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Mount Goliath Natural Area: A High-Altitude Botanical Escape

Explore ancient bristlecone pines and alpine beauty at Mount Goliath Natural Area, a unique high-altitude destination near Evergreen, Colorado.

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Discover ancient bristlecone pines and vibrant alpine wildflowers at Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies. This unique destination offers stunning views and educational exhibits, making it a perfect day trip for nature lovers of all skill levels.

A brief summary to Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

  • Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center, Mount Blue Sky Rd, Evergreen, Colorado, 80439, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase a timed-entry reservation in advance at Recreation.gov, as they are required for entry.
  • Prepare for varying weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly at higher elevations.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available.
  • Check the U.S. Forest Service website or call the Clear Creek Ranger District for road closures and current conditions, especially during winter months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Mount Goliath Natural Area from Denver, take I-70 west to Idaho Springs (Exit 240). Follow Highway 103 south for approximately 12 miles to the junction with Highway 5. Continue on Highway 5, also known as the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, for 3 miles to reach the entrance of Mount Goliath Natural Area. Note that a timed-entry reservation is required to enter the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, including Mount Goliath. Reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. A standard amenity fee of $10 is required for the Mount Goliath Natural Area. This fee is included in the online reservation. Be aware that the Mount Blue Sky Highway is typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. Also, the Mount Blue Sky Highway will be closed for the 2025 season due to road construction.

Unlock the Best of Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

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Discover more about Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center, located within the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, offers a unique glimpse into the resilient beauty of Colorado's high-altitude ecosystems. Managed in partnership by the U.S. Forest Service and the Denver Botanic Gardens, this 160-acre area is dedicated to protecting, studying, and interpreting the Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine. These remarkable trees, some between 700 and 1,600 years old, have adapted to survive in harsh conditions, making them some of the oldest tree species in the world. At the Dos Chappell Nature Center, visitors can explore exhibits that explain how living things adapt to the challenging sub-alpine and alpine tundra environments. A highlight is a 1,000-year-old nonliving bristlecone pine, offering a tangible connection to the area's ancient past. Outside the nature center, wander through rock gardens showcasing small wildflowers that thrive at this elevation. The quarter-mile Bristlecone Loop Trail provides an enchanting walk through a forest of gnarled, old-growth trees. The M. Walter Pesman Trail offers a slightly longer, more challenging hike through subalpine and alpine ecosystems. The trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots and pikas. Note that Mount Blue Sky Highway, which provides access to Mount Goliath, is often closed in the winter due to weather conditions and is scheduled for construction in 2025. Check the U.S. Forest Service website for current conditions and closures.

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