Mt Evans (14,264') is the 14th highest peak in Colorado, and closest fourteener to the Denver metro area. While accessible by car, there are also several hiking routes of varying length and difficulty leading to it. One route begins at Summit Lake and climbs 1400' in 2.9 miles to the summit. Visitors will enjoy a relatively moderate climb through open tundra with excellent wildlife viewing throughout.

The trail begins at Summit Lake, which was named a National Natural Landmark in 1965

Mountain Goat were introduced to Colorado in 1947 to bolster the state's hunting allure, though debate continues regarding their indigenous status

View down the Chicago Creek Valley from the Mt Evans Trail

Abyss Lake (12,650') and Mt Bierstadt (14,060') on the final approach to Mt Evans

Partial view of the 'Back Wall' from the top of Summit Lake

Marmot hibernate much of the year in tunnels that can reach 20' deep

Mountain Goat's double-layered wool coats can withstand extreme weather conditions

Bighorn sheep live in bands of 5 - 15 ewes and juveniles; males remain apart in small bachelor herds

Ptarmigan are high elevation residents of the grouse family

The trail moderates between Mt Spalding and Mt Evans with unabated views across the tundra

Summit Lake is over 60' deep and holds trophy-size trout

Mountain Goats face little predation, but are susceptible to rock slides and avalanches

Mt Bierstadt and the Class 3 Sawtooth from the Mt Spalding saddle

Billies can weigh 300 lbs and pose considerable danger to hikers if approached

Cairns are sometimes difficult to see in the open tundra

Looking north from the summit of Mt Evans

Bighorn Sheep gestate 5-6 months before giving birth in early summer

The final .8 miles follow a rugged, undulating path above the Abyss Lake basin

The trail climbs steeply over Summit Lake toward Mt Spalding

Mountain Goats feed on alpine tundra grasses, mosses, lichens and sedges