Mount Evans Scenic Byway: Ultimate Cyclist’s Guide to the Highest Paved Road in the USA

Photo of author
Written by
Last Updated:

Attempting to ride the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is no joke.

The road is the highest paved road in the USA, and as such, it will present unique challenges to anyone looking to tackle it.

Mount Evans is situated in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, and can be accessed via the town of Idaho Springs.

Often thought to be one of Colorado’s most demanding road climbs, the ride will draw you away from civilization and into a barren lunar landscape.

The 45 km long paved road is rich in wildlife; expect to see a flurry of bighorn sheep, deer, mountain goats, marmots, and the odd cyclist covered in lyrca.

The area is also home to mountain lions and black bears. However, their presence remains elusive.

In this guide, we’ll be covering:

  • History Of The Highest Road In United States
  • Guide To Cycling Mount Evans Scenic Byway
  • Tips For Cycling Mount Evans: Highest Road In US

Let’s roll into it!

Mount Evans Scenic Byway: Title Image

History of the Highest Road in united states

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway came to be during a large-scale construction of automobile loops seeking to encourage locals to explore the mountains; it was facilitated by the Denver Mountain Parks authority.

As you approach the top, you will notice Crest House, an old ruin in a peculiar location. Once a restaurant and gift shop, it was destroyed in a fire in 1979.

Nowadays, it serves as a welcome windbreak and viewing platform, a beautiful location to perch and observe panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps more desirable than a gift shop.


The highest pass in the US also hosts the Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb.

The one-day race began in 1962 and has been held almost every year since. The age range of the participants is from nine to eighty-five years. The race is primarily fuelled by local volunteers from the Colorado cycling community.

A snow-covered hairpin bend near the summit of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

Each year some 1000 cyclists participate from all over the world, including a host of professional cyclists.

Originally named the Mount Evans Hill Climb, it was renamed in 1981 to Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb in memory of five-time race winner Bob Cook.

After winning the event six times, three of which while he was a junior, Bob sadly died of a brain tumor at the age of 23.

He diligently kept a diary, which highlighted his unique attitude and dedication. The final addition to his journal, dated 5th February, read:

“I try not to think too much about my condition and what it might lead to. I may get better, but I may get worse. I may die. That’s unpleasant, but I have to face the possibility. I’m glad I don’t think too much about it. Just living each day the best I can keeps me in pretty good spirits.”

To date, the fastest known times to the summit are held by Tom Danielson, who set a blistering time of 1:41:20 in the 2004 edition of the race, and Jeannie Longo with a time of 1:59:19 in 1998.

Quite extraordinary – expect the ride to take 3-5 hours, depending on your level of fitness.

Guide to cycling Mount Evans Scenic Byway

  • Departure Elevation: 2312 m (7585 ft)
  • Finish Elevation: 4306 m (14127 ft)
  • Altitude Gain: 1993 m (6539 ft)
  • Length: 44.2 km (28.9 miles)
  • Average Gradient: 4.5%
  • Steepest 400m: 8.4%
  • KOM: Tom Danielson, 1:41:20
  • QOM: Jeannie Longo, 1:59:19

As you can see from the average gradient, Mount Evans doesn’t rank highly when compared to punchy Lake District climbs such as Hardknott Pass or alpine giants like Col du Galibier.

However, what it lacks in steep gradients, it more than makes up for in length and altitude.

You’ll never hit a double-digit gradient, but you’ll spend most of the climb at altitudes you can rarely reach on a bike. In fact, the gradient is almost always in the 4-7% range.

Navigating how to deal with the altitude is critical to a successful and enjoyable climb; we’ll detail what preparations you can take later!

View of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest road in United States.

It’s well known that the road surface, in certain sections, leaves a lot to be desired. Be sure to pack 2 spare inner tubes.

As the climb is so long, breaking it up into sections may be helpful. You’ll begin in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, just off I70 on Highway 103. There is parking at the bottom of the climb.

The first section takes you out of the town and up to Echo Lake; this segment spans 20 km and climbs over 900m with an average gradient of 4.5%. The first 10km is the most congested part of the route, with relatively heavy traffic as you leave Idaho Springs.

As you reach the sign for Arapaho National Forest, the frequency of traffic will decrease, and the beauty of the climb will begin to unfold. The forest is dense and vast, tall pines will now accompany you until you hit the tree line.

Just before you reach Echo Lake, a beautiful glacier lake with spectacular reflections, there is a short descent. Enjoy it while you can, as it will be over before it starts.

A lake near the summit of Mount Evans.

A few descents are littered throughout this climb, which mask the actual average gradient of 5.8%.

As you depart from the lake, you will meet the junction of Highway 103 and Mount Evans Road. Here is usually a great place to stop for food and drink from the Echo Lake Lodge; however, it is currently closed, with no notion of when it will re-open.

Mount Evans Road is a toll road, but not for bikes! You are 22.5 km away from the summit, so keep the effort steady; you’ll start to feel the altitude difference from here on in.

The next section of the climb will take you to Summit Lake, which is 14.8 km long, averaging a 4.4% gradient. 5 km into this section, you will rise above the dense pine trees, leaving the forest behind.

You now have stunning, unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains accompanying you to the top. A short downhill awaits you before Summit Lake.

Although nothing changes much in the way of gradients, the last 9 km of the climb from Summit Lake will most likely be the hardest. Over 400 meters of verticle ascent at an average 4.7% gradient.

Doesn’t sound too bad right? However, at this point in the climb, there is almost 50% less oxygen in the air, coupled with tired legs that have already climbed 1500 meters of ascent.

A series of graceful switchbacks accompany you on this last stretch – 12 to be exact – but it will feel like more. After 5 or 6 you’ll be wondering if it is your last. One last push, to the summit!

You’ll be greeted by a bike rack to hang your bike, breathtaking views, and maybe a cheer from a stranger!

Switchback on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

Tips for cycling mount evans: highest road in US

#1: Acclimate to the altitude

The climb is uniquely difficult because of the reduced availability of oxygen in the air. In this environment, your blood oxygen levels decrease, and as such, the body struggles to deliver oxygen efficiently to your muscles.

If you usually live at sea level, it can take some time to adjust to a higher altitude.

Oxygen density in the air sits at 20.9% at sea level and rapidly diminishes the higher you get.

Colorado is known for its high altitude, with Idaho Springs sitting at an altitude of 7585 ft, meaning the oxygen density is around 15.75%.

That’s a 25% reduction, and you’re only at the start line; by the summit, which sits at 14,127ft, you are looking at an oxygen density of just over 12%.

Early signs of insufficient oxygen include sleepiness, physical fatigue, headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and vomiting, so it may be hard to distinguish whether you are just cycling uphill or suffering from altitude sickness.

Nevertheless, be mindful of how you feel as you ascend.

The body will adjust, but it takes time. Be sure to get out on the bike when you arrive in Colorado rather than tackle Mount Evans straight away. Altitude sickness is more likely to happen when you go above 8000 ft, so find some climbs around that altitude.

The best thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is to give your body time to acclimate before starting the climb.

Towards the foot of Mount Evans, the road is covered in snow in winter.

#2: time of year

On a gravel or mountain bike, cycling is theoretically possible all year round.

On a road bike, the best months are between May and September. As always, check the weather forecast and pack your gear accordingly, always erring on the side of caution – conditions can deteriorate rapidly at such altitudes in the mountains.

#3: Weather Forecast

The weather is unpredictable, you can be basking in glorious sun in Idaho Springs and be battling strong winds, lightning, and freezing rain at the summit, even in summer.

Make sure you check the mountain forecast for an idea of what to expect.

Start early in the day because the weather typically turns sour in the afternoon. Be sure to bring a wind jacket and a few extra layers. The descent is bound to be cold.

Enjoyed this Mount Evans Scenic Byway Guide? Check out more from the BikeTips experts below!

Terms of Use

This cycling route guide, including any maps, GPS, or other navigational information, is provided for informational purposes only. By using this guide and cycling this route, you accept all responsibility and risk associated with your participation.

Before cycling, you should assess your own fitness level and ability to handle the physical demands of the route. It is your responsibility to review current local weather conditions and road closures, as well as any public or private land use restrictions and rules, and comply with them during your ride, and to ensure you carry proper safety and navigational equipment. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles to ensure you leave your surroundings as you found them.

The information contained in this guide is not guaranteed to be accurate, and the author makes no representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information provided. The author and any contributors to this guide are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur during your ride or as a result of using this guide, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or other harm.

By using this guide, you acknowledge and agree to release and hold harmless the author, BikeTips, Broadsea Media LTD., and any contributors to this guide from any and all claims or damages arising out of your use of the information provided. This guide is not a substitute for your own due diligence, and you should always exercise caution and make informed decisions when cycling.

Photo of author
As a qualified sports massage therapist and personal trainer with eight years' experience in the field, Ben plays a leading role in BikeTips' injury and recovery content. Alongside his professional experience, Ben is an avid cyclist, splitting his time between his road and mountain bike. He is a particular fan of XC ultra-endurance biking, but nothing beats bikepacking with his mates. Ben has toured extensively throughout the United Kingdom, French Alps, and the Pyrenees ticking off as many iconic cycling mountains as he can find. He currently lives in the Picos de Europa of Spain's Asturias region, a stone's throw from the legendary Altu de 'Angliru - a spot that allows him to watch the Vuelta a España roll past his doorstep each summer.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.