mount goliath tours

Discover the life cycles and lore of the alpine tundra and the intense beauty of a natural garden that lasts only 40 frost-free days. This is a trail of contrasts--awesome Rocky Mountain vistas of the Divide peaks; delicate floral treasures; wind-sculpted, ancient bristlecone pines; cold summit winds; and gentle summer breezes. The path winds through the exquisite blooms of the alpine tundra, talus slopes and subalpine meadows providing a delightful and educational hike in one of Colorado's most beautiful natural areas.

Volunteer guides give free interpretive wildflower hikes that follow the Mount Goliath M. Walter Pesman Trail--a moderately difficult, 1.5 mile downhill trek from 12,153 ft. to 11,540 ft. A 0.5-mile trail loop at the upper trailhead is an easier hike.

All hikes begin at 8:45 a.m. Wildflower hikes are free and open to all ages. A Denver Botanic Gardens membership does not allow free access to the Mount Evans Scenic Byway and Wilderness. Public access to the road for Mount Goliath and Mount Evans requires payment at the indicated fee station.

Click here to view the Mount Evans Byway access fee list.

Reservations required:
Please call 720-865-3539. Directions on where to meet the guides will be provided with your registration confirmation.

2009 Hike Dates:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 23-Aug. 6, and some Saturdays to be determined

Directions to Mount Goliath:Take exit 240 from I-70 in Idaho Springs and turn left at the stop sign. Follow Highway 103 south until it meets Echo Lake; turn off onto Highway 5 (the Mount Evans Byway). The M. Walter Pesman trail is accessible from two trail heads; the lower trail head at the Dos Chappell Nature Center or the upper trail head approximately 4.8 miles from the fee station.