Colorado Adventure Day 4

Day 4 - Mt. Evans

We stopped at Subway and got hoagies for a picnic lunch to take along on our trip. It was about 40 minutes drive North to the town of Idaho Springs. We didn't get to see the town on on this visit, but plan to go back another day.

Our first destination was Echo Lake, which has a picnic area. Apparently everyone had the same idea, because the parking lots were crowded and the picnic tables were full. We hiked around the lake a little to find an empty table.

In this photo, taken near an covered picnic area we didn't stop at, you can see the top of Mt. Evans. The place we picnicked was across the lake and can probably be seen in this photo.

After our picnic (we ended up sharing the large wooden table with another family that came and asked if we had room - that's how crowded it was) the kids climbed the rocks along the shore. Sock monkey climbed and almost got tossed into the lake! He sat and rested and enjoyed seeing the clouds reflected in the clear water. There were also ducks and little fish to see.

We stopped at the ranger station and paid our $10 to drive to the top of Mt. Evans. Honestly, I know there's a fuss about it, but it's only $10, the road is nice and there is a lot to stop and see.

This photo is Summit Lake. I like this photo because the man fishing in the lake gives you some perspective. He's standing on rocks. From the shore to where he is is all rocks and very shallow. It seems to drop off after that.

From the parking area at Summit Lake you walk up a gravel path. We passed what I guess was a little ranger station where volunteers had out furs and animal horns to tell you about the wildlife. We stopped so the kids could pet the furs and heard some interesting stories about the animals that live in this area.

At the top of the path is an overlook of the Chicago Lakes. It's a nice wide overlook with great views. I'm glad we stopped and walked up, because driving past you really can't see what's up past Summit Lake.

Next is the long drive up Mt. Evans. I have to say, I was nervous about it beforehand, having been absolutely terrified driving up Pike's Peak on our previous trip. This is nothing like that! The road is all paved, for one. And, it's wide enough for two cars everywhere. And there is something of a shoulder almost the entire way. And at the turns there's a little shoulder. And the incline itself doesn't feel nearly as steep driving. So, again, nothing like Pike's Peak. I actually enjoyed this drive.

This photo was taken looking down at the parking area from the summit. You park and walk 200 feet (that's what they say, but I don't know if that's vertical distance or walking distance) up switchbacks in the rock to the top. It would be considered a moderate trail. More adventerous people climbed the rocks a little, but there's a real path wide enough for going up and down and you only have to step on or around rocks. In the distance you can see the buildings behind the parking lot. There's nothing on the summit itself but rocks.

This is one of the views from the summit of Mt. Evans. But you can really see 360 degrees, so there are views in any direction.

We liked the white goats better, but these were right at the building and weren't afraid of people, who were all gathered around taking photos of the goats (who ignored us and continued eating).

This is a photo taken on the way down. It might look steep and scary, but, like I said, it's not as bad as Pike's Peak!