The "High 5" to Mt. Evans

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Colorado

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 3 visitors

State: Colorado
Date Submitted: May 1, 2005
Submitted by: Nitro
Motorcycle Road Length: 24 Miles

Written Directions

There are a couple different ways you can get to the starting point for this route.
- One is to take I-70 (west out of Denver or East out of Georgetown) to Idaho Springs and exit at exit #240/Route 103 south. You would just take 103 about south for about 12 miles.
- The other option is to exit I-70 at/near El Rancho, CO (Exit # 252) and take US40/route 74 south till about 3 miles later when 74 meets state route 103 which you want to take west for about 15 miles.

Both options above bring you to the "Mt Evans Highway"/state route 5 which is where the real fun (and this motorcycle road) begin. Head up into MT Evans on the MT Evans highway/SR 5 ... one way trip is about 12 miles ... round trip of course being about 24 miles. If you like the thrill of the Beartooth or the Trail ridge road, this one will make you forget them both! This route is a must ride for any biker! With any luck you will get a clear day as you can see over 75% of Colorado from up there! And you are looking down at most of it!

Scenery

Mountain tops! You are looking down at most of Colorado's mountain peaks! This is the highest paved road in the US! Goes over 14,264 feet. Get near the edge and she's quite a thrill! Not for the faint at heart! But something to see! Lower elevations is typical dense forest switchbacks. You will soon go above the tree line and while the area is barren, the vista you can see is amazing!

Road Quality

Road has a few bumpy areas, but no problem as you will not be in a hurry up there!! Top end has fairly new pavement, although about 15 feet wide!

Roadside Amenities

I think it cost 4-5$ toll ... best deal in the country! Has a visitor center and restaurant at the start, nothing else till a parking lot at the top. Just bathrooms up there. For some riders it will be too late!!(don't look down). You'll also be traveling through the Arapahoe National Forest and will want to take in its beauty.

Additional Info

*** If you are in the area, definitely head south and west of here and go over Independence Pass just East of Aspen! Another trail to rival the best! - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Nitro

Add a Photo Add a Video

View more photos of this route


Reviewed by Guest on July 15, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Bingee
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Few roads could ever compare to the high altitude scenery this ride will provide. Similar to Pikes Peak but it's paved all the way to the summit. It's a thriller. A must ride. But, be very careful. Take your time. The switchbacks are very sharp and narrow.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on April 22, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Bob Mateski
Comment: I really like starting from The El Rancho way and heading west on Squaw Pass Rd. to the gift shop and diner. You can't ride your bike to a higher point anywhere in the North American continent than here, not far away is another high adventure that entails riding to Leadville which is the highest incorporated city in N.America.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on June 22, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: DZacc
motorcycle_year: 2002
motorcycle_make: BMW
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: The El Rancho route will have less traffic congestion but have many bicyclists so be careful on those blind curves. There are restrooms at Summit Lake, probably about the half way point. One more word of caution, watch out for the bighorn sheep. They are very tame and can be found on the roadway anywhere above timberline. This is a great opportunity to take some incredible pictures so don't forget the camera. At only 60 miles from Denver to the summit, this is a must see.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No