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Mount Blue Sky: Summiting the Rockies

Drive to the top of the world on the highest paved road in North America and witness breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Blue Sky.

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Ascend to the 14,130-foot summit of Mount Blue Sky, the highest paved road in North America, for breathtaking views and a glimpse into alpine ecosystems. Formerly known as Mount Evans, the mountain was renamed in 2023 to honor the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.

A brief summary to Mount Blue Sky

Local tips

  • Reservations are required to access the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area. Book your timed-entry ticket in advance at recreation.gov.
  • The weather at the summit can change rapidly. Bring warm layers, even in summer, and be prepared for wind, rain, and even snow.
  • Drink plenty of water and take it easy when you first arrive at the summit to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, but do not feed the animals. Store food properly to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
  • Check cotrip.org for up-to-date road conditions and closure information.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The primary access to Mount Blue Sky is via the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (Highway 5), which typically opens the Friday before Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day. From Denver, take I-70 west to exit 240 in Idaho Springs. Follow Highway 103 south for 14 miles to Echo Lake. Then, turn onto Highway 5 and proceed 14 miles to the summit. Note that a timed-entry reservation is required to enter the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area. As of September 2024, Highway 5 is closed for construction and is scheduled to reopen Memorial Day weekend 2026. During the closure, access to the summit is only available via hiking trails. Parking fees range from $3 to $15.

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Discover more about Mount Blue Sky

Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. The scenic byway, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet, is the highest paved road in North America, providing easy access to a stunning alpine environment. The journey to the summit is a visual feast, with dramatic elevation gains showcasing diverse ecosystems. Starting in Idaho Springs, the byway climbs over 7,000 feet in 28 miles, revealing panoramic views of the Continental Divide, alpine lakes, and glacier valleys. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and a variety of bird species. The slopes are also home to ancient Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine trees, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. At the summit, explore the ruins of the Crest House, a former restaurant and souvenir shop that burned down in 1979, and the High Altitude Lab, a historic research facility. Take a short walk to the true summit for even more expansive views of the Front Range and surrounding peaks. In September 2023, Mount Evans was officially renamed Mount Blue Sky to honor the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. The Arapaho are known as the Blue Sky People, and the Cheyenne have an annual renewal-of-life ceremony called Blue Sky. This renaming marks a step towards acknowledging the history and culture of the Indigenous communities who have long called this area home. Note that Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is undergoing road improvements and is expected to reopen by Memorial Day weekend 2026.

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