trailhead | 9.25 Miles Round Trip | 3,100 Feet Elevation Gain | Class 2

This is the far less traveled route up to Mount Evans. Hikers will begin on the Mount Bierstadt trail for about 1 mile. Hikers will cut left off of the Mount Bierstadt trail to head towards (but to the left of) the Sawtooth. This route is hard to follow since it is less traveled and the trail if often very hard to see. We recommend checking out 14ers.com to see this route laid out with pictures.

 

Hiking in Winter

Mount Evans is a great winter hike. With various routes to the summit it can be done in various ways. There is substantial avalanche risk along the Chicago Lakes route, so the recommended route is from Guanella pass. Hikers will need to add 1.6 miles round trip as the road to Guanella Pass is closed. Even this route has avalanche risk, so this route, and any route, extreme caution should be taken. Be aware of the avalanche risks.

 

Directions & Parking

Squaw pass road is gorgeous. Their is a large amount of parking around Echo Lake for the longer hike up to Mount Evans.

To Echo Lake Trailhead:

To Summit Lake Park:

When the road is open, drivers can continue all the way up Mt Evans road to the summit.

To Guanella Pass Trailhead (the road to Guanella Pass Trailhead closes in winter about .8 miles shy of the trailhead):

 

Current Weather Conditions

Here is a detailed forecast for the next 4 days. Check Mountain Forecast beforehand.

Silver Plume, CO

This Afternoon
Snow showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 30, with temperatures falling to around 27 in the afternoon. West wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Tonight
Snow showers and a chance of thunderstorms before midnight, then snow and a chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 16. South wind 8 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.

Saturday
Snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms before noon, then snow showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -2. East northeast wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 14 to 20 inches possible.

Saturday Night
Snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 13. Wind chill values as low as -2. North wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Sunday
Snow showers likely before noon, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. Northwest wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Sunday Night
A chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Monday
A slight chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 27.

 

Additional Pictures