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Mt. Goliath Natural Area/Dos Chappell Nature Ctr.
Located within the Mount Evans Recreation Area, the Mount Goliath Research Natural Area contains 160 acres set aside for the protection, study, interpretation and enjoyment of the Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine. The Dos Chappell Nature Center contains excellent exhibits that interpret how living things adapt to the harsh environments of the sub-alpine and alpine tundra. The main attraction is the Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine tree. These trees are 700 to 1,600 years old, making them some of the oldest tree species in the world. As you walk in the nature center, a 1,000-year-old nonliving example grasps your attention. Once you've viewed the exhibits, explore the nearby rock gardens and examine the small wildflowers in bloom behind the nature center. Experience an enchanted forest of old gnarled trees by traveling through the quarter-mile Bristlecone Loop Trail.
The building, exhibits, and grounds are the result of a cooperative effort between Denver Botanic Gardens, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and the U.S. Forest Service.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Outside area open 24/7. Nature Center hours 10 am - 5 pm seven days a week. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations are required for entry. Go to recreation.gov to create an account and purchase your ticket. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438 |
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site,Toilets,Parking |
| Permit Info: | A timed-entry reservation must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Idaho Springs, CO |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Drive approx. 12 miles to the turn off for Highway 5, Mount Evans road. Proceed through the fee station and drive 3 miles south on Highway 5 to the area.Activities
Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:Visitor Programs
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs:Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:The Nature Center contains excellent exhibits that interpret how living things adapt to the harsh environments of the sub-alpine and alpine tundra. The main attraction is the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine tree. These trees are 700 to 1,600 years old, making them some of the oldest tree species in the world. As you walk in the nature center, a nearly 1,000-year-old nonliving example grasps your attention. Once you've viewed the exhibits, explore the nearby rock gardens and examine the small wildflowers in bloom behind the nature center. Experience an enchanted forest of old gnarled trees by traveling the quarter-mile Bristlecone Loop trail. The nature center is open 7 days a week 10am-5pm from Memorial Day weekend through the first weekend in October, weather permitting.
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | |
|---|---|
| Toilets: | |
| Parking: |