The Mount Evans Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1980 and spans 74,400 acres. The wilderness area includes two 14,000-foot peaks, and contains alpine tundra, bristlecone pines, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Approximately 120 miles of trails provide access to the wilderness. Leave No Trace principles are encouraged when in wilderness areas. The Mount Evans Wilderness is found west of Denver, Colorado, south of I-70 and north of Highway 285. The highest paved road in North America, Mount Evans Scenic Byway (a fee area), is the only road to access the heart of this wilderness area.
Access to the Mount Evans Wilderness can be made a number of ways. It is recommended that you have a Pike National Forest Map, USGS, and/or National Geographic Trails Illustrated topograhical map for detailed information about getting into, being in, and getting out of the wilderness area. The following trailheads provide access to the Wilderness Area:
Meridian Trailhead
Deer Creek Trailhead
Threemile Trailhead
Abyss Lake Trailhead
Guanella Pass