our gardens mount goliath

Mount Goliath, a mountain peak section of the Mount Evans area, is accessible by the M. Walter Pesman Trail and is located 17 miles from Idaho Springs within the Arapaho National Forest. This trail winds through subalpine and alpine areas where wildflowers and animals live amid grand mountain vistas and the sculptured, grizzled beauty of the bristlecone pines.

Highlights include delicate alpine floral treasures such as alpine forget-me-nots, moss campion, fairy primrose, purple fringe, chiming bells and spring beauty. 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.

Mount Goliath Wildflower Hikes

All hikes begin promptly at 9 a.m. Wildflower hikes are free and open to children 10 years-old and older. A Denver Botanic Gardens membership does not allow free access to the U.S. Forest Service Mount Evans Recreation Area. Visitors to Mount Goliath and Mount Evans need to pay the amenity fee at the fee station.

View the Mount Evans Recreation Area access fee list

Contact the Clear Creek Ranger District and see if the road to Mount Evans is open.

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 Recreation Area). 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.

Printable maps and directions to Mount Goliath