Colorado State Highway 5

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State Highway 5

Length:

14.89 mi^[1] (23.96 km)

South end:

Summit of Mount Evans

North end:

SH 103 at Echo Lake

Counties:

Clear Creek

Colorado State Highways
< SH 3		US 6 >

State Highway 5 in the U.S. state of Colorado is the highest paved road in North America. However, this is not a through highway; it is simply a scenic spur route to the summit of Mount Evans, altitude 14,264 feet (4,347 m). The southern terminus of State Highway 5 is at a parking lot somewhat below the actual summit.

(The highest through highway in North America is Trail Ridge Road, the portion of U.S. Highway 34 that passes through Rocky Mountain National Park.)

Highway 5 is short, slightly less than 15 miles. It passes through the Mount Evans Wilderness Area. This particular state highway is quite unusual in that it does not pass through any cities, towns, or unincorporated communities.

The route is entirely contained within the county of Clear Creek. This highway forms half of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, running from the summit of Mount Evans to the junction with State Highway 103 at Echo Lake Park, about 13 miles south of Idaho Springs, the nearest municipality to Highway 5.

Because of its mountainous route, State Highway 5 is closed seasonally when snow clearance becomes excessively difficult, usually from Labor Day to Memorial Day. During the warmer months the road is open 24 hours a day. A toll (or "park fee") is charged to gain access to this road. (This toll (or "park fee") is optional as it covers only the facilities along the road maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. The road is free to the public and is maintained by CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation).)