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mount goliath tours

mount goliath tour Denver Botanic Gardens

Discover the life cycles and lore of the alpine tundra and the intense beauty of a natural garden that lasts only 40 frost-free days. This is a trail of contrasts--awesome Rocky Mountain vistas of the Divide peaks; delicate floral treasures; wind-sculpted, ancient bristlecone pines; cold summit winds; and gentle summer breezes. The path winds through the exquisite blooms of the alpine tundra, talus slopes and subalpine meadows providing a delightful and educational hike in one of Colorado's most beautiful natural areas.

Volunteer guides give free interpretive wildflower hikes that follow the Mount Goliath M. Walter Pesman Trail--a moderately difficult, 1.5 mile downhill trek from 12,153 ft. to 11,540 ft. A 0.5-mile trail loop at the upper trailhead is an easier hike.

All hikes begin at 8:45 a.m. Wildflower hikes are free and open to all ages. A Denver Botanic Gardens membership does not allow free access to the Mount Evans Scenic Byway and Wilderness. Public access to the road for Mount Goliath and Mount Evans requires payment at the indicated fee station.

Click here to view the Mount Evans Byway access fee list.

Reservations required:
Please call 720-865-3539. Directions on where to meet the guides will be provided with your registration confirmation.
WILDFLOWER HIKES ARE FULL FOR THE 2008 SEASON.

2008 Hike Dates:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 26 through August 7, as well as Saturdays July 5, July 26 and August 2
WILDFLOWER HIKES ARE FULL FOR THE 2008 SEASON.

Directions to Mount Goliath:Take exit 240 from I-70 in Idaho Springs and turn left at the stop sign. Follow Highway 103 south until it meets Echo Lake; turn off onto Highway 5 (the Mount Evans Byway). The M. Walter Pesman trail is accessible from two trail heads; the lower trail head at the Dos Chappell Nature Center or the upper trail head approximately 4.8 miles from the fee station.

plan your visit

The weather is great for a visit this week.  

Get started on planning your visit ››

garden spotlight

Children's Secret Path at York Street

Children's Secret Path

Especially for kids: Get your hands dirty in the soil station!

It's a fact: The alligator drum and giant amadinda are musical instruments made from plants.

Botanical interest: Children are encouraged to interact with plants, including smelling fragrant chives (Allium schoenoprasum), touching lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) and soft artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’).

Learn more about individual gardens ››

for the kids

Denver Botanic Gardens Kids CampsLooking for a fun way to entertain the kids? Check out a Family Guide at our Information Desk. Enjoy fun activities and kid-friendly information about our gardens and plants. Family Guides are free with admission.