 |
|
|
|
|
|
Summary: |
Short
Rides:
Morrison to Idaho Springs Ride |
|
|
|
Rating:
 |
 |
|
Route: From
Morrison, past Mt. Evans, into Idaho
Springs and back |
| Features:
Scenic curvy mountain roads |
|
Distance:
66.3 miles |
|
Ride Time:
Approximately 1 hour & 54 minutes |
|
Season:
June through October |
| Maximum Grade: 11% |
| Change in Elevation: 2,200 feet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overview: |
|
This motorcycle ride follows Bear Creek from Morrison, Colorado, to Evergreen,
Colorado, and then breaks
west on Squaw Pass Rd, past Mt. Evans and into Idaho Springs, Colorado. |
|
|
|
|
| Directions: |
 |
|
| Beginning in
Morrison, Colorado, take Highway 74 (Bear
Creek Road) west toward Evergreen.
Continue on 74 into Evergreen, Colorado.
At Evergreen, turn right (north) onto
Evergreen Parkway. Continue 4
miles to Squaw Pass Rd. Turn left
onto Squaw Pass Rd. Follow Squaw
Pass Rd through to Idaho Springs, CO.
At Idaho Springs, Colorado, merge onto I-70
East and continue to the Golden, Colorado
exit. Note, this is a left exit.
Merge onto Highway 6 East (Clear Creek
Canyon Rd) and continue along US 6 back
to Golden, Colorado. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maps: |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elevation Profile:
|
 |
|
|
This motorcycle ride begins at 5,600 feet elevation in Morrison,
Colorado, and climbs steadily to 11,200 feet at the Mt. Evans turnoff.
From there, it descents gradually back to 7,500 feet in Idaho Springs
and then down to 5,600 feet back in Golden. The maximum change in
slope is 30% climb and 23% descent. Click on the "Detailed
Profile" button above to see a full-screen profile. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Photos: |
|
|
|
Photos taken on Squaw Pass Road, west of Evergreen, Colorado: |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Photos taken just south of Mt. Evans. |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Photo of my XJ600 (Seca II) parked vicariously on Squaw Pass Road: |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Photos taken toward the end of the ride, after passing the turnoff to
Mt. Evans: |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Our Review: |
 |
|
|
This is one of my favorite rides. Leaving Morrison, you'll encounter 20
mph "S" and hairpin curves which are loads of fun. Beware the
right-hand turn marked 30 mph with the rock outcroppings on the left
(marked point B on the map). It tightens on the exit and has
caught our group off guard. Once you turn onto Squaw Pass Rd
from Evergreen, you'll encounter more 20 mph turns through some very
breathtaking views. This ride is worth an afternoon. Some
things to note: In July, when it's 97 degrees in Denver, it's only
58 degrees at the turnoff to Mt. Evans. Pack your turtle-fur.
Also, it's rained on me every time I've taken this ride so be prepared
for showers, forming around noon. |
|
|
|
|
|
Points of Interest: |
|
For a modest fee, you can take the
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway to the top of Mt. Evans |
|
|
|
|
