TRAVEL ALERT:  Mount Evans is open for the season

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation and the United States Forest Service opened the gates to Mount Evans today just before 8 a.m., just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend.  

Mount Evans is a very popular destination for thousands of visitors each year. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking with full parking lots and lines on most weekends and especially during holiday weekends. The best time to visit is during the week and mornings.  

The United States Forest Service oversees the Mount Evans Recreation Area, which more than 150,000 people visit each summer.  Three developed sites are located along the corridor. Two are in the National Forest: Mount Goliath Natural Area and Nature Center and the Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site; while Summit Lake Park is owned by the City and County of Denver. Visitors wishing to stop at all three sites may purchase both the $10 Forest Service pass and the $5 City of Denver pass at the Mount Evans Welcome Station, or they may choose to purchase just one pass or the other, depending on their destination. Fees are per vehicle. There is no fee for driving through the area unless you plan to visit one of these sites. Bicyclists are exempt from the fee. In addition, federal interagency passes are honored at all three sites.

For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/mountevans; call the Clear Creek Ranger District’s information line at 303-567-4382; or stop by the Idaho Springs Visitor’s Center at 2060 Miner Street, east of downtown Idaho Springs.

Motorists are also reminded that inclement weather can still be a possibility on mountain passes so please visit any of our sources listed below to view updates before you go.  Should a late storm hit the area, snowplows operate will operate on the highway.

TRAVELER SAFETY MESSAGE:  Motorists and cyclists are reminded to always check conditions prior to traveling mountain passes, as spring snowstorms could close them temporarily or slow traffic at times.  Updated road conditions are available at www.COTRIP.org or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state or by visiting www.codot.gov.  Up to date information is also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page www.facebook.com/coloradodot.