Driving Colorado's Mt Evan's Scenic Byway - The Highest Paved Road in North America

 Mount Evans Scenic Byway is 28 miles in length and reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet (climbing over 7,000 feet in those 28 miles) to make it the highest paved road in North America. It's not for the faint of heart or for those who don't care for heights - Colorado is notorious for roads without guardrails - so think long and hard before you choose to drive up this scenic mountain road if you're in either group. But if you do choose to do so, you will be rewarded with mountain views, animal sightings and breathing in fresh clean air.

We drove it on a beautiful July afternoon - and when I say we, I mean Mr. UR did all the driving. After checking in at the gate (reservations are required) we started the drive and all seemed well. It didn't take long, though, to realize that we were in for a wild ride. As we climbed - sans guardrails - the views became magnificent. On each switchback, they became more and more beautiful. We passed alpine lakes and groves of bristlecone pine until we reached above the treeline. And we passed mountain goats and bighorn sheep who lazily looked at us as we snapped photos.

You will pass, and can stop, at Summit Lake Park - the highest city park in North America. This park does incur an extra fee, of which you can pay when you make your reservations.

Summit Lake Park

Upon reaching the summit, you can stretch your legs with a climb to the rocky top. Or you can check out the Crest House ruins. Once the highest business in the United States, it was a restaurant, gift shop and tourist attraction.

The rocky summit

Ruins of Castle in the Sky

Marmot

Our way down was just as exciting (and scary) with a few stops along the way to take more photos of the animals and check out the views. 

It's hard to tell but those darker specks are elk

If you decide to drive Mt. Evans - whatever the time of year - you must make reservations for vehicle entry at recreation.gov Dogs must be on a leash and the closest town to the start is Idaho Springs and to the finish is Bergen Park. 

How about you? Have you ever driven to the top of Mt. Evans? If you haven't, would you?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!