Great news, Colorado: After being closed for several years due to the pandemic and other factors, the highest paved road in the country is once again open and waiting for you to visit! Did we mention there is a catch? Before you go on a drive up the high and historic Mount Evans Scenic Byway, be sure to make a note of a few changes:

As of early June, the unique and popular Mount Evans Scenic Byway is once again open to the public; however, you MUST have a pre-made reservation to visit.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

As per Recreation.gov, which is in charge of reservations, your 2-hour timeslot must be made in advance and can include a Mount Evans + All Recreation Sites Vehicle Ticket, Summit Lake Park Vehicle Ticket, and/or a Mount Goliath and Summit Interpretive Area Vehicle Ticket. 

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Please note: You MUST arrive with 2 hours of your reserved time to be admitted.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

Billed as the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway spans an impressive 28-miles and gains an elevation of a whopping 9,000 feet!

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

In addition to the elevation gain and title of the highest road in America, Mount Evans is also unique for other reasons, including that it passes through 5 different climate zones and boasts jaw-dropping scenery as far as the eye can see.

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Once you reach the summit, be sure to get out for a bit and explore, as there is plenty to see, do, and photograph at 14,130 feet.

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Reservations to drive the Mount Evans Scenic Byway start at $15 for a 3-day vehicle pass and can be made through Recreation.org.

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To learn more about the Mount Evans Scenic Byway - including current conditions - please visit the USDA’s website.

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To discover even more must-drive Centennial State roads, check out these 6 Awesome Tunnels In Colorado You Need To Drive Through At Least Once.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

Flickr/Barry Dale Gilfry

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Flickr/mark byzewski

Flickr/Kent Kanouse

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Address: Mount Evans, Mt Evans, Colorado 80439, USA