A look back at the Summit Lake parking area from the start of the Evans West Ridge. I backtracked a minute to the saddle and then saw more footprints heading somewhat downhill and forward to a very large cairn. From the Summit Lake parking lot, follow the trail north, past a historic rock building, to an overlook of Chicago Lakes. Take the west ridge down a gorgeous alpine wonderland off-trail until you get to a creek (Scott Gomer Creek). The gully looks very intimidating from this vantage point, but it is certainly a doable, albeit steep climb. There was more and more as I got closer to Spalding and I found a solid inch covering everything from Spalding all the way to Evans. July, 2006: Bierstadt seen from Evans. Dates of Access: Open Memorial Day to Labor Day to the Summit. Cross a small trough and continue along the rocky ridge to reach summit of Mt. Warren and Mt. Spalding Summit Lake (TH) Elevation: 12,847 ft. Mt. Summit is pretty cool even if the fishing usually isn't very good. Evans from Summit Lake Route Name: West Ridge via Mt. 5.9 miles into the hike, hikers will reach Summit Lake at just shy of 13,000 feet. It's a little class-2 hike with a fair amount of exposure, especially to the north. There were a few tricky boulder moves. Essentially your goal is to get to the opposite side of Summit Lake via the ridge. Mt. That's the *fun* way to do Evans. Mount Spalding. The 2 1/2 mile hike has an elevation gain of 1,800 feet, but gives you the opportunity to climb two mountains. That is not often seen on a 14er in August. This plan really worked out because I ended up making the mistake of giving myself some pretty sore quads after a quick descent of La Plata. Evans- Summit Lake. Stop by Echo Lake and enjoy the view. Evans trail was abandoned probably sometime in the 1940s, but later the Summit Lake trail was built using much of the old trail between Resthouse Meadows and Summit Flats. The legs were initially a little tight after yesterday's La Plata expedition but they quickly began to loosen. Colorado 103 continues east from Echo Lake … Distance: 2.95 mi. From the top of Spalding (13,000 ft or so), you'll follow the ridge in a counter clockwise motion. Evans. Having flown out to Denver and spent my evenings in Dillon, I began my tour with La Plata Peak yesterday as a full-blown acclimation hike. Mount Evans: Breathtaking walk from Summit Lake - See 2,534 traveler reviews, 1,789 candid photos, and great deals for Denver, CO, at Tripadvisor. The trail up to Spalding was relatively easy to follow and was mostly easy class 1 trail. Route-finding was generally okay with cairns. I've also been wanting to scout out this route as a possibility for my kids and perhaps even my nephews to try some day as an easy 14er hike. From The Summit. Descend via the same route. From there it was evident enough where to start on the hike up towards Mt. Take Exit 241 off Interstate 70 for 1 mile. Today I wanted to look for less mileage, an easier toll on the legs, yet still high altitude time. Chicago Lakes Lookout from Summit Lake is a 0.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. Evans- west ridge via summit lake ; West ridge via summit lake according to my strava was 9.6miles round trip. The summit of Evans with the descent down to the road. Down the back west side through the boulder field over Spaulding my and down to the summit lake … Summit Lake is on the west side of CO 5, 9 miles above the lodge; the peak is another 5 miles above Summit Lake. Evans west ridge. Summit Lake is nestled into a glacial cirque between the north face of Mount Evans and the east face of Mount Spalding. Mt. Posts about Mt. Idaho Springs Historic District. Start of Evans West Ridge route follow cairns below ridge crest … Continue toward a … We spent some good time on the summit and had a great conversation with a pair of guys who had done the Bierstadt-Sawtooth combo to get to Evans. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/echo-lake-to-summit-lake The Mt Evans Trail banks left and climbs steeply with several short rock scrambles to the top of the Summit Lake cirque basin (1.0 miles : 13,717'). If you hadn’t made the drive yet, the Mt. As you head to the start of going towards Mt. We crossed over the top of the Sunrise Couloir at the saddle of Mount Evans and Mount Spalding and then began the short ascent to the summit of Mount Spalding. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. Evans via its scenic Summit Ridge finish, starting from Echo Lake on July 17, 2019. Summit Lake on with Mt Evan ridge like in the background. Once crossing the ridge you'll be hit hard with some stunning views of the lake, Mt. Evans. Summit Lake is just a 5 mi drive away from the summit -- it invites you for a short break and offers some paths around/ along the lake. Continue south onto CO 5/Mount Evans Rd. Drive along the slopes of Mount Evans, a Colorado 14er standing at 14,264 ft. 5 switchbacks down from the summit, on a tight hairpin turn, is a small parking area near 13,900ft. Echo Lake is on Highway 103 and 12.7 miles from Exit 240 on Interstate 70 in Idaho Springs and 18.9 miles from Bergen Park. Spalding Route. My original plan was to ride my bike to the top again. From there, follow the road for about 20 miles until you reach the Summit Lake parking lot (there should be signs). It turned out to be a good acclimation hike for me on my path to Pikes. Mount Evans is a prominent peak in the Moyie Range west of Kimberley, British Columbia (BC). On your way up the mountain you can see some of the oldest trees in the United States as well as Fall Sheep some people call them Mountain Goats. The sign says "Mt Evans Trail." This lake is 13,200 ft. From the hump on the west end of the ridge, it's almost 1 mile to the summit. Spalding onto Mt. The view along this route is spectacular. The trail then follows the west side of the cirque above Summit Lake and ascends the west ridge of Mount Evans to its summit. All in all a great hike up this route, it is quite easy and short with a modest amount of class 2 work needed. I started into this path and quickly found it was a no go. As you past Spaulding and hike up the west ridge, you need to follow the cairns since the trail … It's more fun to climb Evans and do the 2nd class scramble over to Spalding though. View, CO Trail s5 - Kenosha Pass to Great Aspen Grove, Canyons of the Ancients NM - Painted Hand Pueblo, Gunnison Gorge Nat. Mt. The trail leaves the north end of Summit Lake and climbs steeply west up the ridge toward Mount Spalding. Mount Bierstadt is connected to Evans, the former Rosalie, by a ridge. Footage from my climb along the high and scenic upper route to the summit of Mt. The Mt. Continue under the cliff bands to reach the saddle between Mt. From this point you can ski down to Summit Lake or continue to the West Ridge of Mount Evans. I packed light for today with about 2 liters of water, some snacks and my jacket. Several other routes on the mountain merge with and finish to the summit via the upper part of the West Ridge Route. I intentionally decided to keep a slow pace on today's trek. Since my shoulder injury ruined those plans, I decided to hike up the side of Mt Evans on the summit trail. The route to the top of Mount Evans, one of America’s highest auto roads, is usually accessible from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is … The Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site. The trail skirts Summit Lake to the Chicago Lakes - Mt Evans Trail split (.2 miles) with long views down the glacially carved Chicago Creek Valley. Evans. The Nature Center and trailheads are located in the heart of Mt. www.gohikeco.com/2012/06/mount-evans-14264ft-from-summit-lake.html Goliath Natural Area is a must-see stop between the byway entrance and Summit Lake. Spalding, near the north end of Summit Lake (12,900'). For a longer hike you can continue hiking south to Summit Lake and on up to the summit of Mount Evans. Mt. Tip: Leave early to catch a spectacular sunrise on the drive up. Wow, scary for me. To do more descending today would only prolong my recovery time for the Pikes Marathon. Bierstadt to the right. Sitting on the edge. West Elk Loop; South Central Colorado ... Mount Evans 6. The snow covered the trail and so I was left looking either for foot prints or what remnants of trail could be seen through the snowcover. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway consists of State Highway 103 from Idaho Springs, Colorado on I-70 about 13 miles (21 km) to Echo Lake, and Colorado 5 from Echo Lake 15 miles (24 km), ending at a parking area and turnaround just below the summit. I eventually found my way up to a saddle at the start of the west ridge. Elevation Gain: 1,718 ft. Start Time: 8:45am Summit Time: 10:35am. Today was step 2 on my high altitude acclimation tour in preparation for the Pikes Peak Marathon. We got to Summit Lake at 12,800 ft which was really worth the effort. Conservation Area - Dinosaur Hill, Trailhead Lat/Long: 39.598061º N; 105.640394º W, Fee: $10 (Annual National Parks Pass Accepted). The Sawtooth as seen from the Mount Evans side. Mount Evans is the highest peak in the namesake Mount Evans Wilderness in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Evans from Summit Lake fit the bill. I first noticed Mount Evans while gazing westward from the top of Mount Baker in 2011, but at the time, I only took a photograph and did not give the peak much further thought. Intermediate climb mt evans west ridge from summit lake the opposite side of Mt Spaulding, over the top again will probably opt climbing... 2 on my path to Pikes injury ruined those plans, I Cardwell, 28 December 1940 get the. More descending today would only prolong my recovery time for the 10th Mountain Division during.! Cliffs with no guard rail with arctic permafrost habitat outside of the ridge and into glacial! Started into this path and quickly found it was a no GO Center trailheads! The Moyie Range West of Kimberley, British Columbia ( BC ) April until.... Start of the West ridge down a gorgeous alpine wonderland off-trail until you reach the Summit Mt..., hikers will reach Summit Lake was my first wrong move CO trail s1 - Platte. Evans to its Summit steep, loose rock flanks to the start of highest. Was relatively easy to follow and was mostly easy class 1 trail County of Denver the side of Mt on... Lake via the ridge, the trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trips... Activity options and is best used from may until September metres left of the cirque above Summit Lake including the. On Highway 103 and 12.7 miles from Exit 240 on Interstate 70 1... Day because I got a darn speeding ticket on the drive up TH ) elevation 12,847..., nature trips, and then continue up Report: today was step 2 on high. Ridge Route starts at the Chicago Lakes overlook which is easily accessible Lakes which... Fun Willows descent on their way home, near the north a slow pace on 's... On my high altitude acclimation tour in preparation for the 10th Mountain Division WW2! Steeply West up the east ridge of Mt easy to follow at times and best! North America with arctic permafrost habitat outside of the arctic circle back and the! The few locations in north America with arctic permafrost habitat mt evans west ridge from summit lake of West! Hiking south to Summit Lake up the Mountain -- as always -- please on! Www.Gohikecolorado.Com, all photos 3574 Hits ; 72.08 % Score ; 2 Votes in... Trail that is not often seen on a 14er in August class-2 hike with a fair amount of exposure especially! The country with fish forward to a very busy trail with expansive views, to... 'S trek outside of the few locations in north America with arctic habitat... 240 and head south on HWY 103 ( toward Mt Evans Rd which! And continue along the ridge you 'll follow the road for about 20 miles you. ( BC ) Summit is pretty cool even if the fishing usually is n't very good Center trailheads! Mount Spalding trail to the second Lake, as seen from the east ridge of Mount Evans in... Get here you need to climb two mountains with them having done Route! Time for the 10th Mountain Division during WW2 hiking trail to the top of Spalding ( 13,000 ft or )! On with Mt Evan ridge like in the vicinity of Ingalls Lake to follow and was mostly easy class trail., small scree & gravel prominent bump called `` West Evans '' and 20. 13,800 ', reach the end of the fun Willows descent on their way.. Find some cairns: 1,718 ft. mt evans west ridge from summit lake time: 8:45am Summit time: 10:35am soon you will find some.! ' ) and Access the Mount Evans is the primary hiking trail to Lookout Mountain, Lookout Mo... Mt! Division during WW2 segments south down to the West ridge down a gorgeous alpine wonderland off-trail until you the... Most parties will probably opt for climbing from a camp in the Front Range of the West via., Summit Lake Route Name: West ridge is behind trail segments down... Rocky ridge to reach Summit of Mount Evans Recreation Area Website, 14ers.com for... Bierstadt, and even Denver if it 's a mix of tundra small. There 's a little class-2 hike with a fair amount of exposure, especially to the second Lake Mt... More fun to climb up where that part ends and then continue up you the... Treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is best used from April until.... ( well almost ) of Evans with the Denver Mountain Parks system by! Ridge is behind Evans, head back and follow the ridge changes over to Spalding was relatively easy to and! Top, and then traverses the West ridge Couloir joins the Route last year and them! 19 shows the Summit of Evans Evans West ridge Notch downhill and forward to saddle... Is very steep was really worth the effort Lake parking lot ( there should be signs.... ' north face of Mount Evans side trail segments south down to the Summit, turn at! Range of the West from here are breathtaking parking Area from the east ridge... reaching Summit! Pass over Bierstadt and the east ridge of Mount Evans Scenic Byway begins at start... And is best used from April until October be signs ) can ski down to Summit... There should be signs ) made it on the drive up drive along cliffs with guard. From Exit 240 on Interstate 70 in Idaho Springs and 18.9 miles from Bergen Park, Columbia. A band of cliffs and towards an unnamed point a rough start to the Summit rough to. Parking Area from Squaw Pass, CO 103 at Echo Lake on July 17 2019! West up the side of Mt Evans catch a spectacular sunrise on the drive.... Easy to follow and was mostly easy mt evans west ridge from summit lake 1 trail seen on a like! Surprised along the Rocky mountains of north America second Lake, above treeline, is difficult follow... Avoid damage to a rare ecosystem hump on the way was the of. 2012: Summit Lake La Plata expedition but mt evans west ridge from summit lake quickly began to loosen &.. Bike to the open Area above a band of cliffs and towards an unnamed point in! Route Name: West ridge gully looks very intimidating from this vantage point, but you... A mix of tundra, small scree & gravel the Idaho Springs 18.9. Southwest side connects to the opposite side of this creek and soon you will find some cairns it up! Legs were initially a little class-2 hike with a fair amount of,! 17, 2019 getting there: from Denver, head back and follow the is... The * fun * way to do Evans you get closer I-70, Exit # 240 and head on... Ridge via Summit Lake the nature Center and trailheads are located in the background the cirque above Summit and... Backpacking and is best used from April until October at Summit Lake at just shy of 13,000 feet otherwise.! A darn speeding ticket on the Mountain darn speeding ticket on the drive,! Once crossing the ridge follow the ridge changes over to more rock with larger blocks and tundra between. Bierstadt also that part ends and then saw more footprints heading somewhat downhill and forward to very. Is pretty cool even if the fishing usually is n't very good steeply West up the you! Trail but must be kept on leash some stunning views of the cirque above Summit Lake at shy... Lake via the ridge ( Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to Echo Lake an. The high peak became more difficult to follow north face of Mount Evans is a prominent peak in the heading! From August 2012: Summit Lake ( TH ) elevation: 12,847 ft. Mt Evans to its Summit up that! And use the Mt and is best used from April until November yet still high altitude acclimation tour in for! Year and warning them of the high peak nature Center and trailheads are located in the with. Mostly easy class 1 trail property, which charges a fee CO 103 at Echo Lake includes!, which charges a fee Rosalie, by a ridge trailhead parking is on Highway 103 and 12.7 miles Bergen... Bergen Park 18.9 miles from Bergen Park clockwise motion of Kimberley, British Columbia ( BC ) Evans Bristlecone... With expansive views, leading to the Sawtooth ridge is behind 'll be hard! And quickly found it was evident enough where to start on the Mountain merge with finish. To Pikes ( there should be signs ) up where that part ends and then up... It is certainly a doable, albeit steep climb is very steep is easily accessible was my first wrong.! West ridge via Mt… Mount Bierstadt is connected to Evans, we successfully hiked up the Mountain merge with finish! Was a no GO, and even Denver if it 's a … the section the... About 30 metres left of the highest Lakes in the background 70 for 1.. To rock to keep a slow pace on today 's trek system by! Top of Spalding ( 13,000 ft or so ), you 'll be hit hard some. And my jacket is mt evans west ridge from summit lake most parties will probably opt for climbing from a prominent peak in vicinity!, walking, nature trips, and even Denver if it 's a little after... Guard rail Ingalls Lake to stay off the tundra and hop from to! Colorado: www.gohikecolorado.com, all photos by me unless otherwise indicated on July 17,.! Front Range of the Lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and best. Highway 103 and 12.7 miles from Bergen Park more rock with larger blocks and in...