Attempting the Highest Road in America in My 20-Year-Old Car (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

Подписаться 212 тыс.

Просмотров 67 тыс.

50% 1

In this video I turn my steering wheel toward the highest paved road in North America. Can my 20-year-old SUV handle it?
DATE FILMED: Mid-September 2021
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowh...
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
GPS COORDINATES, etc.
** Start of Mt. Evans road: 39.656766, -105.596241
** Mt. Evans summit: 39.588317, -105.643808
** Campsite: 39.33984, -105.29304
** Start of Pikes Peak road: 38.901284, -104.973229
** Pikes Peak summit area: 38.840386, -105.043315
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other RU-vid channel: / tenkaraaddict
#outdoors #scenicdrive #fourteeners

Опубликовано:

12 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 434

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

What must-drive road should I do next?? -Tristan

@zimmejoc 2 года назад

Blue Ridge Parkway. Come to the other side of the Mississippi.

@theneverendinghighway 2 года назад

If you ever do go to the east, you have to drive to the Mount Washington Peak in New Hampshire

@rangerdoc1029 2 года назад

Yankee Boy.

@vanguardvaluist2614 2 года назад

Acadia National Park in Maine during Fall. I just came back and it was epic! Go around the 3rd week of October for peak season. Easy car camping too!

@Grizzlybear1994 2 года назад

MT Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. There is also a cog railway to the top. But, be prepared there is not much free camping in New England.

@RicG. 2 года назад

You car definitely is good looking for 20 years old. Of course, when I was 20 years old I looked pretty good myself. Now that I'm 69, not so much. 😅 🤪 😅

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Lol I feel the same at 35!

@ggebhard1 2 года назад

Well, I’m 70 with Fibromyalgia and I am just starting to feel changes in muscles, for sure! I have a Yukon Denali, (same color) I purchase when new 03. Mine is 17 years old, so you give me encouragement to keep driving it as my “trip” car pulling a teardrop camper. I was selling it and purchased a Buick Enclave, thinking I was getting older and needed a vehicle that was easier to get into. When Covid hit and I was stuck in the house, my entire attitude changed! I took money out of my “future nursing home” account and bought a TAB400 camper!!! The Buick didn’t pull as well as the Yukon, so I’m back with my favorite car!! Thank you for your beautiful videos!!! And my newly acquired younger attitude!!! I love you young kids!!

@proehm 2 года назад

On the cog railway they tell a joke - "You don't need to worry about the cog breaking and us careening down the mountain, because there are two big springs at the bottom to catch us. Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs..."

@4549tinter 2 года назад

Yep... Springs native here, and the would say that on the Mt. Manitou incline, as well, which is now abandoned, but the route up the mountain is an extremely popular hike, with a strenuous altitude gain.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Lol that's pretty good!

@thomasmayes471 2 года назад

When I was there 46 years ago, all that the summit presented was a wooden sign with the elevation and a dirt parking lot. It was well worth the trip.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

That would have been nice!

@Clint3029 2 года назад

The summit house that is being replaced was built mid 1960s, which replaced a much smaller summit house. The donuts and hot chocolate they served back in the 60s were outstanding.

@ralphiatarola3765 Год назад

@@Clint3029 p

@mbh2743 2 года назад

1976 went to Pikes peek. Much more ruff and rugged. Mostly dirt, most cars over headed on the way up or brake failures coming down. The top was just a big clear spot. No railing , no services, no marker and the wind , oh wow. Got to watch a big thunder storm move across Kansas and pile up below us on the mountain side . Amazing times

@terrystlouis614 2 года назад

Hi Tristen, if you need a place to park overnight we are in the country just north of Colorado Springs in an area called Black Forest. Safe travels. Terry

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Thanks Terry, that's really nice of you. By the time these videos go up, I'm long gone out of the area.

@lynettepatten904 2 года назад

1989: Pike's peak wasn't paved all the way. There was a mandatory stop 1/3 down for brake check. My brakes were still cool! They said, "lady, that could account for the 20 cars stacked up behind you." I was just doing what they said to do. Go slow and don't ride your brakes.

@Patrick_Ross 2 года назад

Saw two vehicles with brakes on fire during my Pikes Peak descent in 1982. Another issue is lack of oxygen. Several older folks at the summit were in respiratory distress and in immediate need of O2.

@malloryjines5050 2 года назад

Drove pikes peak in the 90’s in a rental car. 4 adults and 2 kids. Road was surprisingly mellow. And I’m afraid of mountain roads. Above the tree line obviously. No drop offs on the side. Wasn’t afraid at all. The air was very thin at the top and light snow fell. Was a very interesting trip. Glad we did it.

@veryable1 2 года назад

Go down in low gear! The guy checking my breaks called me a mountain driver. It's hard not to use your breaks because of the people in front of you who are.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

There are now several signs saying to drive down in Low or 1st gear. Worked for me! 😄

@BrookGarretson 2 года назад

A good highway is the Beartooth highway out of Red Lodge Mt. Goes into Yellowstone park or down scenic Chief Joseph's parkway to Cody WY. Drive that buddy. High times.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Did it a couple months ago: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-putgnkz4XiU.html

@garyjennyfrost9485 2 года назад

My fave as well outside of Oregon.

@NYCHFAN 2 года назад

Loved this video. Beautiful views, no music overload, calm speaking. I'm impressed with your high altitude hiking! I doubt I could catch my breath up there. Thanks for taking us along on this trip!

@d.chamblee6924 2 года назад

I am shocked that they had the nerve to charge you knowing the road was closed! Shame on them! Makes a person wonder why!? But thanks for taking the hike, amazing views!! Love your videos!!

@1ACL 2 года назад

they close it at that time of year because usually it snows by then. I think.

@extx 2 года назад

They always close the Mt. Evans road above Summit Lake on the day after Labor Day. They close the road between the entrance station and Summit lake when the snow flies.

@gregpeterman1102 2 года назад

@@1ACL no excuse for it being closed, if they are collecting that much money they could afford to have a gate keeper.

@veryable1 2 года назад

They didn't always charge. It's a Colorado road not Federal. I think they charged to park and use the outhouse. At least before, they didn't charge if you didn't get out of your car. Not sure if that's still the case.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

I'm OK with it. I still drove most of it!

@crawford323 2 года назад

I drove up pikes peak in 1971 in a 66 Chevy two nova which at 16 years old, I had built the engine. With a terrified mother literally hiding with her head between hear legs, we made it to the top and more importantly back down again without cooking the brakes. The muffler fell off in Colorado City. We had it welded back on and we hit the freeway only to discover my carpet was on fire! Off the side of the roads we went, slammed on the brakes and began to throw luggage all over the road. I frantically pulled out the burning carpet and put out the fire with what was left of my Coca Cola. What an adventure!

@jmpattillo 2 года назад

There is no more maddening sound than back-up beepers

@solooverland3666 2 года назад

Wanna bet? Children. Nagging people. In-laws 🤷

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

It's not a great sound, especially on the top of a mountain!

@bcrazyyeti 2 года назад

I have driven both roads (and ridden the cog railway) but I enjoyed following along your experiences. Great scenery, great that you share so easily.

@deborahm6036 2 года назад

Great to see the top of Mt Evans again. I drove to the top many years ago, before there were times for driving up. It was in August, and was very crowded at the top. Loved seeing your very serene experience. As for cog trains, when I lived in Switzerland, I had an incredible experience riding one up the Swiss Alps tp Zermatt and the Matterhorn. It is simply amazing the steep inclines that the train maneuvered. You can hear the cogs engaging. My favorite mountain drive with switchbacks, steep drops, spectacular views, and extreme change in climate, is Hwy 74 which begins near Palm Springs, California (in Palm Desert) and goes up into the mountains that rise abruptly from the desert floor. It is also called the Palms to Pines Hwy, as a nod to the extreme change in plant life one witnesses along the way. I highly recommend it! There are some good hiking trails around Idyllwild, a charming mountain town. One can fish at Lake Hemet, a long the way. Good camping there as well.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

I've been meaning to do the Cactus to Clouds hike in the same area. I didn't know there was a similar kind of drive too. Thanks Deborah!

@deborahm6036 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing You are so welcome!

@catpatrick3838 2 года назад

I remember being driven up the road to the top of Evans when I was a girl. It was in June and there was still unmelted snow near the summit. This southern girl was pretty impressed 😂. No reservation system then either but we were about the only car on the road that I can recall. That was about 45+ years ago though. The top of Pikes Peak looks nothing like I remember, again 45+ years ago. How disappointing that your trip was marred by construction.

@dougjohnson4266 2 года назад

This is on my bucket list, thanks for sharing. You picked a great clear non windy day.

@ytubechannel997 2 года назад

Tristan, your videos bring such joy on a Saturday morning. Thank you for sharing your travels. Really enjoy the footage from your vehicle as your drive these roads.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Thanks, that's really nice of you to say!

@ThatOneDudeNick 2 года назад

I laughed at the goat looking back like "did he see me?"

@proehm 2 года назад

"I meant to do that." - Just like a cat...

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Caught in the act!

@johnmarshall6702 Год назад

Back in the early 70's, a buddy and I road our motorcycles to the summit of Mt. Evans in the dark to see the sunrise. Nobody else seemed to be on the entire mountain, and no gates or rules at the time. Road went all the way to the very tippy top. After and early sunrise and breakfast at 14,200 feet, which we celebrated with some weed (of course), we decided to have an engine-off race down the mountain. No engine braking, no power to set the curves, and did I mention, it was a race. We were very much Colorado boys. Anyway, we were hitting 70mph+ on the way down and still overheated the old (pre disc) brakes on our bikes until they stopped working, but it was exhilarating. And utterly nuts. Just the kind of crazy stuff you do when you're soldiers who have returned intact (more or less) from Vietnam and are trying to figure out how to live in the World. We climbed most of the 14-teeners and many other 13-ers, and it was a glorious time, filled with stupid antics that seemed safe compared to combat, but in fact often weren't really safe at all. Like getting snowed in by an early blizzard in the backcountry, and having to self-rescue. No cellphones or other ways to notify anyone back then. We never knew where we were going until we got there, and it was rarely where we planned. Mt. Evans was too civilized and sissy for us (paved road?!) so we needed that downhill race to get the adrenaline flowing. Still amazed I survived those years. Now I'm 75 and my adventures live only in my memories.

@JohnDuzzi 2 года назад

After finding the road closed climbs straight up to the peak an elevation gain of 1,400 ft over 1.83 miles in 1hour 27 min at the summit 14,271ft. No complaints of altitude symptoms or undue fatigue. All by himself video taping on a beautiful day in September. Again. You are king of the mountain. Truly amazing.

@AnythingEverythingAshley 2 года назад

Love your videos! I've lived in Colorado for almost 25 years and I've never been to some of the places you are visiting. Inspiring!

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Thanks Ashley!

@roypointanderson8468 2 года назад

No permits required when I drove M. Evans in the '90's, and open all the way to the top. Actually my girlfriend and I did have the top of the mountain to ourselves for a while cause most of the drivers didn't hike up to the top. There were a bunch of Mt. Goats along the upper road, the first time I had seen them. They seem to be quite tame and calm around cars and people as long as you get up near where they live. I'm surprised you didn't cover the ruins of the Mountain House on top by the parking lot. I found it to be very interesting old rock ruins. Glad I passed on Pike's Peak. Mt. Evans is MUCH better,

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

I didn't have anything to say about the ruins, so I didn't show them. Thanks for sharing, Roy!

@bertkelly7650 2 года назад

Thanks for taking me where I haven't gone to before! (sorta startrek)😁

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Thanks for being part of the crew!

@zackadams3405 2 года назад

My wife and I drove up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire a few weeks ago. It’s only 6,288 feet, but I found the drive fascinating and the views from the top were pretty great too, before the clouds came in and blocked everything from view. It also has trains that go to the top, and you can even hike up it if you prefer. Definitely recommend it if you’re on this side of the country.

@gaywalker4387 2 года назад

When I was a kid, living in Western Kansas, we often drove to Colorado. I can remember going up Pike’s Peak in our old station wagon. It was like going straight into the sky!

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

I can imagine! Thanks for sharing, Gay.

@Robnord1 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing the adventure!👍 It's been 6 or 7 years since my last Pike's Peak drive, and even after multiple trips over a 47 year time span, it never gets old.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

It's a great drive!

@kathystiner4997 2 года назад

Thanks for this video me and my late husband drove this road! Don’t remember having to get reservations but that was in 2009! ❤️

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

I believe the reservations are new this year. Thanks Kathy.

@weavgiff 2 года назад

Proposed to my wife of 31 years at the top of the road on Mt. Evans. Good memories.

@dougbourdo2589 2 года назад

Beautiful views for sure. I imagine the breathing could be labored for many. Yes, the most popular locations will be as modern as we Americans have come to expect. Sad but true. The GMG/Chevy Yukon/Tahoes & Suburbans have been excellent vehicles for their entire existence. You can easily expect 300,000 plus miles with them.

@tonygiljum7013 2 года назад

I drove up it in 1970, it was July 31st. Most of the road was dirt. Anyway I was in the little gift shop, had just bought a shot glass, when the workers started yelling get off the mountain, there was a snow storm . When I went out the door there was a white out. I took off down the mountain, when the dirt road turned to pavement the snow was over.

@mitchellbarnow1709 2 года назад

I really enjoyed your trip up to the first peak, but Pike’s Peak is more for the amusement park crowd. Pike’s will be better in a few years, once the construction is finished, but it will always be more crowded. I really liked the modifications that you made to your rig for life on the road. In Califonia you cannot drive anywhere near our 14,000 foot peaks because they are jagged and isolated. White Mountain can be driven up to about 12,000 feet, but it’s east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. You do have to hike to over 14,200 feet to get an incredible view of the Sierra’s, but wildfires are so common now that it’s hard to get a good view.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Yep, I drove (and hiked) up White Mountain earlier in the year. Great adventure! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ukLblBCmWTg.html

@mitchellbarnow1709 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing Awesome! I am watching that video next.

@mitchellbarnow1709 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing What an awesome White Mountain experience, Tristan! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m going to have to binge watch all of your content now!

@seeblue5490 2 года назад

If you're looking for solitude, the near Front Range isn't it. You should visit Sangre De Cristo Range around Westcliffe and Great Sand Dunes. And the same portion in New Mexico. The Front Range crowd doesn't visit this area much. But, you'll also need to take up backpacking or at least pretty long day hiking to see the good stuff. Remote, beautiful and lots of 13 and 14ers.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Yep, I have videos on those places coming up 👍

@sherilgreen7495 2 года назад

Thanks once again for taking me along on your adventure. This is the only way I will ever get to see these wonders.

@sharondavis8003 2 года назад

NO GUARDRAILS!! 😱

@audrerathburn1079 2 года назад

I'm 66 and I can't do this type of traveling anymore. Your trip up this mountain was beautiful. And the next day trip was beautiful up mountain of Pikes Peak.

@buckeyeranger6438 2 года назад

My unit used to run the Barr Trail……….crested butte, gunnison, leadville, silverton………..any route along Lewis & Clark Corp of Discovery route, trip to Cody, Wy & visit the Buffalo Bill western & Firearms museum

@mikestirewalt5193 Год назад

You were so lucky that the road was closed! Having the peak all to yourself, the silence and solitude (relatively) is probably a rather rare experience.

@RichardinNC1 2 года назад

I went there in 1992. We were able to drive to the summit lot but our Lincoln Town Car kept stalling on us from the altitude! Neat place and lots of mountain goats along the road at the time.

@terryh3689 2 года назад

I live near Pikes Peak, look at it everyday! Your video was my first glimpse of the summit since construction began. Previously there was only one low building and a small parking lot. The walkways you were on are all new and it looks like the parking lot will be huge compared to the old one. The summit visitor center opened shortly after your trip. The place where you had to park and wait, with the rocky knoll is Devils Playground. You can hike to it from the west side. I hope you discover the wilderness areas of Colorado on your trip. It is more challenging to find boondocking spots in Colorado. I’ll be interested to see what you find.

@thunderman77 Год назад

I drove the Pikes Peak road in the 80's and was not paved to the top, in fact most was gravel. In the 50's I went with my mother in a tour car to the top.

@mikesteffes9999 2 года назад

When I stood where you did, on the summit of Mt. Evans, in early July 1983, the road was open, the fee was $0.00, no permits required, there was a bike race going on, too. Standing at the top, I watched an amateur photographer park at roadside across from Summit Lake, walk out on the snow pack remnant , and disappear into it. He apparently dropped through it and fell down the cliffside to his death. Some time later, emergency vehicles arrived to recover the body. It made the Denver paper the following day…

@rubin_farr9799 2 года назад

My favorite part was when you came to my hood! Pikes Peak & the South Platte.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Beautiful area!

@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck Месяц назад

You’re right Triston this peak was not the greatest I’ve ever seen! I bet that Cov RR is slow as a Snail and loud! Thank you for showing it anyway!❤️😀

@jerrydeanswanson79 2 года назад

Nice video...thanks. I drove my new 1985 RX-7 to the top of Pike's Peak. We were on a drive from Wisconsin to El Paso...taking the scenic route...smiles. Most was a gravel road. Damn scarry looking over the close edge of the road. And at that elevation...even the car was struggling. And then there was the drive down and being stopped occasionally by an officer who would check the heat of our brakes. Exciting ride!

@kenlodge3399 2 года назад

In RE: Of your 20-Year Old Car Yes, there was a time when if you wanted to go off road in Colorado there were two primary vehicles people, in general, chose. The CJ version Jeeps and the Chevy Suburban. Yes there were FJ series Toyotas and old Land Rovers, the kind they always used in the British safari movies, but when families wanted to go into the backcountry, am referring to Colorado Rockies only, you saw them in Chevy Suburban's. And most folks called it a station wagon, except when bragging about how far into the backwoods they went - then it was called, "My Chevy Suburban went." or, "We took the Chevy Suburban." etc. (Ahh ga-ga-ga-ga-ga...)

@doron323 2 года назад

Wish I knew about this road. Just passed it in my travels in the western. Great video. Thanks for all your work and dedication.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Thanks Doron. You can always go back!

@1234dvarela 2 года назад

Tristen, your lack of patience with Colorado is front and center. Hang in there. The state is crowded but you will be glad you made the trip.

@kathleenhoward7070 Год назад

Thanks again, for taking me along on your journeys. Very grateful.

@cuz129 2 года назад

My legs were screaming in sympathy, hiking straight up at altitude is tough! Great video!

@kevinholland4156 2 года назад

Tristan, Years ago Sharon and I drove out of Yellowstone Park at Cooke City and drove over the Bear Tooth highway and encountered the Alpine Tundra it was quite exciting in my 1985 Toyota pickup which was starving for power at that elevation. At the top was glacial snow with plenty of signs warning you not to eat the snow because of microbes Going down a highway built in the Great Depression was a thrill a minute. We ended up in Red Lodge Montana where we met some friends who's wife family was from Red Lodge. They knew where to camp in the forest hidden from anybody..

@ricksantiago4422 2 года назад

Was watching another channel and went to make breakfast and that video ended and I always dislike when RU-vid just randomly goes into another video because then I have its feed in my suggestions for a while, but it just went straight into this video and I’m your subscriber and I like you …. So yeah!!! It was a good morning 👍👍

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Lol that worked out perfectly! Thanks for watching.

@dougturner2408 2 года назад

I rode to the top in a bike race in July about 2005. The race is called the Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb. It took me about 3.5 hrs. The pros/cat 1's rode in less than 1.5 hrs. Started in Idaho Springs at the Ranger station, finish at the parking area at summit. 27 mi, 7000+ ft elevation. I was getting tunnel vision in the climb above Summit Lake. Got hypothermic on decent. Cured with hot soup at the cafe at Mirror Lake.

@itchingtogo7362 2 года назад

Fun to see the COG. I took similar up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Awesome to ride an historic mode of transportation.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Definitely unique! I'd like to ride one at some point.

@tbaker294 2 года назад

A few years back; returning to AZ from the east coast; stopped by to go up the Peak after staying with friends in CO Springs. When I realized my Nat Park Pass would not work; and that the road was not open to the top (had to park and ride the last few miles), I decided to pass on it. Still had a ton of fun by going to Leadville and traversing Indy-Pass. I agree with your assessment of Aspen....I also drove thru but did not see the use in stopping. Went down I70 to Grand Junction, and down to Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and back to Ouray and Durango. Didn't miss Pikes Peak.

@harlandeke 2 года назад

I know it sucks in some ways that you can drive up to the top, but I'm thankful that you can. I am in really bad shape now thanks to degenerative disease, and I can't climb mountains like you and other folks in tip top shape can. There are thousands of huge mountains and massive wilderness areas for folks like you to enjoy. I am very envious that I will never be able to truly get away from everyone, and get lost in nature like you guys can...I have to take what little opportunities I can. I love nature and solitude as much as anybody, but it is mostly lost to me now...thankfully some awesome places are made available to people like me.

@fire58372001 2 года назад

Back in '05 I took my used 1995 Chevy P/U & drove from the 0MM in Key West to Prudhoe Bay, Ak. & back. If you keep the P.M. up on the truck it'll last you for ever. Nice vid. Thanks for sharing, drive safe. 🤠

@fatmanhikes 2 года назад

I have a pic of my dad from the 90's, he and some friends rode their Harleys up pikes peak on July 4th, they had a snowball fight that day up there!! Love your videos!

@ScottyDMcom 2 года назад

@19:55 Looks like you're at the hilltop overlooking parking for the Devil's Playground. So named because it's said that during storms lighting jumps from rock to rock. I haven't been up there during storms, so I cannot verify. @20:34 Looking southwest. That's a ridge I've hiked up a few times by the light of the full moon. Most amazing beautiful sight ever. There's also a mine shaft down that way (south). I typically start at the Crags Trailhead then start the hike by going toward Horse Thief Park before climbing above the trees. Hard start, okay. Easy finish, best. And I end my midnight hikes coming down the Devil's Playground Trail directly to where I've parked. @23:43 North face, that's Bottomless Pit. Once in my youth, many decades ago, a buddy and I summited Pikes Peak starting at Barr Trail Trailhead, cutting over to Bottomless Pit shortly after Barr Camp, then climbing up that shattered mess. We did some snow and ice, and some rock faces. Brilliantly stupid of us. Our plan was to hike down the whole of Barr Trail, but we were waiting in line to get burgers when they announced the last train down would be leaving in a few minutes. So we bought tickets and hopped aboard. We can get burgers anywhere.

@mikestirewalt5193 Год назад

This is your third or fourth video I've gotten into and I haven't gotten bored yet. Noticing the videos over on the right I see you've made a lot of them, and you have a website too. I stumbled across the video wherein you went to Earhart's cabin and thought it was just a one-off travel video but no . . . I see you are a one-person industry. And they're great. So much better than watching Ukraine videos just now.

@ritzbitz1905 6 месяцев назад

What a blessing you had the summit all to yourself….i have been up here 2 times now….definitely did not have it all to myself 😢…

@yauck1 2 года назад

There is also the annual Race to the Clouds at the Pikes Peak!

@amymckee5075 2 года назад

My husband rode his bicycle up this road with a friend in 2016. I drove up in our 2001 Honda Odyssey as support. What a drive!!

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

That would be quite the ride! I don't envy him 😁

@amymckee5075 2 года назад

He made it to the top of Mt. Evans!!

@innovationsurvival 2 года назад

The highest USA road (dirt and rock) is on White Mountain, CA. There is a three room building on top at 14,252' elevation.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

The general public isn't allowed to drive it. I hiked it earlier in the year: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ukLblBCmWTg.html

@maryschmitz7817 2 года назад

Love your "cliffhangers"

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Thanks! 😁

@solosaga5091 2 года назад

I agree with metering traffic. I disagree with the (additional) privilege tax, especially since the road is closed. The US Gov't continually spends billions increasing its ability to literally blow the face off the Earth many times over. But, the Nat'l Park and Forest resources struggle for funding? That's a problem. Thanks for the wonderful footage Tristan.

@solosaga5091 2 года назад

Btw, I believe the 2021 US Military "budget" is nearly $700 Billion. I'm prior service, so I support my sisters and brothers in arms. But surely at least 10% of that could be cut, and redirected. If mill members were prioritized, instead of contractor profits, they'd never know the difference.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

I believe it's the cities that maintain the roads for Mt. Evans and Pikes Peak (Denver and Colorado Springs, respectively), not the federal government.

@solosaga5091 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing But, who operates the gate and receives the use fee revenue, City, State or Fed? I can argue some validity if it's State or City, as the road is experiencing wear in large part from tourists that don't pay taxes in those areas. But, if it's the Feds collecting, then it's even more wrong, imo.

@cooltechandmore 2 года назад

Went there in 70s or 80s can't remember but took tram up to the restaurant and bought a donut and coffee and sovineer that said best donut in the world. Temp dropped needed winter coats even though 80 at ground level

@onefreelife 2 года назад

We drove to the top in early July one year. It was barely open then. We had a snowball game. I have trouble hiking over 12,000 feet. You seem to be doing great

@barryraven4745 2 года назад

Mt. Evans closes at Summit Lake every year the day after Labor day. I did something similar when I got stopped at the lake. I just hiked straight up from the lake. No trail back in the 90s when I did it. Climbed it this year again in January from the other side. Much more difficult!

@jeffMinnesota952 2 года назад

The back window opens? that is convenient, did not know they could do that.Looks like fun, esp Mt Evans, thanks for sharing Tristan

@KarenDegenhart 2 года назад

I drove up Mt. Evans years ago when it was free. Scary driving down.

@StanParker99 2 года назад

Nice video, despite "issues". I agree that Mt. Evans is much better than Pikes Peak, I've done both several times. You should do Mt. Evans in July when amazing wildflowers are blooming. Also, there are usually mountain goats roaming around, plus there is a bristlecone pine forest part way up you can hike through. Without realizing it, I've driven quite a few states' highest paved roads, and a lot of unpaved roads. Although not the highest (only 6000 ft or so), I'd recommend the Mt. Washington Road in New Hampshire and Hart's Pass in WA. Mount Rainier is another "must do". Your vehicles aren't suitable for some of the highest mining trails in CO.

@billnalen 2 года назад

So glad you mentioned Colorado is crowded. I always thought we were doing something wrong when we couldn't find nice remote sites like you had in other states.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

There are plenty of places in Colorado to get away from the crowds, but these areas are not it.

@billnalen 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing makes sense, we stayed in the front range since that was close to home.

@twylalove8857 2 года назад

Nice! No guardrails DO make me nervous but looks worth it.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

As long as you pay attention and don't go too fast, it's pretty mild.

@davidbarts6144 2 года назад

Guard rails are troublesome in areas that get heavy snowfall, because snow plows (and avalanches) tend to take them out. So it is not uncommon for alpine roads to lack them.

@twylalove8857 2 года назад

@@davidbarts6144 I can dig it. That does make sense. Thanks @David Barts

@jamesbrooks3664 2 года назад

Ive lived in Colorado my whole life and haven't done these summits yet but I might in the future. I love the pikes peak hill climb!

@stanw909 2 года назад

My daughter and I took the Cog Railroad to the top. It's very enjoyable, but with the renovation came the most uncomfortable bench seats that I've ever experienced. We went up 15 years ago and I don't remember the benches being that bad at all. Another thing to think about is having to wear a mask for the whole trip in a lower oxygen setting while re-breathing your own carbon dioxide. I wasn't sure how I would do so I carried a personal oxygen bottle on me ,but didn't need it. Most sporting goods stores and even Walmart stores carry them.

@marcump 2 года назад

You can see downtown Denver to the east and pike’s peak to the south-on a clear day

@historyofthejerseyshore 2 года назад

Nice views! Spent my 20th birthday camping for a week on Mt. Evans when we were out seeing The Dead at Red Rocks in 79. Rained a few nights so some shows were in Denver. I remember dirt roads with no guardrails and sheer cliffs.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Sounds like a great time!

@amynelson9362 2 года назад

Loved this video and the drive/hike to the top of Mt. Evans! I was hoping that you'd go to Pike's Peak. I was there as a kid, and remember it fondly as the place where my brother and I were excited to use the country's highest flush toilets (LOL!). Sorry, though, that it was under construction at the top. I'm excited for what's next - maybe Garden of the Gods? Happy Trails!

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Lol! And Garden of the Gods will indeed be part of the next video, so stay tuned!

@teethofthelamb 2 года назад

20 year old cars are the best value. I’m driving a 2007 Buick Lucerne it’s only got 80,000 miles on it now. And it’s like new.

@robaldridge6505 2 года назад

Well,you did better than me, left last Sunday to loop the Bitterroot, BigHole, Georgetown Lake... ran into 6"of snow, forgot my cell charger,ripped a HUGE 1x3" patch of hide off my arm, and then had Subaru issues.. so It became an overnight sight seeing trip, can't believe that EVERYTHING is closed here..saw basically NO people anywhere outside of towns... I'll try it again come spring..... guess 'poor me' has to get by fishing the Clark Fork/Rattlesnake till then... Keep doin what youre doin.....

@russlehman2070 2 года назад

It is also possible to drive (with a good off-road 4wd vehicle) to within 500 or so vertical feet of the summit of Mt. Antero. There are also 4wd roads to the summit of Mt. Bross, and pretty close to the summit of Mt. Lincoln, but these roads cross private land and I'm not sure if they are currently open to the public. There are a number of hiking routes to climb Mt. Evans. The route from Guanella Pass (which connects Georgetown on I-70 to Grant on US 285) is good one: Four or five miles and about 3,000 feet of vertical, and doesn't cross the highway. There are some other hiking routes that go to Summit Lake from lower points. Of course, from Summit lake, you can climb Mt. Evans by the route you took, or by the longer route over Mt. Spaulding.

@DonnaBMacK 2 года назад

I really look forward to your videos and thank you for taking us along. Amazing views.

@dannyreynolds2751 2 года назад

Some trivia: Pikes Peak Hill Climb is the highest professional road race in North America. Pikes Peak is where Katherine Bates wrote "America The Beautiful " lyrics. The "Add A Man" club shoots fireworks at midnight New Years Eve, making it the highest annual fireworks show in the World. Only one member is added each year, by nomination only by club members, although guests are allowed but must be experienced mountain climbers with artic training. Fireworks also on July 4th every year, all visible for 60 -80 miles away weather permitting. The Pikes Peak hiway and cog railroad allow handicap folks opportunity to be on top of a mountain. People with COPD or heart problems shouldn't try to go up Evans or Pikes Peak since altitude sickness is real and can be fatal to someone with medical problems.

@kevinshepler2314 2 года назад

I road my motorcycle up pikes peak in the early 80s , it wasn’t paved all the way back then It rained and hailed at the top which made the road pretty messy on the trip back down

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Yikes! Sounds like a memorable drive, though 👍

@fire58372001 2 года назад

Hwy.30, The Mighty Lincoln Hwy. Hwy.50 in Nv. U.S. Route 50 is known as Loneliest Road in America. Its most desolate, yet perhaps most interesting, stretch is its 300-mile span in Nevada, where the road crosses the expansive Great Basin Desert. Drive safe.🤠

@mikerobbins5049 2 года назад

We rode the train up to Pikes Peak a few years back.... The views were amazing but boy was it cold and windy.... snowing too!!!!!

@MikeMartyn-y7v Год назад

When we hiked from Manito Springs and camped at BARRS TRAIL overnight. The top was nothing like this. In my opinion, they have ruined the quaint little visitor center and turned this into such a concrete patch it’s hard to look at.

@billj5645 2 года назад

Consider that they have auto races up Pikes Peak on those roads! The cog railroad has been restored and is supposed to be back in operation. The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden has 2 different examples of the cog trains and locomotives.

@pavementendstraveler6574 2 года назад

A brother and I drove both of these roads in early June of 2017. Still plenty of snow as you got near the top. In fact we delayed our planned departure as both road's openings were delayed that year due to huge snows around the time of Memorial Day. Filmed both from bottom to top with the sun roof open the whole way. Both our epic drives. Mt. Evans: We met an 80 year old man from Switzerland who had road his bike (as in bicycle) to the parking lot at the top of Mt. Evans. He was traveling alone on his bike around the U.S. We were extremely impressed. Maybe it's because we took our time and checked out more of the sights along the route but this is the first of your videos that seems to have missed some interesting things. That first stop you made on your way up Mt. Evans. Some nice information presented inside the building and along the short trails behind it. History, flora and fauna, etc. information. I think if you had waited for it to open you would have enjoyed it. (Maybe it was closed for the season?) Usually you take the time to show/tell us about those type of things. That's one of my favorite aspects of your channel. Pikes Peak. Did you go inside the current visitor center or was it closed? Don't think you even mentioned if it was closed for the season? To be honest we thought it was a bit of a tourist trap but providing your viewers a little more information would have been nice. Also in the parking lot scene before you started up the mountain you say it's a 19 or 20 mile dirt road. The road has been paved to the top for years. Usually if you make a verbal error you post a correction overlay in the video. Also you missed a small lake along the way behind a building where people were fishing when we were there. Maybe that's on your other channel? One other thing that is of the most concern for me. You mention how people fishing by the lake are warned not to walk on the tundra vegetation. My brother and I saw the same signs. Yet you did not use an established trail to reach the top of Evans? When you left the road it sure looked like you were walking across delicate tundra vegetation. You definitely were not on an established trail. Unless you somehow managed to jump from rock to rock. Even then those rocks can be covered with delicate lichen. That just seems very out of character for you. As a high visitation area if most people did this the place would be trashed in no time. Not sure why you did it? Not a bad video but just didn't seem up to your usual standards. You seemed rushed. And not using an established trail in an area like this seems totally out of character.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Pikes Peak visitor center was closed. I don't believe I said the road was paved. You are free to believe that one person walking on the tundra grass will irrevocably harm it, but I don't believe that. Sorry you didn't like the video.

@pavementendstraveler6574 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing Tristan, you did not miss much with the old Summit House Visitor Center. The donuts maybe? I heard they're very popular and use a special recipe because of the high altitude. I have not been to the new one which opened in June 2021. From what I see online, it's a lot more upscale than the one it replaced. I didn't say you stated it's a paved road. I said you tell us it's a "dirt road". I checked again and you clearly state at 17:30 that it's a "dirt road". Some attentive viewers may wonder why you say it's a dirt road when it's not. Over the time I've been watching your videos I've admired your dedication to "leave no trace". You've packed out someone else's decarded rope. You pick up other people's trash at campsites. That's why I'm surprised at your response, "...one person walking on the tundra grass will irrevocably harm it, but I don't believe that." This does imply that you realize that more than one, maybe hundreds or thousands will harm it. And it would. Your statement seems selfish and is not at all what I've grown to expect and admire about you. Yes, one person will have minimal impact. My ethos is that if it's not OK for everyone to do then it's not OK for any one person to do. As you know this is a high use area. If even 1/2 of the people visiting did what you did, the damage would quickly become evident. As an example if we take your attitude toward the tundra vegetation to the campsite. If one person leaves behind a few small pieces of trash, gum wrappers, a cigarette butt or two, bits of paper towel, etc. it's not really going to cause any harm. But if it's OK for one person to do this than it's OK for everyone to do this. It's not and you've shown us that in other videos. It's the same principle. Another example. I'm on a 4x4 trail. The trail is blocked. But I can go off trail and get around the blockage. It's unlikely I'll do any permanent damage to the vegetation if I leave the trail. There’s a good chance nobody will even be able to tell I left the trail. Afterall, it's just me. Just one small, relativity light truck. Awhile later others do the same thing. After all, if it was OK for that first guy to do it then why not the others? Now we do have permanent damage and the NFS or BLM decides to close the trail/road because of people leaving the established trail/road. As a popular RU-vid personality you may not realize the influence your actions have on others. If people see you doing something they assume that it's OK for everyone to do. In other videos you show us clear examples of good "leave no trace" but not this video. I will state it again. Just seems out of character.

@marcump 2 года назад

Cool, i loved driving up there.. there’s a back road as well. I wish you could do Crestone Needle/ Mt Humbolt-next peak over which has a fantastic view of the needle (great photos) As you probably know the eastern approach to the needle in the Sangre de Cristo range begins just outside WestCliff/SilverCliff Colorado.. the approach goes through private property as well as BLM land which access is an approved gravel road

@ES-ge7bb 2 года назад

Utah’s scenic byway 12 plus the Burr Trail road

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

Done both of them multiple times. Great drives!

@ES-ge7bb 2 года назад

@@SUVRVing Have you driven down route 141 southbound from Grand Junction? Very pretty and quiet ... at least when I did it.

@susannenerad9851 Год назад

Whoa! Was there about 30 yrs ago, we went hiking at summit lake & saw some mtn goats, don't remember really seeing any people, so many people have moved to Colorado it's just not the same, some places have just been ruined, pollution is just terrible, (not here, just more people). Yeah I don't even go camping anymore in Co, I head to Wyoming. What's up with the Bighorn sheep under that truck? Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures, love that most are off the beaten path

@greenspiraldragon 2 года назад

I think my brother-n-law drove up Mt. Evans. I will have to ask him about the permit. Cool video.

@frankjacoby9460 2 года назад

For my fellow commentators, do the cog train ride sometime, it will show you parts of the mountain and distant vistas you won’t see otherwise!! The train station is located at Manitou Springs

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

It looks like a lot of fun, for sure! Thanks Frank.

@dougturner2408 2 года назад

I read a story in the Denver Post about an entire herd (about 50 animals) struck by lightning and all killed. Beware of thunderstorms!

@stsphenphillips2952 2 года назад

When I lived in Denver I wanted drive up Mt Evans, also Pikes Peak road and the famous OMG road. I worked on an apple farm near Delta and have done the million $ highway a few times. Came into Silverton from Durango one night just after dark, neat seeing all the lights at 9300 elev.

@asherdog9248 2 года назад

Don't you just love how the NPS has no issue with closings. I'm glad they don't deliver the mail.

@extx 2 года назад

Mt. Evans is run by the USFS, not the NPS. Summit Lake, as was mentioned in the video, is a Denver Mountain Park.

@SUVRVing 2 года назад

The NPS has nothing to do with these areas.

@salinwa7105 2 года назад

Totally Awesome that it was all yours at the top! Nice! 🙌🏻

@undergroundmead 2 года назад

I've found that forest road is super busy, but turning off that road onto some smaller roads tends to lead to less busy camping sites. That said, being so close to the major population centers means that "less busy" is no where as desolate as most of the sites you've shown in the past.

@hutch0987654321 2 года назад

back in the early 90 i was living in Vail and did a lot of road biking me and a buddy road to the top of Mount Evans one day from the bottom and where the road was closed for you it was open and that last climb was so hard because of the lack of oxygen but boy coming down was a thrill we were passing cars reaching speeds of 40 MPH.