Mount Evans Wilderness Trails

Mount Evans Wilderness Trails

The area’s 14,000-foot peaks and proximity to Denver combine with the summit road to draw large numbers of visitors. Nevertheless, the Mount Evans Wilderness contains notable biological features, harboring not only alpine tundra, but arctic tundra as well. This is one of the few places south of the Arctic Circle where such tundra is found. It differs from alpine tundra by virtue of its moisture, as it contains countless small pools of water. In contrast, most tundra in Colorado is dry and brittle once uncovered by snow. The Mount Goliath Natural Area contains another of the region’s unusual features—a prime stand of bristlecone pine. These gnarled elders of the forest often live 1,500 to 2,000 years, growing at infinitesimal rates. The trees’ twisted and contorted trunks offer stark evidence of their bitter fight for survival against the elements. Two species of animals less frequently observed elsewhere have become popular attractions here. A herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep live around Mount Evans, and mountain goats are frequently seen from the summit road. The vast expanses of tundra offer visitors numerous opportunities to spy more common critters, including ptarmigan and yellow-bellied marmots. This trail guide includes descriptions of Chicago Lakes, Mount Bierstadt/Mount Evans, Abyss Lake, Beartrack Lakes, Hells Hole, Beaver Meadows/Beartrack Lakes Trail, Captain Mountain/Resthouse Meadows/Lost Creek, Guanella Pass to Threemile Creek, and Resthouse Meadows to Summit Lake.

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