Mount Evans Highway to Close for Season Due to Road Construction

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will close the remaining 10 mile segment of the Mount Evans Highway (State Highway 5) for the season to most vehicular traffic Monday, September 22nd, for road construction.

CDOT needs to build a retaining wall along the edge of the highway to improve its stability near Lincoln Lake, about 6 ½ miles up from Echo Lake, requiring a full closure of the roadway. Only authorized vehicles and hunters with a current license for that game management unit will be permitted to use the highway during the closure period.

Annually, CDOT closes the five-mile segment from Summit Lake to the top of Mount Evans (14,264 feet) the day after Labor Day, per agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. The 10 mile section from Echo Lake (State Highway 103) to Summit Lake closes annually in early October. This year’s earlier closure will provide CDOT the time to make these road improvements prior to snowfall. State Highway 5 is scheduled to reopen for the summer season Friday, May 22, 2015, weather permitting.

Information regarding the opening and closing of seasonal highways in Colorado is available on the cotrip.org website or by calling 511.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Introduction to Snowshoeing Class

Discover the joy of winter and the freedom of snowshoeing next month at Echo Lake! On this field outing, you'll learn snowshoeing techniques, ascending and descending hills, snow hazard awareness, and winter preparedness. Don't have snowshoes? REI will provide snowshoes, snowshoe poles and professional instruction on the proper use of equipment to ensure every trip a success.

Some of the skills you'll learn during this 4-hour class include:

* Learn appropriate technique to ascend, descend and break trail in snow.

* Learn local areas to take your family outside in the winter.

* Learn how to use and care for snowshoeing equipment.

* Learn basic skills for winter travel and hiking .

The class will be held on December 15th, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Echo Lake. Cost for REI members is $65.00. For non-members it's $85.00.

For more information on the class, including required gear, registration and directions, please click here.





Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Winter Landscape Photography at Echo Lake

It's cold outside, but that doesn't mean you have to stop taking pictures. Next month, join an REI Expert Outdoor School Instructor to help you unlock that great winter landscape photo! This course is designed for customers with a basic understanding of how to use their camera. With special access to beautiful locations to inspire you, you'll learn how to capture amazing winter landscape photography. REI will teach you how to use settings on your camera to capture the best results - even in wet conditions! This course is appropriate for beginners to intermediate photographers using any kind of camera.

Skills you'll learn:

• Learn how to use settings on camera to get best results

• Learn how to capture amazing color, even in winter

• Learn about great outdoor locations for photos in your region

• Learn how to optimize your photos in different light and weather conditions

• Have fun learning tips for winter landscape photography

The class will be held on December 8th, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Echo Lake. Cost for REI members is $55.00. For non-members it's $75.00.

For more information on the class, including required gear, registration and directions, please click here.





Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com