클리어 크릭 카운티‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪19‬개의 천연기념물

360° panorama; summit with small stone pyramid and survey point, high: never too strenuous (if you are used to the altitude...) but challenging in places, occasionally steep - but not dangerous in itself - unless there is a thunderstorm approaching...

This high alpine lake is quite the view and a destination for many. **If you plan on parking here to hike Mt. Evans, a reservation is required to park at Summit Lake and must be purchased through recreation.gov PRIOR to the day of your hike. It's $7. All specific and important info can be found at: recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438

Embarking on the ascent of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is must-do for any cyclist looking for a high altitude challenge. The road up to the summit, which is at 14,130 feet above sea level, is the highest paved road in North America, so as you ride up this epic switchbacking road, keep an eye on how you feel because many experience altitude sickness at these elevations. The summit parking lot is a great place to rest, take photos, and enjoy the views before heading back down the road, which demands vigilance. There are no guardrails, little to no shoulder, and steep drops along the road so please be aware as you begin your descent.

Mount Bierstadt has a reputation for being one of the easiest mountains over 14,000 feet to climb within Colorado state. The reality is that it's still a tough run!

At 10,600 feet, Echo Lake and Echo Lake Mountain Park rest at the base of the 14er Mount Evans. The park area includes some camping (reservations required) and biking and fishing options. There are also running and hiking trails starting and ending at the lake parking area.

Your run will be rewarded with a stunning view of Herman Lake as it rests beneath the shelter of Pettingell Peak. The trail up to the lake is packed dirt singletrack that is nontechnical but climbs steadily.

Fed by the snowmelt of Saint Mary's Glacier, this alpine lake is set in stunning scenery just half a mile from the parking area. The beginning of the trail is often heavily trafficked with hikers and other runners, but the further you continue past the lake, the quieter the trail becomes.

Mount Sniktau is 13,240 feet and is often overlooked since it doesn't hit that magical 14,000 foot benchmark. The 13er has a path the entire way and offers just as good of views as the peaks higher than it. Grizzly Ridge between Mount Sniktau and Grizzly Peak (13,433 feet) is known for its views of the Loveland Pass and Arapaho National Forest areas.