We decided to visit Mount Evans on our last day in Colorado. As it so happened it was the Fourth of July which assured us that at no time on the mountain would we find ourselves alone. The drive up was wonderful, as could be expected. The views, flora, and fauna were as usual a wonder to behold. Unfortunately the steady stream of cars and motorcycles heading up and down the mountain really ruined the atmosphere. This was a much different experience than our climb of Mt. Elbert a few days prior. We enjoyed the views from the top but started to feel a bit guilty that we had enjoyed the mountain at the obvious expense of what the auto road was doing to it. On the way down we stopped by the Mount Goliath Natural Area, home to an ancient grove of Bristlecone Pines. Some of the trees here date back over 1,000 years! It was amazing to wander amongst that had watched a millennia of history pass beneath them. I would have to say the trees were the best part of the visit. All in all, it was still a fine way to spend our last day in the Rockies...

Route Type:  Out-and-back (Mt. Evans); Loop (Mount Goliath NA)

Difficulty:  EASY  (Petzoldt Rating:  2.51)

Mileage Hiked: 2.0 miles

Trailhead Temp: 54'F

Min. Elevation: 11,700'

Max Elevation: 14,288' 

Trails Used (blaze color):  Bristlecone Pine Loop (unblazed), Mount Evans Summit Trail (unblazed)

7-4-2008