I, Zeb the Duck, went high in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.  Mom and I drove the highest paved road in North America to the top of Mount Evans.  Elevation in the parking lot at the top is 14,130 feet above sea level.  That is very high and not so much oxygen in the air.  When you go, be careful!

Our first stop on the drive to the top was Summit Lake Park at 12,830 feet.

Still snow in early June

We went a few days ago and the lake was still frozen.

Like a Christmas card in June

It was so pretty.

When we arrived at the top, we saw these Rocky Mountain Sheep.

Love these sheep

My new friends are watching me

Resting

Then we walked up to the former Crest House.

On hand rail of remains of Crest House

When it was built from 1939-1941, it was the highest structure in the world at 14,260 feet above sea level.  Mom remembers going there with her parents and drinking hot chocolate.  Sadly, in September 1979 a propane explosion destroyed the Crest House.  In 1992 the structure was stabilized and is now an observation platform

Nice view of mountain and hikers

and place of contemplation.

It was 44 degrees when we were there, with much snow still on the ground.  Driving down the mountain, we were as high as these snow capped mountain peaks.

Seems like we are at the top of the world

We saw this yellowed-bellied marmot enjoying the sun.

Marmot ready for summer

They hibernate during the winter.  The climate at the top is alpine tundra, similar to Nome, Alaska.  This is the harshest environment that supports life, in the world.

These Mountain Goats enjoy climbing on Mount Evans and we enjoy seeing them.

Mountain goats grazing

We will probably be back here again this summer.  Mount Evans is less than an hour from Denver.  You will enjoy your day if you visit Mount Evans this summer.