For DU students, particularly those in the natural sciences and geography departments, a hands-on learning opportunity is available through the DU-owned Mt. Evans Field Station. The Field Station is right out DU’s back door in the forest near Echo Lake—a scenic hour-long drive away. Within close range to the Field Station are Rocky Mountain National Park; historic mining towns of Central City and Cripple Creek; Florissant National Monument; the National Ice Core Lab in Lakewood; and the summit of Mt. Evans, which is available late May through late September.

Besides these easily-accessible locations, the terrain from Denver to Echo Lake encompasses grasslands, foothills, lakes and above-treeline timberline to treeline ecosystems. Students can observe deer, elk, mountain goats, big-horned sheep and a variety of birds, like ptarmigans and finches, as well as a plethora of botany in the various biomes.

Mt. Evans is one of Colorado’s boasted 14-ers and the Echo Lake area offers opportunities for short or long hikes, picnicking, and fishing. The Echo Lake Lodge is a visiting station for many hikers, bikers and families and offers a highly recommendable restaurant.

Nearby, other options for places to visit are the Mount Goliath Natural Area, with 1,600-year-old bristlecone pine trees, a variety of wildflowers and birds. There are also opportunities for hiking at the Chicago Lakes Basin and scenic drives to Summit Lake and Lincoln Lake.

Students also have access to the University of Denver Meyer-Womble Observatory on Mt. Evans, built in 1996. The observatory houses the Meyer Binocular telescope, and was the highest on earth until 2000.

The Field Station hosts two different cabins available year-round. A two-story lodge is ideal for larger groups and includes central heating, two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a laundry room and a large communal area with a fireplace. Also available is a snug two-bedroom cabin perfect for groups with six to eight people.

Academic groups, such as summer geology field camps or ecology field courses, can reserve the facilities by the day or week. Reservations can be made through the DU website.