Trail Mix, Altitude, and Good Vibes: A Guide to Hiking Mount Evans Wilderness
Because nothing clears your head like thin air and mountain goat sightings
If you’re looking to trade your screen time for summit time, welcome to the Mount Evans Wilderness, where every trail feels like a postcard, and your lungs get roasted in the name of recreation. Just west of Evergreen, this chunk of alpine paradise is where Coloradans go when they want to sweat, snack, and stare into the soul of the Rockies.
What Makes It So Good?
This place has range. We’re talking dense pine forests, alpine meadows that look straight out of a fantasy novel, lakes so still they reflect your face back like a mountain therapist, and rugged peaks that whisper “don’t forget to hydrate.”
Bonus: There’s always a decent chance you’ll bump into a mountain goat or at least a marmot with main-character energy.
Trail Highlights (a.k.a. Choose Your Hike Fighter)
💧 Chicago Lakes Trail
Starts out chill, then gets real—in the best way. Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget your legs are shaking.
🐐 Mount Bierstadt
A classic 14er that somehow balances “totally doable” with “extremely epic.” You’ll earn your summit selfie, promise.
🌲 Hell’s Hole Trail
Terrible name, fantastic trail. Forest magic turns into wide-open alpine views. It’s moody in a Wuthering Heights way, minus the heartbreak.
What to Pack (So You Don’t Cry on the Trail)
• Layers. It might be summer in the parking lot and winter on the summit.
• Snacks that spark joy (pro tip: Sour Patch Kids hit different above 10,000 feet).
• Water. Like, obnoxious amounts. Hydration is sexy.
• A map or downloaded trail info because cell service = a myth
• Respect for the weather. Afternoon storms roll in fast and dramatic, like nature’s reality show.
Wildlife Cameos You Might Catch:
• 🐐 Mountain goats, just casually dominating the cliffs
• 🐿️ Pikas squeaking like stressed-out interns
• 🌼 Wildflowers living their most colorful, unbothered lives
• ⛈️ Thunderheads that show up uninvited—don’t mess around with them
So basically…
Hiking in Mount Evans Wilderness is like being dropped into the most elite REI ad ever made. Whether you’re bagging peaks or meandering through meadows, the vibes are immaculate and the views are unmatched. Just remember: altitude is humbling, sunscreen is mandatory, and snacks are sacred.
Catch you on the switchbacks. Get more info HERE
