Geology 101

[No Worries]

Here's some classic glacial geology. This is from Summit Lake, around 13,000 feet, but still 1,200 feet from the top of Mount Evans. Looking down at Chicago Lakes, you can see the broad U-shaped valley carved by glaciers. The lakes are formed from melting glaciers and are called "Pater Noster", latin for Our Father, because the lakes look like beads on a rosary.

I've ridden to the top of Mount Evans and never got off the bike. But this is one place where it is a good idea to stop often. Some parts of the road are in bad shape because of the permafrost and frost heaves, so you may as well go slow. The best part is looking at the plants and animals that live at this extreme temp. It can be 80 degrees in Denver and 25 on Mount Evans.

The trees that grow up there are amazing, but passing above timberline you have to get on your hands and knees to see the tiny plants that only grow at Alpine and Arctic areas. Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats are common along the road. If you go, bring a camera and some winter riding gear in your tankbag. And go early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Oh, the rock type? Billion year old granite.