Colorado 08
Tommy Standley
Mount Evans Scenic Byway & Wilderness |
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Oct 8, 2007 — The Mount Evans Road is CLOSED for the Season!!! More...
Mount Evans is the road into the sky. Drive from 8,700 feet at Idaho Spring where you turn of Interstate 70 to 14,240 feet to the summit and you will pass through 3 life zones, passing ancient trees, lakes and forest to the land above timberline. It can be 90 degrees in Denver and 40 degrees at the top of Mount Evans. Mountain Goats and Bighorn Sheep will great you as you climb to the top of the world. Rocky Mountains can make their own weather and high winds can easily turn surface snow in to a blizzard thus closing the highway. THE MOUNTAIN WILL BE OPEN ONLY WHEN ROAD CONDITIONS ARE SAFE. Call the Clear Creek Ranger Station at 303-567-3000 before you begin your trip to Mount Evans. About the Mount Evans Road: The first 4 miles from Idaho on 103 is surprisingly flat then there is a 4-6% grade to the entrance that continues to Summit lake. The last 5 miles has grades of 2-5% but because you are above 12,000 feet it will feel like 10-15% grade.to top. See Bicycling Page for elevation/grade chart. October 8, 2007 - The Mount Evans Road is Closed for the Season!!!The Mount Evans Scenic Byway (road) was closed today for the 2008 season. The road will open on Friday, May 23, 2008. It may open earlier weather permitting. |
At the turn of the last century, Colorado Springs and Denver were in a race for the hearts and minds (not to mention dollars) of the eastern tourist. In 1888, the Cascade and Pikes Peak Toll Road Company completed a 16-mile road up the north side of Pikes Peak. This became a major tourist attraction, drawing tourists away from Denver Area. Not to be outdone, Denver's Mayor Speer proposed that a road be constructed to the top of Mount Evans. In 1917, he was able to procure state funds to build the road. It was completed in 1927.
During the summers of 1941 and 1942, Denver Mountain Parks built the Crest House (also known as Summit House). It quickly became a favorite destination of Coloradoans and tourists. Containing both a restaurant and a gift shop, one was able to enjoy excellent food and buy Mount Evans souvenirs while enjoying an excellent view of Denver and the eastern plains. Unfortunately, it burned on September 1, 1979 and was not rebuilt, but the rock foundation and wall remain as an observation platform and a windbreak for mountain travelers.
Current Operations:
Today, Mount Evans is under the jurisdictions of three different governmental units. CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) is responsible for the road. Denver Mountain Parks is responsible for Summit Lake, Echo Lake and Echo Lake Lodge. The Clear Creek Ranger District of the US Forest Service controls access as well as responsibility for the Mount Evans Wilderness Area.
All 14 miles of the road from the entrance station to the Mount Evans summit parking area (14,130) are paved. From there, you can hike the last 130 feet (about 1/4 mile walk) to the top at 14,264 feet. After you have made this climb, you can tell all your friends: "I climbed a 14,000 foot mountain in Colorado on my vacation!"
Indian Springs Resort
- WORLD FAMOUS - NATURAL HOT MINERAL SPRINGS FACILITY.
The Main Resort Building: these rooms were originally built in 1905. They represent the style of architecture popular for that era. Steam radiators and 1/2 baths (toilet and sink) are reminiscent of the past during the "Resort's" heyday, when notable personalities such as the Roosevelt's, Jesse and Frank James and Walt Whitman came to relax and soak in what was known as the "Saratoga of the Rockies."
Inn Rooms: Opened in 1981 is the first building to offer modern accommodations. These rooms feature a king size bed or two double beds, shower/tub combinations, in-room coffee makers and convenient access to the Restaurant/lounge, hot baths and swimming pool.
Lodge Rooms: Completed in 1995 the newest addition provides an extra level of comfort with suites and handicap rooms. Rooms have a king size bed or two double beds, with convenient access to hot springs.
ALL rooms and cabins include: mineral water swim pool and discounts toward hot mineral baths, massage and return visits.
NEW Cabins beside gurgling Soda Creek! One bedroom plus bunk beds sleep up to 4. Enjoy the pleasures of "camping" the easy way. Kitchenette, bathroom, cable TV and heated for year round comfort. Each cabin is just steps away from the hot springs and pool.
Campground: features water and electrical hookups (in season). You also receive discounts toward baths and pool.
Geo-Thermal Cave Baths: Driven into the solid rock mountainside, between 1903 and 1911, specifically for the purpose of creating this unique facility. One cave for men and another for women, each with several huge, sunken, walk-in hot tubs filled with naturally hot mineral water at temperatures from 104 to 112 degrees. Open at 7:30 am until 10:30 pm year round, bathing is in the nude, children 12 and under are not allowed in the caves.
Outdoor Jacuzzi Baths: For the first time since Chief Idaho discovered "The Healing Waters of The Great Spirit" you and your significant others can enjoy 108-degree (108° F.) hot mineral water in the grandeur of the great outdoors. Large modern jacuzzi tubs are set on a Redwood deck, surrounded on three sides by a 6-foot cedar privacy fence, open to the splendor of the unspoiled mountain side and sky above. Advance reservations are recommended for this very popular facility.
Indoor Private Baths: 11 Private rooms each with a single tub approximately 8' long, 4' wide and 3' deep filled with naturally hot mineral water at about 106 degrees. Equipped with a shower, bench and timer, the private baths are also reserved in advance for one-hour periods. Couples, families and friends are welcome.
Mineral Water Swimming Pool: Under the translucent dome lies a tropical paradise, complete with flowering plants among live Banana and Palm Trees. The swimming pool is continually fed with hot mineral water at 115 degrees. With an overall temperature of 90+ degrees, the pool is a favorite with adults and children of all ages; open from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm all year round.
Restaurant and Lounge: Two locations within the resort! KAHUNA ROOM located upstairs in the main dining room features a menu offering a variety of selections from Prime Rib and Steaks and outstanding BBQ to morning buffet breakfast. Friday dinner 5-9pm; Saturday & Sunday Breakfast 8am-11; Saturday Lunch and Dinner noon-9; Sunday lunch and dinner noon -8. BIG KAHUNA BAR located next to the swimming pool offering BBQ, soft drinks, beer and cocktails open 7 days a week from 11am - 9pm.
1 hour or less to 7 different ski resorts.
Argo Gold Mine, Mill and Museum Over one hundred years of Colorado history since 1893. See how gold bearing ore was processed in our Historic Mining & Milling Museum. 30 minutes west of Denver on I-70 in Idaho Spring
Located only 30 minutes west of Denver via I-70 in Idaho Springs, Colorado. PO Box 1990, Idaho Springs Colorado 80452; 303-989-6666.
It is going to be a kick. Let the adventure begin.