When we are in Colorado later this month, we have time to take one of these drives but not both of them. Which one should it be?

HTTY

If you're going to be in Denver or driving I-70 west--do Mt Evans. http://www.mountevans.com/
If you're going to be in Colorado Springs, do Pike's Peak. http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/coc...pringspike.htm If you're going to both, take your pick.

The fee for driving up the Pike's Peak road is more than for Mt. Evans.
There tend to be more people at the top of Pike's Peak--especially if you arrive after the cog railway had made one of its trips to the top. There is a snack bar at the top of Pike's Peak--it can be crowded--though I remember they had good doughnuts. The building that housed the refreshment stand at the top of Mt. Evans burned down years ago--though its ruins have been preserved as a viewing platform.

Whichever you do, take warm jackets, hats (it's usually windy) and water.

Mt. Evans is "on the way"to the mountains. Pike's Peak is south, and if you're going that way, also "on the way". We did Mt. Evans last year and it was a very impressive drive/sight.

Thanks. We're going to be in Idaho Springs and it Manitous Springs. It sounds as if Mt. Evans is less touristy.

I was just at Pike's Peak. We drove up. It was a beautiful drive. Once we got to the top it didn't matter how touristy it was (it did just seemed like a parking lot w a gift shop on top - great donuts, though!) BECAUSE we were so light headed. We took a couple of pictures and then quickly headed down. I would still recommend it.

Mt Evans, hands down. Beautiful, of course, with Summit Lake and Echo Lake

the way and vistas all the way and at the top. Also, wildlife and interesting flora. Be sure to have a warm jacket for either.

Linda, and others, thanks for your advice. The drive to the top of Mt Evans was just as described--we loved it.

In the morning we enjoyed the drive from Steamboat Springs to Idaho Springs. There, before going up Mt Evans, we had a delicious lunch at Two Brothers Deli--elk chili and a sandwich of lox, red onion, cream cheese, and capers on a perfectly toasted pressed baguette. It was prepared with love by a woman who has apparently been turning out delicious, fresh food for quite a while.

HTTY