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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@bigmike4962]

Have ridden Beartooth on a Harley twice. It's, um.....challenging. :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@farleyd]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@christopherandstephaniehil5782]

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

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

[@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]

😂😂😂

[@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.

[@marinao730]

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

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

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

[@jb6027]

I'm becoming addicted to your videos!

[@percymcnabb4746]

thanks for sharing this , so beautiful

[@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."

[@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!

[@patriciarhodes5977]

You did a great job sharing all the great info!!!!

[@danbgt]

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

[@dfdla]

Excellent job! I enjoyed the photography and narration!

[@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.

[@antoniodelrio1292]

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

[@sondrajoyce8810]

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

[@SidetrackAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@JT_Adventures]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@thegathering3322]

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

[@lgd4247]

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

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@GaryHillebert]

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

[@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.

[@vanishingpoint5248]

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

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@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

[@nekona7620]

Thank you so much for this video! I really enjoyed it. :)

[@Trumpertantrum]

Denver has. Collected over $20 million in tolls and still hasn’t fixed the road at the top. Typical democrat tax, divert, spend.

[@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 😀👍

[@scottmaughmer8192]

Beautiful scenery. Awesome share!

[@kurtweiand7086]

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

[@ivanalo580]

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

[@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

[@idontknow2293]

I subscribed when I saw my first video. I know it wasn't your first but I got hooked. I don't understand how you don't have more subscribers. Kinda reminds me of a program on TV 30 or 40 years ago called armchair adventure

[@DesertNebula]

So pretty! Everything looked so fresh 😮

[@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)!

[@eileenirwin2778]

Great video, Steve. Thanks for sharing.

[@suen5006]

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

[@laskatz3626]

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

[@JohnReibling]

Thanks! Best travel vid in memory. Well-done!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@doyline45]

Thanks for taking these old folks along.

[@RichWeigel]

Awesome on my list of hikes! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheAsif5182]

great view .i wish i should be there while its hailing .i love the weather when it rains .

[@cesaralexis73]

So beautiful!

[@mikewypasek8855]

Very cool! Thank you!!

[@Tweetsix]

Thanks for the video got me and my son up there today before it closes thanks sidetrack

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Wow. Glad you were able to get up there.

[@stanstanly3812]

Love your videos. Thanks.

[@JackByrom85]

outstanding video, so much fun. Thank you.

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Excellent work. Thank you from Texas!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

fantastic video thanks for sharing a beautiful place thanks Sr terrific job

Just beautiful and interesting as well.

[@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.

[@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.

[@stephenduncan872]

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

[@schlonz66]

We just drove up there on Labor Day, great and informative video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Hope you had fun up there.

[@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.

[@whatthefunkwasithinking7645]

Another Great Video!! Thank you! I was able to drive the Beartooth hwy out of Red Lodge, MT into Yellowstone last year and that was incredible!! I have to put this on my list!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I have to get back up to Montana. So much to see and do there.

[@itookallthenames]

Bear tooth is amazing, did it on the way out of Yellowstone, we didn’t know how high it was gonna go until we reached the start

[@TomCrosman]

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

[@johnlong384]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@miriamappelbaum6433]

Beautiful up there.

[@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.

[@fenix02008]

Great post❣️Thx for sharing❣️

[@kasey72]

Thanks for sharing brother! We are going this labor day Monday before the top closes. Great video for a Padres fan! Haha.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Have fun! Hope the weather is great that day.

[@joshmartin1938]

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

[@snyderkr0822]

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

[@ktrmeadow]

Memories. Drove this last year. Very special.

[@chuckbeattyo]

thanks for doing this video. Great sharing.

[@BackpackandGear]

I was there many years ago when you did not have to have a reservation. I too had bad weather at the top. It snowed! I got a little light headed from the elevation. I'm from Florida where we are close to sea level and not used to such high places! I remember the mountain goats and the marmots. Thanks for the video, good job!

[@NotABushFan1]

I lost count the number of times I went to top before reservation.

[@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.

[@bigmike4962]

Buddy and I rode our Harleys all the way up Summer of '22. Rode to the top of Pikes Peak the day before. Mt. Evans summit was the only time I've ever seen a Pika in the wild. Both mountain summits and the rides up were absolutely awesome!

[@EpicATrain]

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

[@Kindle1234]

Another great video. Just stumbled upon your videos a couple of weeks ago and now watch almost everyday. Although from Alabama I have traveled many of the highways you have shown in videos but I never knew so much history I was missing not stopping along the way.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Welcome aboard!

[@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!

[@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.

[@jarhead6153]

Nice….definitely a bucket list item if I’m ever in that area…thanks.Great content on this channel.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Any time!

[@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!

[@ShirleySerious]

I went with my long time buddy about a month before you made this video. One of the best experiences of my life and I'm glad I went. We lucked out though and it stayed dry the whole time.

[@roberthenry9319]

Wonderful video, as all of your videos are. Absolutely, I am a loyal subscriber. Always looking forward to your next adventure.

[@paulshelley8132]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you very much, we really appreciate this.

[@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 👍🏻🤠

[@lindaincolorado2646]

We used to go up to Summit Lake and sometimes to the top of Mount Evans every summer. This started in 1971, and we also went up a few times at night. And it was fun when there were fewer people on the road and fewer people on Mount Evans but I still love to come up. Very nice video, and good to remind people that if they have any breathing problems or have ever had them, to bring an inhaler or not to go all the way to the top. I had my first asthma attack at the top while my family was hiking and while I just rested in the car. Disappointing but I survived. As a Coloradoan, we are used to cliffhangers and hairpin turns but I remember my dad laughing at his brothers from Michigan who thought they could straighten the road.... they didn't understand mountain curves, so it's good if people from Flatlanders States take it slower and enjoy the wildlife and the views. ♥️

[@TerryF]

Go PADRES!!! Awesome to see some San Diegans on the outdoor trails! Great video!

[@grizzlybexar8177]

Awesome video. I lived there in 88 and we used to go camping on My Evans. No RSVP needed in thoze days. This is the first video I've seen of yours, I hope you have more. It should remain Mt. Evans.

[@poppydc43ify]

Great trip. Thanks for taking us.

[@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.

[@NutmegThumper]

Nice video. Did that drive in the late 80’s. It was snowing at the peak! I remember walking 100 feet and being out of breath - and I was in my 20’s!

[@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......