Mt. Evans Field Station
The Mt. Evans Field Station (formerly the Inter-University High Altitude Laboratory) near Echo Lake at 10,700 ft (3260 m) is operated under a special use permit from the USFS by the University of Denver and available year-round to academic groups and individual researchers with interests in high altitude environments of the Colorado Front Range. Originally established for cosmic ray research in the mid-20th century, the Station mission broadened in the 1980s to provide a base of operations for academic groups and researchers with interests in the Mt. Evans region for teaching and scientific study. The facility, location and setting is ideal for small (10 to 30) academic groups that seek a rustic but natural setting in which to immerse students in the geology and ecology of the Rockies.
Location
The Mt. Evans Field Station is nestled in mature subalpine forest of the Arapaho National Forest near Echo Lake and the junction of Colorado State Highway 5 and 103. The site is reached from Denver by taking Interstate 70 west to the turnoff to Mt. Evans on CO 103 at Exit 240 in Idaho Springs and then proceeding to Echo Lake , a distance of 14 miles (20 km) and an elevation climb of 3200 ft (975 m). The Mt. Evans Road (CO 5) joins CO 103 at the east end of Echo Lake. The Station lies roughly 300 m southeast of this highway intersection and is accessed by proceeding 100 m down the entry road to the Echo Lake Campground. Click here for the footprint of buildings at the Station.
Facilities
The Mt. Evans Field Station of the University of Denver operates under a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. Two options are available for accommodating the lodging needs of groups.
The two-story “lodge” has central heating, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms with showers, laundry room, a pantry with two standard sized refrigerators, and a large communal space with fireplace for use as a dining room, study area, and lecture/meeting room. Bed and bath linens are available upon request. The dorm may be reserved by the day or week and accommodates only one user group at a time.
A one-story cabin is available for use by individual researchers or small academic groups of 6-8 people. It features two bedrooms with bunkbeds, a large and fully equipped kitchen, central heating, a single bath with tub/shower, and a large living room with wood stove.
Rates and Reservations
Rates are based on group size, length of stay, season, and requirements for lab space, technical support, and bed/bath linens. As a general guideline, the rate for fall of 2009 is $20 per person per night for groups of 8 to 16, plus $5 for bed/bath linens and a minimum nightly rate per group of $150. To check on dates and rates for your group, contact the Station Director, Dr. Mike Monahan.
September 15, 2009