The Mount Evans Scenic Byway from Echo Lake to the majestic fourteener’s summit opened Friday following the completion of snow removal operations that were slowed by significant snowfall in late May.

The 15-mile road, which tops out at 14,264 feet, is the highest paved road in North America. The Colorado Department of Transportation normally aims to have it open by Memorial Day.

Reservations are required from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for motorists to access parking lots at the Mount Goliath Nature Center, Summit Lake Park and the summit parking lot. Reservations are not necessary to drive on the road because it’s a state highway, although the National Forest Service and CDOT — which jointly manage the byway — do not mention that distinction in their official publications. Reservations also are not required for bicyclists.

Parking reservations cost $15 for cars, $6 for two-person motorcycles and $3 for one-person motorcycles, plus a $2 reservation fee. They are available through recreation.gov.

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