Attempting the Highest Road in America in My 20-Year-Old Car (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

In this video I turn my steering wheel toward the highest paved road in North America. Can my 20-year-old SUV handle it?
DATE FILMED: Mid-September 2021
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
GPS COORDINATES, etc.
** Start of Mt. Evans road: 39.656766, -105.596241
** Mt. Evans summit: 39.588317, -105.643808
** Campsite: 39.33984, -105.29304
** Start of Pikes Peak road: 38.901284, -104.973229
** Pikes Peak summit area: 38.840386, -105.043315
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#outdoors #scenicdrive #fourteeners

[@SUVRVing]

What must-drive road should I do next?? -Tristan

[@zimmejoc]

Blue Ridge Parkway. Come to the other side of the Mississippi.

[@theneverendinghighway]

If you ever do go to the east, you have to drive to the Mount Washington Peak in New Hampshire

[@rangerdoc1029]

Yankee Boy.

[@vanguardvaluist2614]

Acadia National Park in Maine during Fall. I just came back and it was epic! Go around the 3rd week of October for peak season. Easy car camping too!

[@Grizzlybear1994]

MT Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. There is also a cog railway to the top. But, be prepared there is not much free camping in New England.

[@RicG.]

You car definitely is good looking for 20 years old. Of course, when I was 20 years old I looked pretty good myself. Now that I'm 69, not so much. 😅 🤪 😅

[@SUVRVing]

Lol I feel the same at 35!

[@ggebhard1]

Well, I’m 70 with Fibromyalgia and I am just starting to feel changes in muscles, for sure! I have a Yukon Denali, (same color) I purchase when new 03. Mine is 17 years old, so you give me encouragement to keep driving it as my “trip” car pulling a teardrop camper. I was selling it and purchased a Buick Enclave, thinking I was getting older and needed a vehicle that was easier to get into. When Covid hit and I was stuck in the house, my entire attitude changed! I took money out of my “future nursing home” account and bought a TAB400 camper!!! The Buick didn’t pull as well as the Yukon, so I’m back with my favorite car!! Thank you for your beautiful videos!!! And my newly acquired younger attitude!!! I love you young kids!!

[@proehm]

On the cog railway they tell a joke - "You don't need to worry about the cog breaking and us careening down the mountain, because there are two big springs at the bottom to catch us. Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs..."

[@4549tinter]

Yep... Springs native here, and the would say that on the Mt. Manitou incline, as well, which is now abandoned, but the route up the mountain is an extremely popular hike, with a strenuous altitude gain.

[@SUVRVing]

Lol that's pretty good!

[@crawford323]

I drove up pikes peak in 1971 in a 66 Chevy two nova which at 16 years old, I had built the engine. With a terrified mother literally hiding with her head between hear legs, we made it to the top and more importantly back down again without cooking the brakes. The muffler fell off in Colorado City. We had it welded back on and we hit the freeway only to discover my carpet was on fire! Off the side of the roads we went, slammed on the brakes and began to throw luggage all over the road. I frantically pulled out the burning carpet and put out the fire with what was left of my Coca Cola. What an adventure!

[@thomasmayes471]

When I was there 46 years ago, all that the summit presented was a wooden sign with the elevation and a dirt parking lot. It was well worth the trip.

[@SUVRVing]

That would have been nice!

[@Clint3029]

The summit house that is being replaced was built mid 1960s, which replaced a much smaller summit house. The donuts and hot chocolate they served back in the 60s were outstanding.

[@ralphiatarola3765]

@@Clint3029 p

[@mbh2743]

1976 went to Pikes peek. Much more ruff and rugged. Mostly dirt, most cars over headed on the way up or brake failures coming down. The top was just a big clear spot. No railing , no services, no marker and the wind , oh wow. Got to watch a big thunder storm move across Kansas and pile up below us on the mountain side . Amazing times

[@BrookGarretson]

A good highway is the Beartooth highway out of Red Lodge Mt. Goes into Yellowstone park or down scenic Chief Joseph's parkway to Cody WY. Drive that buddy. High times.

[@SUVRVing]

Did it a couple months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqbXmKGhr5mLn7c

[@garyjennyfrost9485]

My fave as well outside of Oregon.

[@terrystlouis614]

Hi Tristen, if you need a place to park overnight we are in the country just north of Colorado Springs in an area called Black Forest. Safe travels. Terry

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Terry, that's really nice of you. By the time these videos go up, I'm long gone out of the area.

[@jmpattillo]

There is no more maddening sound than back-up beepers

[@solooverland3666]

Wanna bet? Children. Nagging people. In-laws 🤷

[@SUVRVing]

It's not a great sound, especially on the top of a mountain!

[@NYCHFAN]

Loved this video. Beautiful views, no music overload, calm speaking. I'm impressed with your high altitude hiking! I doubt I could catch my breath up there. Thanks for taking us along on this trip!

[@weavgiff]

Proposed to my wife of 31 years at the top of the road on Mt. Evans. Good memories.

[@bcrazyyeti]

I have driven both roads (and ridden the cog railway) but I enjoyed following along your experiences. Great scenery, great that you share so easily.

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

I laughed at the goat looking back like "did he see me?"

[@proehm]

"I meant to do that." - Just like a cat...

[@SUVRVing]

Caught in the act!

[@d.chamblee6924]

I am shocked that they had the nerve to charge you knowing the road was closed! Shame on them! Makes a person wonder why!? But thanks for taking the hike, amazing views!! Love your videos!!

[@1ACL]

they close it at that time of year because usually it snows by then. I think.

[@extx]

They always close the Mt. Evans road above Summit Lake on the day after Labor Day. They close the road between the entrance station and Summit lake when the snow flies.

[@gregpeterman1102]

@@1ACL no excuse for it being closed, if they are collecting that much money they could afford to have a gate keeper.

[@veryable1]

They didn't always charge. It's a Colorado road not Federal. I think they charged to park and use the outhouse. At least before, they didn't charge if you didn't get out of your car. Not sure if that's still the case.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm OK with it. I still drove most of it!

[@dougjohnson4266]

This is on my bucket list, thanks for sharing. You picked a great clear non windy day.

[@deborahm6036]

Great to see the top of Mt Evans again. I drove to the top many years ago, before there were times for driving up. It was in August, and was very crowded at the top. Loved seeing your very serene experience. As for cog trains, when I lived in Switzerland, I had an incredible experience riding one up the Swiss Alps tp Zermatt and the Matterhorn. It is simply amazing the steep inclines that the train maneuvered. You can hear the cogs engaging. My favorite mountain drive with switchbacks, steep drops, spectacular views, and extreme change in climate, is Hwy 74 which begins near Palm Springs, California (in Palm Desert) and goes up into the mountains that rise abruptly from the desert floor. It is also called the Palms to Pines Hwy, as a nod to the extreme change in plant life one witnesses along the way. I highly recommend it! There are some good hiking trails around Idyllwild, a charming mountain town. One can fish at Lake Hemet, a long the way. Good camping there as well.

[@SUVRVing]

I've been meaning to do the Cactus to Clouds hike in the same area. I didn't know there was a similar kind of drive too. Thanks Deborah!

[@deborahm6036]

@@SUVRVing You are so welcome!

[@johnmarshall6702]

Back in the early 70's, a buddy and I road our motorcycles to the summit of Mt. Evans in the dark to see the sunrise. Nobody else seemed to be on the entire mountain, and no gates or rules at the time. Road went all the way to the very tippy top. After and early sunrise and breakfast at 14,200 feet, which we celebrated with some weed (of course), we decided to have an engine-off race down the mountain. No engine braking, no power to set the curves, and did I mention, it was a race. We were very much Colorado boys. Anyway, we were hitting 70mph+ on the way down and still overheated the old (pre disc) brakes on our bikes until they stopped working, but it was exhilarating. And utterly nuts. Just the kind of crazy stuff you do when you're soldiers who have returned intact (more or less) from Vietnam and are trying to figure out how to live in the World. We climbed most of the 14-teeners and many other 13-ers, and it was a glorious time, filled with stupid antics that seemed safe compared to combat, but in fact often weren't really safe at all. Like getting snowed in by an early blizzard in the backcountry, and having to self-rescue. No cellphones or other ways to notify anyone back then. We never knew where we were going until we got there, and it was rarely where we planned. Mt. Evans was too civilized and sissy for us (paved road?!) so we needed that downhill race to get the adrenaline flowing. Still amazed I survived those years. Now I'm 75 and my adventures live only in my memories.

[@ytubechannel997]

Tristan, your videos bring such joy on a Saturday morning. Thank you for sharing your travels. Really enjoy the footage from your vehicle as your drive these roads.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, that's really nice of you to say!

[@catpatrick3838]

I remember being driven up the road to the top of Evans when I was a girl. It was in June and there was still unmelted snow near the summit. This southern girl was pretty impressed 😂. No reservation system then either but we were about the only car on the road that I can recall. That was about 45+ years ago though. The top of Pikes Peak looks nothing like I remember, again 45+ years ago. How disappointing that your trip was marred by construction.

[@JohnDuzzi]

After finding the road closed climbs straight up to the peak an elevation gain of 1,400 ft over 1.83 miles in 1hour 27 min at the summit 14,271ft. No complaints of altitude symptoms or undue fatigue. All by himself video taping on a beautiful day in September. Again. You are king of the mountain. Truly amazing.

[@AnythingEverythingAshley]

Love your videos! I've lived in Colorado for almost 25 years and I've never been to some of the places you are visiting. Inspiring!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Ashley!

[@lynettepatten904]

1989: Pike's peak wasn't paved all the way. There was a mandatory stop 1/3 down for brake check. My brakes were still cool! They said, "lady, that could account for the 20 cars stacked up behind you." I was just doing what they said to do. Go slow and don't ride your brakes.

[@Patrick_Ross]

Saw two vehicles with brakes on fire during my Pikes Peak descent in 1982. Another issue is lack of oxygen. Several older folks at the summit were in respiratory distress and in immediate need of O2.

[@malloryjines5050]

Drove pikes peak in the 90’s in a rental car. 4 adults and 2 kids. Road was surprisingly mellow. And I’m afraid of mountain roads. Above the tree line obviously. No drop offs on the side. Wasn’t afraid at all. The air was very thin at the top and light snow fell. Was a very interesting trip. Glad we did it.

[@veryable1]

Go down in low gear! The guy checking my breaks called me a mountain driver. It's hard not to use your breaks because of the people in front of you who are.

[@SUVRVing]

There are now several signs saying to drive down in Low or 1st gear. Worked for me! 😄

[@bertkelly7650]

Thanks for taking me where I haven't gone to before! (sorta startrek)😁

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for being part of the crew!

[@gaywalker4387]

When I was a kid, living in Western Kansas, we often drove to Colorado. I can remember going up Pike’s Peak in our old station wagon. It was like going straight into the sky!

[@SUVRVing]

I can imagine! Thanks for sharing, Gay.

[@DonnaBMacK]

I really look forward to your videos and thank you for taking us along. Amazing views.

[@sharondavis8003]

NO GUARDRAILS!! 😱

[@tonygiljum7013]

I drove up it in 1970, it was July 31st. Most of the road was dirt. Anyway I was in the little gift shop, had just bought a shot glass, when the workers started yelling get off the mountain, there was a snow storm . When I went out the door there was a white out. I took off down the mountain, when the dirt road turned to pavement the snow was over.

[@sherilgreen7495]

Thanks once again for taking me along on your adventure. This is the only way I will ever get to see these wonders.

[@zackadams3405]

My wife and I drove up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire a few weeks ago. It’s only 6,288 feet, but I found the drive fascinating and the views from the top were pretty great too, before the clouds came in and blocked everything from view. It also has trains that go to the top, and you can even hike up it if you prefer. Definitely recommend it if you’re on this side of the country.

[@roypointanderson8468]

No permits required when I drove M. Evans in the '90's, and open all the way to the top. Actually my girlfriend and I did have the top of the mountain to ourselves for a while cause most of the drivers didn't hike up to the top. There were a bunch of Mt. Goats along the upper road, the first time I had seen them. They seem to be quite tame and calm around cars and people as long as you get up near where they live. I'm surprised you didn't cover the ruins of the Mountain House on top by the parking lot. I found it to be very interesting old rock ruins. Glad I passed on Pike's Peak. Mt. Evans is MUCH better,

[@SUVRVing]

I didn't have anything to say about the ruins, so I didn't show them. Thanks for sharing, Roy!

[@kathleenhoward7070]

Thanks again, for taking me along on your journeys. Very grateful.

[@Robnord1]

Thanks for sharing the adventure!👍 It's been 6 or 7 years since my last Pike's Peak drive, and even after multiple trips over a 47 year time span, it never gets old.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great drive!

[@kathystiner4997]

Thanks for this video me and my late husband drove this road! Don’t remember having to get reservations but that was in 2009! ❤️

[@SUVRVing]

I believe the reservations are new this year. Thanks Kathy.

[@mikestirewalt5193]

You were so lucky that the road was closed! Having the peak all to yourself, the silence and solitude (relatively) is probably a rather rare experience.

[@fatmanhikes]

I have a pic of my dad from the 90's, he and some friends rode their Harleys up pikes peak on July 4th, they had a snowball fight that day up there!! Love your videos!

[@davidbristow944]

Thanks for the ride along.

[@hugosstudiosdenver]

Very cool video ! Safe travels ! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to next video !

[@doron323]

Wish I knew about this road. Just passed it in my travels in the western. Great video. Thanks for all your work and dedication.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Doron. You can always go back!

[@dougbourdo2589]

Beautiful views for sure. I imagine the breathing could be labored for many. Yes, the most popular locations will be as modern as we Americans have come to expect. Sad but true. The GMG/Chevy Yukon/Tahoes & Suburbans have been excellent vehicles for their entire existence. You can easily expect 300,000 plus miles with them.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I really enjoyed your trip up to the first peak, but Pike’s Peak is more for the amusement park crowd. Pike’s will be better in a few years, once the construction is finished, but it will always be more crowded. I really liked the modifications that you made to your rig for life on the road. In Califonia you cannot drive anywhere near our 14,000 foot peaks because they are jagged and isolated. White Mountain can be driven up to about 12,000 feet, but it’s east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. You do have to hike to over 14,200 feet to get an incredible view of the Sierra’s, but wildfires are so common now that it’s hard to get a good view.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, I drove (and hiked) up White Mountain earlier in the year. Great adventure! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5yvk594eNKKisk

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@SUVRVing Awesome! I am watching that video next.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@SUVRVing What an awesome White Mountain experience, Tristan! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m going to have to binge watch all of your content now!

[@salinwa7105]

Totally Awesome that it was all yours at the top! Nice! 🙌🏻

[@audrerathburn1079]

I'm 66 and I can't do this type of traveling anymore. Your trip up this mountain was beautiful. And the next day trip was beautiful up mountain of Pikes Peak.

[@buckeyeranger6438]

My unit used to run the Barr Trail……….crested butte, gunnison, leadville, silverton………..any route along Lewis & Clark Corp of Discovery route, trip to Cody, Wy & visit the Buffalo Bill western & Firearms museum

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

You’re right Triston this peak was not the greatest I’ve ever seen! I bet that Cov RR is slow as a Snail and loud! Thank you for showing it anyway!❤️😀

[@thunderman77]

I drove the Pikes Peak road in the 80's and was not paved to the top, in fact most was gravel. In the 50's I went with my mother in a tour car to the top.

[@itchingtogo7362]

Fun to see the COG. I took similar up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Awesome to ride an historic mode of transportation.

[@SUVRVing]

Definitely unique! I'd like to ride one at some point.

[@irenepartridge5465]

Love your videos!

[@darlenestout7548]

Wow I have to do that someday. Thanks for sharing

[@maryschmitz7817]

Love your "cliffhangers"

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks! 😁

[@rubin_farr9799]

My favorite part was when you came to my hood! Pikes Peak & the South Platte.

[@SUVRVing]

Beautiful area!

[@mikerobbins5049]

We rode the train up to Pikes Peak a few years back.... The views were amazing but boy was it cold and windy.... snowing too!!!!!

[@RichardinNC1]

I went there in 1992. We were able to drive to the summit lot but our Lincoln Town Car kept stalling on us from the altitude! Neat place and lots of mountain goats along the road at the time.

[@seeblue5490]

If you're looking for solitude, the near Front Range isn't it. You should visit Sangre De Cristo Range around Westcliffe and Great Sand Dunes. And the same portion in New Mexico. The Front Range crowd doesn't visit this area much. But, you'll also need to take up backpacking or at least pretty long day hiking to see the good stuff. Remote, beautiful and lots of 13 and 14ers.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, I have videos on those places coming up 👍

[@jasper19661]

Really enjoy your videos!! Been to a lot of the same places.

[@1717jbs]

Another great vid. The cog railroad is great.

[@SUVRVing]

I'd like to ride it up there some day, for sure.

[@markp5810]

Glad to see that you finally made this promised trek to Colorado. Just in time for me. I'm heading to that very area Oct 21 so was glad to see some additional places for me to visit. Thank you for your excellent work. I travel with you most mornings before work. Safe trails to you!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Mark, and have a great trip!

[@jerrydeanswanson79]

Nice video...thanks. I drove my new 1985 RX-7 to the top of Pike's Peak. We were on a drive from Wisconsin to El Paso...taking the scenic route...smiles. Most was a gravel road. Damn scarry looking over the close edge of the road. And at that elevation...even the car was struggling. And then there was the drive down and being stopped occasionally by an officer who would check the heat of our brakes. Exciting ride!

[@Carterthecoolkid23]

I can't wait to visit Colorado 2022!

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you so very much for sharing! 👍😊

[@NoOverhead]

Great video, as always!

[@cindylou2313]

Whoo hoo!!! Amazing views. Thank you 😊

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@ManivanAdventures]

Always look forward to your videos! I can’t wait to get back out west to the mountains again!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Steve!

[@cuz129]

My legs were screaming in sympathy, hiking straight up at altitude is tough! Great video!

[@dougturner2408]

I rode to the top in a bike race in July about 2005. The race is called the Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb. It took me about 3.5 hrs. The pros/cat 1's rode in less than 1.5 hrs. Started in Idaho Springs at the Ranger station, finish at the parking area at summit. 27 mi, 7000+ ft elevation. I was getting tunnel vision in the climb above Summit Lake. Got hypothermic on decent. Cured with hot soup at the cafe at Mirror Lake.

[@KarenDegenhart]

I drove up Mt. Evans years ago when it was free. Scary driving down.

[@anthonyvisor8880]

Beautiful!!!!

[@kenlodge3399]

In RE: Of your 20-Year Old Car Yes, there was a time when if you wanted to go off road in Colorado there were two primary vehicles people, in general, chose. The CJ version Jeeps and the Chevy Suburban. Yes there were FJ series Toyotas and old Land Rovers, the kind they always used in the British safari movies, but when families wanted to go into the backcountry, am referring to Colorado Rockies only, you saw them in Chevy Suburban's. And most folks called it a station wagon, except when bragging about how far into the backwoods they went - then it was called, "My Chevy Suburban went." or, "We took the Chevy Suburban." etc. (Ahh ga-ga-ga-ga-ga...)

[@thomasdreke1698]

I am enjoying the ride in your new to you SUV. Two roads I've never driven.

[@fire58372001]

Back in '05 I took my used 1995 Chevy P/U & drove from the 0MM in Key West to Prudhoe Bay, Ak. & back. If you keep the P.M. up on the truck it'll last you for ever. Nice vid. Thanks for sharing, drive safe. 🤠

[@Carterthecoolkid23]

Super Awesome video!

[@alanwarner684]

Great Video! Thanks!!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Alan!

[@1234dvarela]

Tristen, your lack of patience with Colorado is front and center. Hang in there. The state is crowded but you will be glad you made the trip.

[@herniedog4641]

Thanks again

[@tbaker294]

A few years back; returning to AZ from the east coast; stopped by to go up the Peak after staying with friends in CO Springs. When I realized my Nat Park Pass would not work; and that the road was not open to the top (had to park and ride the last few miles), I decided to pass on it. Still had a ton of fun by going to Leadville and traversing Indy-Pass. I agree with your assessment of Aspen....I also drove thru but did not see the use in stopping. Went down I70 to Grand Junction, and down to Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and back to Ouray and Durango. Didn't miss Pikes Peak.

[@ricksantiago4422]

Was watching another channel and went to make breakfast and that video ended and I always dislike when KZbin just randomly goes into another video because then I have its feed in my suggestions for a while, but it just went straight into this video and I’m your subscriber and I like you …. So yeah!!! It was a good morning 👍👍

[@SUVRVing]

Lol that worked out perfectly! Thanks for watching.

[@jamesbrooks3664]

Ive lived in Colorado my whole life and haven't done these summits yet but I might in the future. I love the pikes peak hill climb!

[@kerrypaige3424]

Thank you for the videos, this area is my back yard. If you ever want to hike around Palmer Lake I can show you some beautiful areas.

[@amymckee5075]

My husband rode his bicycle up this road with a friend in 2016. I drove up in our 2001 Honda Odyssey as support. What a drive!!

[@SUVRVing]

That would be quite the ride! I don't envy him 😁

[@amymckee5075]

He made it to the top of Mt. Evans!!

[@barbarafuhrman7395]

Must add this to my trip.plans when going east next may. Thanks always for adding to my adventures. I travel from MN to WA every year. Safe travels see you next go round.OlllllllO

[@SUVRVing]

It's definitely worth visiting!

[@terryh3689]

I live near Pikes Peak, look at it everyday! Your video was my first glimpse of the summit since construction began. Previously there was only one low building and a small parking lot. The walkways you were on are all new and it looks like the parking lot will be huge compared to the old one. The summit visitor center opened shortly after your trip. The place where you had to park and wait, with the rocky knoll is Devils Playground. You can hike to it from the west side. I hope you discover the wilderness areas of Colorado on your trip. It is more challenging to find boondocking spots in Colorado. I’ll be interested to see what you find.

[@kevinholland4156]

Tristan, Years ago Sharon and I drove out of Yellowstone Park at Cooke City and drove over the Bear Tooth highway and encountered the Alpine Tundra it was quite exciting in my 1985 Toyota pickup which was starving for power at that elevation. At the top was glacial snow with plenty of signs warning you not to eat the snow because of microbes Going down a highway built in the Great Depression was a thrill a minute. We ended up in Red Lodge Montana where we met some friends who's wife family was from Red Lodge. They knew where to camp in the forest hidden from anybody..

[@davidandreasen9010]

Thanks

[@billspectre9502]

On Mt. Evans leaving Summit Lake to come back down you have to climb up to a high point. Then it’s downhill all the way to Idaho Springs. 26 miles I believe. I coasted down without power the whole 26 miles. Timing chain broke in the old Plymouth I was driving. Went smooth as can be. No one else on the road had any idea we were coasting. Hopefully wouldn’t ever have to do that again. That was about 1985.

[@jeffMinnesota952]

The back window opens? that is convenient, did not know they could do that.Looks like fun, esp Mt Evans, thanks for sharing Tristan

[@amynelson9362]

Loved this video and the drive/hike to the top of Mt. Evans! I was hoping that you'd go to Pike's Peak. I was there as a kid, and remember it fondly as the place where my brother and I were excited to use the country's highest flush toilets (LOL!). Sorry, though, that it was under construction at the top. I'm excited for what's next - maybe Garden of the Gods? Happy Trails!

[@SUVRVing]

Lol! And Garden of the Gods will indeed be part of the next video, so stay tuned!

[@billnalen]

So glad you mentioned Colorado is crowded. I always thought we were doing something wrong when we couldn't find nice remote sites like you had in other states.

[@SUVRVing]

There are plenty of places in Colorado to get away from the crowds, but these areas are not it.

[@billnalen]

@@SUVRVing makes sense, we stayed in the front range since that was close to home.

[@mikesteffes9999]

When I stood where you did, on the summit of Mt. Evans, in early July 1983, the road was open, the fee was $0.00, no permits required, there was a bike race going on, too. Standing at the top, I watched an amateur photographer park at roadside across from Summit Lake, walk out on the snow pack remnant , and disappear into it. He apparently dropped through it and fell down the cliffside to his death. Some time later, emergency vehicles arrived to recover the body. It made the Denver paper the following day…

[@lindamartin2045]

Beautiful! Big horn sheep was a nice surprise. Road/construction work must be done in mostly dry weather. Would be really difficult when everything is covered in snow. Thank you😊😳

[@cooltechandmore]

Went there in 70s or 80s can't remember but took tram up to the restaurant and bought a donut and coffee and sovineer that said best donut in the world. Temp dropped needed winter coats even though 80 at ground level

[@onefreelife]

We drove to the top in early July one year. It was barely open then. We had a snowball game. I have trouble hiking over 12,000 feet. You seem to be doing great

[@daizamaker-jerrybraswell1997]

Great video. Lovin the new vehicle bro!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Jerry!

[@jamesrichardson1326]

We rode the cog train up to Pike's Peak. Great place to visit.

[@marcump]

You can see downtown Denver to the east and pike’s peak to the south-on a clear day

[@victoriamaaske7420]

I loved the virgin river valley along hwy 40 with about 20 miles in AZ.

[@barryraven4745]

Mt. Evans closes at Summit Lake every year the day after Labor day. I did something similar when I got stopped at the lake. I just hiked straight up from the lake. No trail back in the 90s when I did it. Climbed it this year again in January from the other side. Much more difficult!

[@KristenMaine]

I thought for sure when your go.pro stopped that you were going to say that the road was closed as well as the first road! Glad you got to the top even though it was ugly/construction. Thanks for your videos. I'll never make it that high! Albuquerque at 5200 bothers me, although driving I70 over the Rocky's to 10,000' didn't bother me maybe because it was only a short amount of time. Come to the North East. I'm a Mainer but NH has a cog railway up Mt Washington. And yes, you can drive up there as well. You'll have no problems hiking up our relatively small mountains!

[@cindi7955]

This was very interesting and also beautiful! Enjoyed it.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ritzbitz1905]

What a blessing you had the summit all to yourself….i have been up here 2 times now….definitely did not have it all to myself 😢…

[@historyofthejerseyshore]

Nice views! Spent my 20th birthday camping for a week on Mt. Evans when we were out seeing The Dead at Red Rocks in 79. Rained a few nights so some shows were in Denver. I remember dirt roads with no guardrails and sheer cliffs.

[@SUVRVing]

Sounds like a great time!

[@UncleRichsVids]

Love your vids

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@yauck1]

There is also the annual Race to the Clouds at the Pikes Peak!