Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway: A Road to the Roof of the Rockies

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, formerly known as the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, is a breathtaking 28-mile (45 km) journey to the summit of Mount Blue Sky in Colorado. As the highest paved road in North America, it climbs over 7,000 feet, offering unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. The byway typically opens the Friday before Memorial Day and closes on Labor Day, weather permitting. However, in 2025, the highway is closed for construction and is scheduled to reopen Memorial Day weekend 2026. Starting near Idaho Springs, the byway winds through five distinct climate zones, showcasing a dramatic shift in landscape from high plains to alpine tundra. Along the way, visitors can stop at Echo Lake, a serene mountain lake perfect for hiking and picnicking. Further up, the Mount Goliath Natural Area offers a chance to see ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Summit Lake Park, managed by the City of Denver, is the city's only treeless park. At the summit, the views are simply stunning. The entire Front Range unfolds below, with vistas stretching to the Continental Divide. Wildlife abounds, including marmots, pikas, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The summit also holds historical significance, as a site for cosmic ray research in the 1930s. The name change to Mount Blue Sky in 2023 honors the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, who have ancestral ties to the area.