Pike National Forest
Mt. Evans Wilderness Area

The 74,401 acre Mt. Evans Wilderness was created under the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1980. The north half of the Wilderness lies on the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho National Forest and the south half is on the South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest. Because of it's close proximity to Denver, two fourteeners (Mt. Evans at 14,264 feet and Mt. Bierstadt at 14,060 feet), and the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, which forms a non-wilderness corridor to the top of Mt. Evans, this Wilderness has a less remote feel than most. Despite this, the area offers glacier-carved landscapes with steep, rock walled glacial basins (cirques) containing alpine lakes, and ridges of glacial deposits (moraines) left behind as the ice receded. The Wilderness contains large areas of alpine tundra above treeline, as well as small regions of arctic tundra, which are rare south of the Arctic Circle. Unlike typical Colorado alpine tundra, which is dry and brittle once the snow recedes, arctic tundra holds numerous small pools of water. Ancient 2,000 year old Bristlecone pines, bighorn sheep. and mountain goats are common sights. Elevations range from 8,600-14,264 feet. Approximately 120 miles of trails provide access to the Wilderness.

Required Registration: Beginning in the spring of 2005, the USDA Forest Service implemented a mandatory self-issuing permit system to enable us to better manage the heavily visited Mount Evans Wilderness, among others. The intent is to preserve their natural condition for future generations, balanced against the pressures of growing populations and increased use. We will use the data obtained through this permit system to more accurately assess the amounts and types of use throughout the Mount Evans Wilderness.

These permits have no quotas associated with them nor will there be any fees required to obtain them. They will be available free at each trailhead. As you enter the Wilderness, fill out the provided permit and deposit the white paper copy in the slot in the lower front of the register box. Keep the yellow tag in your possession and please follow the Wilderness regulations found on the back.You are encouraged to contact us with questions and comments at either the:

South Platte Ranger District, 19316 Goddard Ranch Ct., Morrison, CO 80465 (303) 275-5610

or the:

Clear Creek Ranger District, 101 Chicago Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 (303) 567-3000

Mount Evans itself was named for John Evans, for Colorado's second territorial governor. Neighboring Mount Bierstadt was named for Albert Bierstadt, a well-known landscape painter of the American west in the latter half of the 1800’s. He originally named Mount Evans for his wife, Rosalie, but it was later renamed Mount Evans in 1870 and a nearby 13,575’ summit was named Mount Rosalie. In 1918, the National Park Service's Second Annual Report included a proposed National Park to include Mount Evans. Special protection for the Mount Evans area began 1956 with the designation of the approximately 5,880 acre Abyss Lake Scenic Area under the precursor of the Wilderness Act, the “U-Regulations” of 1939. This was followed in 1980 by the creation of the Mount Evans Wilderness under the Colorado Wilderness Act.

• Maps: The following maps cover the Mount Evans Wilderness and can be purchased at many area stores:
National Forest Maps:

• Arapaho National Forest
• Pike National Forest
National Geographic/Trails Illustrated:

• #104 Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Loveland Pass
USGS 7-1/2 minute Quadrangles:

• Georgetown
• Harris Park
• Idaho Springs
• Meridian Hill
• Mount Evans
• Mount Logan
• Shawnee