Pikes Peak in the distance
Ever want to hike a 14,000 feet mountain but were too lazy or out of shape? Well you don't have to! You can peak two 14,000 feet mountains in Colorado without getting out breath! What? Impossible you say? Not impossible I say!
Mount Evans
Mount Evans and Pikes Peak are both accessible by car and if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a cog train to the top of Pikes Peak.
Cog train to Pikes Peak
If you are planning on traveling by car, plan your trip in the summer. The roads will close early fall because of the conditions. What conditions do you ask? Snow! Snow in September? Yep! This reminds me.... Bring warm clothes! Even if you are traveling in the summer, the temperature will be a lot colder than Denver. For every 1000 feet in elevation you gain, it will be about 5 degrees Fahrenheit colder (~1 degree Celsius). (Encyclopedia of Earth)
Summit on Pikes Peak
Summit on Mt. Evans
These two locations are also wonderfully close to Denver. The exit for Mt. Evans is off of I-70, about 30 minutes West of Denver. Pikes Peak is close to Colorado Springs, which is about an hour and half from Denver.
Bighorn Sheep on the way up Pikes Peak
There are many sights to see on the way, such as lakes and animals. Check out this mountain goat at the summit.
Mountain Goat on Mount Evans
Another interesting fact about Mt. Evans is that when you drive up the road, it is the highest road in North America!
Sign as you turn onto the road to Mt. Evans
Have fun!!!!!
Vocabulary:
Out of shape: is when you don't exercise enough
Get out of breath: When you exercise and you can't breath because you are out of shape!
Peak: (verb) When you climb to the top of a mountain
Reference: Encyclopedia of Earth, http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/170859/
