Driving Mount Evans Colorado

Take the Highest Paved Road in North America to the top of Mount Evans at 14,264 feet, higher than Pikes Peak. This is a fun day trip from Denver or excursion off I-70 if you are on a long road trip just reaching the Rocky Mountains. With little effort, immerse yourself in high alpine country. At 12,800 feet is Summit Lake with Mount Evans and Mount Spalding rising above. Park here after the summit and take photos. Near the lake is the only known area of permafrost located in the U.S. outside Alaska.
On top, you have good views but to reach the very top a short trail climbs 5 minutes to the highest rocks. My 2 year old did this without any effect from the altitude. Others do seem to be affected by the lack of oxygen, making the 5 minute walk into 10 or more.
Near the summit parking area is a viewing area, and below that is the University of Denver Observatory, the second highest in the world. Get up there early in the day, only a few hours after these blue sky pictures were taken, the entire region was full of thunderstorms.

From Denver, take I-70 west 32 miles to Idaho Springs. Take the Mt. Evans exit #240. Follow State Road 103 for 15 miles south to the Mount Evans Entrance. From there, it is another 15 miles to the summit. The road is usually open by the last Friday before Memorial Day but this depends on the snow pack. The cost is $10 per vehicle with up to 12 passengers.