Overall Route Rating
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4.56 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.56
20 Reviews

The "High 5" to Mt. Evans

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Apr 30, 2005

Rider Reviews

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Guest
July 15, 2009
Few roads could ever compare to the high altitude…
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Guest
June 22, 2008
The El Rancho route will have less traffic…
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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!

Drive Enjoyment

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!

Tourism Opportunities

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.

Motorcycle Road 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 .
 

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mmmudpuppy
February 4, 2021
50 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I'm giving this road a 3 due to the high traffic of cars and bicycles along with all the frost heaving in road. This is a seasonal road and there is no doubt it's a must do for anyone who rides at least once and it can be nice and sunny at Echo Lake (at the bottom where you pay) and it can be snowing on the top. I like to use my GoPro since you must have your head in the game due to the previously mentioned. There are usually (at least when I've been) mountain goats up at the top near the bathrooms. It is something everyone should do. No guardrails and switchbacks near the top.
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ottomatics
July 16, 2018
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Road was just repaved. Beautiful scenery - we drove all the top 10 roads in Colorado and this was my favorite. It had everything.
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oldbiker
June 20, 2021
157 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Loved 103 east of Mt Evans. Recommend a week day because there were a ton of bicycles on this r
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