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Excessive mountains passes, like Guanella, Kenosha, and Loveland, all supply 14er-level views however usually with out the 14er-level effort…or crowds! The Mt. Flora hike (with choice to Mt. Eva) offers this sort of expertise. Discover the complete Mt. Flora to Mt. Eva Hike profile under for path map, driving instructions, and extra suggestions and particulars that can assist you take pleasure in this journey above Berthoud Cross close to Denver.

Path Snapshot: Mt. Flora to Mt. Eva Path

Parking & Trailhead Info for Mt. Flora and Mt. Eva Hikes

Berthoud Cross, barely an hour west of Denver, beckons hikers above 13,000ft to a crest of the Continental Divide path. The trailhead serves as a fount for a number of hikes, with a typical and easy trek up a forest highway to the Colorado Mines Peak (just below 13,000ft). Different well-conditioned adventurers might decide to proceed alongside Freeway 40 one other hour north, going simply past Granby, to catch the Crater Lake Hike.

From Denver, heading west on I-70, take exit 232 for U.S. 40 towards Empire, CO. Staying straight to hitch Freeway 40, proceed for roughly 14 miles to the Berthoud Cross Parking zone, which sits on the best (east) facet of the freeway. Berthoud Cross requires navigating a half-dozen tight curves, so preserve conscious of the highway whereas additionally appreciating the immense magnificence round every of them! The parking zone offers ample parking for the official trailhead accessing the Mt. Flora hike.

The Hike: Mt. Flora and Mt. Eva Path

Starting on the Berthoud Cross Parking Lot, the path begins simply past the gate to the forest highway on the south finish. The highway is the path for simply over 3/4-mile, the place a junction seems on the left at a pointy curve. Taking this foot-path for an additional 3/4-mile brings the path to the ridge overlooking Blue Lake, and gazing again proper (south), almost eye-level with Colorado Mines Peak. Persevering with alongside for roughly 1.5 miles, the path tops the Mt. Flora peak, a small however broad mesa-like rock crop. From right here, Ethel Lake and Mill Creek stand out under within the valley. The Continental Divide Path veers to the best to descend to Breckenridge Peak.

At this level, hikers have choices. One might select merely to return to the trailhead by reversing this route, finishing six miles. The route underneath assessment right here chooses to proceed northeast — as if going straight and initially bypassing the Mt. Flora peak — and search to seize the Mt. Eva peak, too. The following mile of the path regularly unfolds via cairns (small piles of rocks stacked by earlier hikers) and on- and off-again worn foot paths. It additionally descends over 600ft quickly, then regains this within the subsequent mile to succeed in the height. Nonetheless, the lung-busting elevation loss and achieve comes with a shocking reward atop Mt. Eva…views of Slater Lake and three reservoirs, in addition to Parry Peak and Mt. Bancroft to the north and northeast.

After soaking within the 360-degree vistas, together with gazing down on Winter Park to the northwest, the return path follows the route in reverse. Because it descends, Berthoud Cross’ western slopes will change as the sunshine adjustments, providing you with a completely new set of photographs in your thoughts or digital camera. Be aware: watch out because the path re-enters the forest on its manner again to the trailhead; a shortcut path opens up excessive on the ridge. The route reviewed right here follows the ascending route in reverse, except the final 1/10-mile, which has clear views of the parking zone and minimal path hazards.

Ideas & Assets for Mountaineering Mt. Flora and Mt. Eva above Berthoud Cross

Climate

Map & Driving Instructions