Driving the Highest Paved Road in North America - The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway

Just a short drive from Denver, CO is the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, which climbs to 14,130 feet, making it the highest paved road in North America. The road is open seasonally, and goes through five different climate zones on its way to the top of Mt. Evans.
Note: As of September 2023 the mountain has been renamed Mt. Blue Sky.
Along the way, the road visits the Mt. Goliath Nature Center, Summit Lake Park (the highest city park in the United States), and the top of Mt. Evans (almost), where you'll find the ruins of the Crest House, once the highest business in the country.
We also see some of the wildlife found in the Rocky Mountains on this trip, including deer, pika, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
This video was filmed in August 2022 and despite it still being summer, we also got to experience some mountain weather.
Mt. Evans Road reservations are available here: www.recreation.gov/timed-entr...
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[@krisholstrom2065]

Glad I stumbled across this. I worked as a waitress at the Crest House way back in the early 70's. We lived and worked up there. Had 'world-famous' donuts we made up there - so many memories! One time someone hiked to the top in bad weather, not realizing that lightning can happen during snow. He was hit, made his way back to the Crest House. Broken wrist - and amazingly, his jeans were mostly blown off. PIeces of the denim were plastered on the rock when we went up later. Interesting times!

[@yahtzeejimbob]

So glad you made this video. The trip to the top was one of my life changing moments back in 1972. My buddy and I took our two Honda sl350s from Denver all the way to the top in mid-august. The high in Denver that day was 90. We took heavy coats gloves boots and had them on by the time we hit the foothills. I was so happy to see that shelter house that you showed at summit lake because just like your adventure, it started snowing like hell and we got off our motorcycles and ran inside. In 1972 there were no need for reservations for the road in fact, we traveled on a Saturday morning and I don't think we saw more than 15 cars making the hill climb with us. The oxygen gets so thin on that last stretch from the shelter house to the top that our bikes could not get out of second gear because they begin to stall in third. It was snowing like hell when we reached the top, and we ran inside the crescent house which was open and serving hot coffee and hot chili! We probably sat in there for close to an hour letting the snow stop. Always clear so we headed out and we realized we had to put our gas tanks on reserve because we were running low on fuel. At that point we had a second adventure going all the way down with the engine off in neutral. What a great ride! One I'll never forget.

[@jclarkj6]

Ah, memories. We did it with a 550 and 750 Honda in 1974. Bikes would barely run at altitude since carburetors did not adjust to thin air. Neither did my lungs!

[@Michael-ex9uo]

That’s awesome! The highest I’ve been was like 13,000 feet in Hawaii. But I couldn’t go any farther due to Altitude sickness, Which I believe was caused by Covid 😢. I wish I grew up in the 70’s. Life seems so much easier back then. The 60’s and 70’s were the height of America.

[@filip5519]

Very nice story, was fun to read! One can feel that this experience was something very special for you. And all this a year before I was born - greetings from Munich!

[@keiththompson5193]

I visited Denver in 1972. My brother in law drove us to the top. On the way up, my mother wouldn't go past Summit Lake. She waited there for us to pick her up on the way back.

[@Pack.Leader]

Wow ! What a great story. I was there in 1990 and we didn't need any reservations and there were no restrictions either. We drove a Toyota pickup truck which was carrying a slide-in camper on its back. No idea how it made the climb, now that I think about it. I think it had a stick shift. Good times.

[@TrueSuccessTools]

Thank you for always putting pleasant music in your videos.

[@ericrawson2909]

Englishman here. The most spectacular US road I drove was the Beartooth Highway. Chief Joseph Scenic byway was very good. The old fall road in the rockies. Driving to Muley Point gave me a spectacular view, followed by a hair raising dirt track down to Mexican Hat. So many memories. Just love the US National parks.

[@dennisjump8655]

Drove Beartooth also. I actually got on it by mistake coming out of Yellowstone. NEVER again! My kids were like, "Dad, look at the scenery!" I was like, "I'm good, thanks". Scared the crap out of me.

[@robwilcox9296]

New Sub Here. Do not change a thing about how you make these videos. Straight to the point, packed with info, no boring intro/outro. All of your videos are well done!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@daleolson3506]

Xcept the music👎

[@googoo-gjoob]

you mean except donning a respectable cap, of course.

[@craigwheeler4760]

The Highest roads I ever traveled were the Pikes' peak road and the MT. Haleakala HWY in Hawaii. THe MT. Haleakala one gets up near 12,000 ft from sea level in like 25 miles or less... that one I recommend for the ocean side views and awesome landscapes. The HWY at 12000 Ft in Colorado Rockies National Park area is also a good drive. The Pike's peak road isn't very paved, but I did hike up the trail to the top of the mountain 20 yrs ago and saw the road and railway going down. It was snowing heavily up there, so my family decided to ride the rail down to the 1/2 way point and we hiked the last 2 miles into the campground from there. Then we got the rest of the way down on day 3 from the big campground.

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@craigwheeler4760 sadly, the company which owns Pikes Peak caved to the econazis. Pikes Peak road was completely paved in 2006

[@farleyd]

I lived in Cheyenne Wyoming in the 90's and I had a great view of Mt. Evans over 100 miles away

[@TheFivepoint1994]

I've driven through the Rockies just about every way you can. Years ago I asked my mother-in-law to suggest a scenic drive that I had not done before. She suggested RMNP and this road. While approaching the top of Mt.Evans in a pretty heavy thunderstorm it occurred to me maybe she didn't like me that much.

[@CeliaBordeaux]

😂😂😂

[@rodneyspencer5469]

I rode my motorcycle to the top a few years back. Beautiful scenery and wildlife on along the way. The craziest thing I witnessed was the kids riding skate boards down the mountain.

[@jb6027]

I'm becoming addicted to your videos!

[@kneemeister]

I went to Biomedical Equipment repair school at the Old Fitzimons Army Medical Center, in Aurora, in 1990. Myself and a couple buddies decided to hop in my Ford Escort at about 10 PM on a Friday or Saturday night and drive to the top of Mt. Evans. That was a white knuckle experience. It was a clear night with a full moon, The views of Denver off in the far distance on the plain was spectacular.

[@dchawk81]

Anything in an Escort from that era was a white knuckle experience.

[@mississippisnowplow]

I had 89 Escort and drove up Mt. Evans in 1990. I had just moved to Lakewood from Mississippi. I almost shat my pants.

[@Fuzzle1985]

That sounds like a fun adventure to do.

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

Back in the '80s I lived in Denver and was a bicycle racer. I participated in the Mt. Evans Hill Climb several times. Truly an epic race with incomparable views!! Thanks for sharing!

[@duanearcher7576]

Did it as a junior in 1965 and won. I think we just went to tree-line (14m?) and the seniors went to the top .I hope you still ride. I had to quit because of a vertigo issue.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Oh what fun! Thank you!

[@hank41652]

Excellent. I had the pleasure of driving Mt Evans in the 1990s. No reservation (or fee) required at that time. It was a drive that I sometimes think I would like to do again so it was great to follow you on your journey. I don't recall mountain goats licking the car but I do remember them standing in the middle of the road with a "This is MY mountain" look.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

They certainly had no fear of the cars.

[@Pack.Leader]

1990 was when I was there too. The mountain goats would let you walk up pretty close to them. I don't recall any on the road itself.

[@SteveHayes1]

My wife and I decided to add Mt Evans summit to our trip after watching your video. All I can say is THANK YOU! It was wonderful!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you had great weather.

[@christopherandstephaniehil5782]

Rode my bike up and down it. Awesome time. Beautiful

gotta believe that would work the legs= 14K feet wow,

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Very informative, straight to the point. Your economy of words is what makes your videos better than many others. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyFreeVideoServer]

I took my father up here this summer. He was terrified and told me to just turn around multiple times while driving up, lol. Granted, the upper half of the drive does have some spicy bits. Got him to the top and then did the short hike to the summit. He couldn't believe the views or the sleet that came down while we were climbing up in mid July (he's from houston). Saw goats, marmot's, chipmunks and loads of beautiful wildflowers along the way.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I can imagine anyone who is terrified of heights would hate the drive too. Some of those drops were crazy.

[@The5thGen]

Your father is a smart man. I share the same fear. However, I have been on some similar roads. Beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

[@tomz1daful]

My ex wife was alot like your father. She ended up facing her fears, (I'm basically an a§§hole kinda guy, which it seems women love...go figure) and she actually said she was glad I was there to get her through her phobias.

[@Pack.Leader]

I'll bet he was glad you didn't turn around at his insistence after experiencing the summit.

[@moosefactory133]

I visited Mt. Evans once when I was on a family vacation back in 1971 (yes, I am old).and I remember finding the geological survey marker and at that time had no idea that something like that would be there. I was exited to find it because I knew I was really at the highest point of the mountain. Since then I found out they are at the high point of my many mountains and whenever I go to the top of one, I always look for the marker.

[@Rhaspun]

Yes. I had done the hike up Mt Dana in Yosemite back in 1972. I belonged to the Alpine club we had at our high school. The teacher leading us was an experienced mountain climber who taught biology class. I signed the notebook up at the top after I got done with my hike. I don't even think about doing that hike these days. I would worry about not getting back because I would run out of energy. I guess maybe I could try to train for it. But my old knees just can't handle the pounding from running anymore. A brisk walk is all I can do.

[@darrelgrove5304]

Loved the video and your narration. Drove up 7-8 yrs ago and a bit unnerving passing bicyclists on the road - especially on the drop off side. Made the mistake of driving there straight from the airport and this Midwesterner got woozie on the last 4-5 miles (a bit scary with the bikers and drop offs)!

[@benzlick]

I grew up in Denver and am fortunate to have been up there quite a few times. Last time being around 1993. Glad you guys got up there and shared 😀👍

[@mikeholmes5824]

I'm glad you mentioned White Mountain Peak in California. I did that hike last year, almost entirely on the dirt/rock road. Golf ball to football sized rock dominate that road and it is sometimes easier and far safer to walk next to it rather than on it. Very cool video, thanks.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've seen a lot of horror stories of people driving that road.

[@DanCrandall]

Thanks for bringing back memories for me. A couple of friends and I parked at Echo Lake and bicycled up to the top of Mt. Evans back in May 2005. I don't know if they still do this but, they opened the road for bicycles only about a week before they allowed cars. There was still snow around but the roadway had been cleared and the sky was blue. We had the road to ourselves. .... Truly spectacular!

[@kellyharper367]

Old disabled house bound dusty rusty rockhound here: You videos warm my heart, bring back great memories, and stimulate my will to keep going down this adventure called "Life".

[@careysmith9075]

I grew up in Denver. My family made the trip up Mount Evans nearly every weekend during nice weather, with a picnic at Echo Lake afterwards. Not many people made the trip.back then.

[@texasengineer5511]

I drove my ‘72 750 Norton Commando up Mt. Evans in the mid 1970,s. Saw the mountain goats, it was a fun drive. No reservation needed back then!

[@user-tf4gf4li5w]

Thanks for making this video! Great job! My Dad, brother, and I drove up Mt Evans way back in 1963-nearly 60 years ago! Still remember the restaurant at the top. So sad it burned down. Beautiful place

[@golferpro1241]

Nice memory

[@aquachonk]

In the 90s, I used to climb Evans from Kite Lake quite often as a warm up for the summer season of 14er bagging, back when there were no crowds and Evans was free. It was fun staying out of site near the top and then popping up over the rocks to startle tourists. They'd always ask me, "Where'd _you_ come from?" I'd say, "Took the other trail." When they asked which one I'd point to the drop off and grin. One time, before I came over the top, I heard a lady proclaim to her friends, "I climbed a mountain!" Then I saw her: flip flops, designer sunglasses, casual clothes size 4X, obviously came straight from the parking lot. I thought to myself, "No, darlin', your _Toyota_ climbed a mountain, and it's angry."

[@danbgt]

We rode our motorcycle up that road several years ago. Before reservations were required. Fun!

[@lgd4247]

So beautiful! I love how you include the wildlife. Thanks Sidetrack Family!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@kurtweiand7086]

I was told about this road by some people I've met in my travels. Now you have made it come alive!! 😊 thanks!

[@gmpny3945]

Thanks for sharing this video. I drove this with my sons back in 2014. It was truly an adventure and the views from the top were spectacular.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I'm not going to lie. I like winding mountain roads. Thanks for taking us along on your journey to a rare venue that I didn't know existed. 🐐 🏔️ 🦌

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think they are a lot of fun to drive.

[@bbbb6066]

Thank you for the video. When I did this road the weather was good at the start but by the time we got to the top it was hard to see the road. You had to go to the top because there was no place to turn around. Then it was back down in the fog. There is a bicycle race to the top of mount Evans. This year it was won by Lachlan Morton in 1 hr 52 m and 22 seconds. Than you for the video. Ben

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Less than two hours to get up there on a bike is amazing.

[@jameseroh6544]

Back in the '80's I lived in Wheatridge, CO. Back then, no reservations were required for Mt Evans.. I did the Denver YMCA Mt Evans Fun Run in 1983. The run was only 15 miles to the summit parking lot. But that altitude made my marathoner friends say that it is a crazy run. I liked adventuring to any of the Colorado 14ers.

[@davechristian7543]

Hi mate, petty cool stuff u have heir as i just found u yesterday n quite enjoy watching your uploads, cheers from Sydney nsw.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. Would love to visit Sydney. Someday.

[@erringobragh3138]

cool video.....I had the pleasure of spending 4 yrs in Idaho Springs. I actually lived on the road to Mt Evans (highway 103). That was 10 yr ago......Actually took a 1974 Kenworth bobtail to the top back in the 80's... Geez the stuff I did in my 20's. Love the area, love the people in the area. Thanks for the view.....I truly miss it

[@VENNOM711]

I was raised in Denver from the time I was 4 years old. I haven't lived there since 2009. I made the trip to Mt. Evans several times, I even went snowboarding on the couloir off the summit and above Summit Lake. Thank you for posting this and bringing me back there.

[@scottmaughmer8192]

Beautiful scenery. Awesome share!

[@libby5335]

Great video. My younger son that lives in Denver took me up there a few years ago. The views are spectacular if it's a clear day. Road is a bit hairy with no guard rails so you just go slow! Thanks for posting this!

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks showing the hail and that mountain weather can change on a dime.

[@rayworx]

Love the way you describe all the details! Great video. Now that I'm retired I'm hoping to explore more and your videos are a great way to find new places to go! Thanks!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, we appreciate the kind words.

[@JackByrom85]

outstanding video, so much fun. Thank you.

[@snyderkr0822]

An "always-do" drive when I make it back home. The drive never gets old. Thanks.

[@laskatz3626]

Loved this video. I had no idea it existed. It’s on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.

[@marinao730]

You have very well put together informative videos that are a pleasure to watch.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

I went up that, and Pike's Peak, back in the day (when Pike's was gravel.) My little car protested! Not enough air! It is amazing when the trees disappear.

[@johnlong384]

Thanks for putting tons of time in making your very nice info-clip - take care & keep going!

[@thegathering3322]

Thank you Steve for braving the weather for me and the hike nice trip

[@eileenirwin2778]

Great video, Steve. Thanks for sharing.

[@galardmills5306]

Inspiring video! I missed Mt. Evan’s this year. I arrived on Labor Day, and of course no reservations were available. At the time I figured “Oh well.” Now, after watching your detailed video, you inspired me to try again in another year. No more “Oh well.” I want to see it! Thank you for showing us!

[@RichWeigel]

Awesome on my list of hikes! Thanks for sharing!

Just beautiful and interesting as well.

[@chuckbeattyo]

thanks for doing this video. Great sharing.

[@colleenhelminiak1429]

I took the California Zephyr train to California, and going through the Rockies, I saw sights that a road trip would never be able to show - but this trip would have been right up there with it. Thanks for taking us with you - I do have to say there were a few times on the ascent where I was nervous (and as I'm sitting on my couch lol). I do look forward to your next adventure......

[@DesertNebula]

So pretty! Everything looked so fresh 😮

[@joetorrey6922]

Fantastic!

[@suen5006]

Glad I stumbled on to this! What a drive, great video!

[@percymcnabb4746]

thanks for sharing this , so beautiful

[@stephenduncan872]

Enjoying ALL your video's. Thank you for all your hard work. Cheers!!!

[@cesaralexis73]

So beautiful!

[@richh650]

Excellent trip up the mountain. I so wished I would have taken the road myself when I was in the Denver area several years ago. Thank you for the video!

[@EpicATrain]

1:40 Beautiful stop, loved it. :P I was hoping you would run that stop sign. xD

[@joshmartin1938]

Great video- very succinct with beautiful pics. Thanks....

[@sondrajoyce8810]

Thank you for the tour. You are an excellent guide...........

[@SidetrackAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@TomCrosman]

Been up there numerous times since I grew up in CO. Climbed it once in the winter.

[@Doesitmatter113]

I lived in Denver from 1974-1986, been up that road dozens of times. Camped there, never needed to pay a fee or get reservations.

[@mikewypasek8855]

Very cool! Thank you!!

[@doyline45]

Thanks for taking these old folks along.

[@stanstanly3812]

Love your videos. Thanks.

[@ivanalo580]

This looks interesting. On my bucket list now for future roadtrips. Thanks

[@shaynestephens]

Fantastic! Thank you for this!

[@scallahanco]

I have ridden my bike twice from Idaho Spring and up Mt. Evans Road to the top. The second time on the way down we were above the clouds and descended into a rain storm. It was a strange feeling...and a cold!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I saw a few bikes going up. That's one heck of a climb to get up there. Good job. I bet riding down was fun though.

[@careysmith9075]

Knowing the road, I am truly impressed! The ride down must have been awesome!

[@scallahanco]

@@SidetrackAdventures It can either be very fun or scary and cold as "you know what". At that elevation, it literally changes by the minute.

[@kyleohara8700]

Having done some of the Rocky Mountain National Park stuff before I had kids, I'd LOVE to take them to this as an experience for us all. That looks and sounds like a blast.

[@lifewithjosef]

I had no idea about this road, thanks for adding to my need to ride list!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You should if you get the chance. Video doesn't do the views justice.

[@ktrmeadow]

Memories. Drove this last year. Very special.

[@DreamcastQ]

that’s a high road!

[@poppydc43ify]

Great trip. Thanks for taking us.

[@Humandriver5280]

It's great for terrifying visitors. BTW the bighorn sheep like the roadsalt.

[@Pack.Leader]

Wow. Thank you so much ! I'm really happy this came up as a suggested video. What a walk down memory lane. Way back in August-October 1990, I was there at Lowry AF Base in Denver and my significant other and I drove his Toyota pickup truck with a slide-in camper all the way up to Mt Evans. I never knew until watching your video that I had driven on the highest paved road in all of North America. We stood there at that summit marker and took pics and video. I didn't remember the hike from the parking lot to the summit but this was a good refresher. Summit Lake was very pretty. Did you say Pike's Peak vista was the best of all mountain views in the USA or just better than the one at Mt Evans? I hope they leave the name alone. It's the name of the mountain and we aren't so fragile that we can't just accept that is part of its history. Come on, people. Man up. Leave some things alone, please. PS: Lowry AFB closed down right after we were finished with our training that Fall. I was always sad about that. It was a really nice little base.

[@josealeman4781]

Wow the view is amazing

[@patelliott397]

Great video!! I thought I had been to just about every place in Colorado over the last 45 years, but for some reason have never been here, but it is definitely on my list of places to go see next Colorado trip! Have subscribed to your channel!

[@cliffpeebles9705]

I'm really enjoying your videos and you are saving me a ton of money because I can just stay home and let you do the driving. Thanks for bringing all of us along.

[@steve8421]

A wet slippery, icy winding road with no guide rails. What could possibly go wrong? Glad you made it back safely. Not sure I would have liked the trip down.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Going down was pretty slow, but there was also a herd of bighorn sheep in the road that decided that's where they wanted to be and weren't going anywhere. Once we got further down everything was dry again.

[@mitchtrubisky999]

To me the trips down are easier than the trips up.

[@diannejohanson9785]

This is one of the best videos that I’ve seen. You have a perfect narrator voice for this video. Thank you for your filming and information

[@vanishingpoint5248]

Another great video…mellow music…chill voice…interesting places….good channel for sure!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@00leaveralone]

Right on. Thanks

[@bokiphoto]

Thanks for making this video record. I have been to this summit several times, it's so beautiful ... My record setting trip, "Summit, to Plummet, to Summit" ... From the highest road in North America, summit lot of Mt. Evans, to the lowest driveable point in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater Basin Death Valley, and then right back to the summit of Evans ... All in one go, less than 24h each direction.

[@dfdla]

Excellent job! I enjoyed the photography and narration!

[@EpicATrain]

Awesome video, I love it. This makes me want to go adventuring!

[@boo-sees-n-says]

Thank you for this video. It is awesome to see. It is wonderful that there is a road that goes that high. And a beatiful summit. Makes me want to go there some day

[@DesertCruiser1]

Great Video!! I've known about this road for years. I knew I'd never get there. Thanks for letting me ride along. Great information, you have great style, class and a sense of humor. Keep up the Good Work!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@juliojames5986]

Absolutely a great video here, of the many you do . Thanks 👍🏻🤠

[@waterfountainsofarizona4587]

Awesome views thank you 🙏🏼

[@Jonathanlexy]

I do communicates, Ham radio, for the foot race up to the top every year. So get to drive it for free every June. Great video. That hail, is really called grapple,(sp) here in Colorado. They are light snow pellets.

[@1984xlx]

Thanks for another excellent video, Steve!

[@travelingman21000]

I've watched several of your videos and have enjoyed them, keep up the good work.

[@stewartthompson72]

That was pretty interesting and scenic. Years ago I drove up to Mt. Whitney, but that topped out at Whitney Portal at about 8400 feet. Although I have driven through a few passes that topped out at about 10,500 feet. Thanks for showing it to us.

[@EforEvery]

This is an amazing video, thank you for making it!

[@miriamappelbaum6433]

Beautiful up there.

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Excellent work. Thank you from Texas!