Mount Blue Sky: Summit of the Rockies

Reach the roof of North America on the highest paved road, offering stunning views and alpine adventures. Closed until 2026 for road repairs.

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Mount Blue Sky

Ascend to the top of the highest paved road in North America at Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, offering unparalleled views of the Continental Divide and the Front Range. This 14,130-foot peak provides a unique alpine experience with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, but is currently closed to motorized and non-motorized travel until 2026 for road repairs.

A brief summary to Mount Blue Sky

Mount Blue Sky Rd, Evergreen, Colorado, 80439, US
+1303-567-3000
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Local tips

Check the official USDA Forest Service website for current conditions, road closures, and reservation requirements before planning your visit.
Even in summer, temperatures at the summit can be cold and the weather can change rapidly; bring layers of warm clothing.
Due to the high altitude, take it slow and make frequent stops to avoid altitude sickness.
Reservations are required to access the area and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Be prepared for slow and possibly difficult driving conditions on the winding road.

Getting There

Driving

Currently, the Mount Blue Sky Highway is closed to vehicular traffic through 2025 and is scheduled to reopen Memorial Day weekend in 2026. When open, to reach Mount Blue Sky, start from Idaho Springs, located off I-70. Take Exit 240 and follow Highway 103 south for 14 miles until you reach Echo Lake. From there, connect to Highway 5, also known as the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, and proceed approximately 14 miles to the summit. Note that a timed-entry reservation is required to access the byway. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. There is a per-vehicle fee of $15 plus a $2 reservation fee. Please note that vehicles over 30 feet in length are not recommended on Highway 5 due to the steep, narrow, and winding road.
Hiking

During the road closure, access to Mount Blue Sky's summit is only available via hiking trails. One option is to hike from Summit Lake. To get to Summit Lake, follow the driving directions above. You can park in the small pullout before Summit Lake without a parking reservation, but it fills up quickly. Be aware that there may be limited parking. From Summit Lake, a difficult 5.3-mile trail with a 2,060 foot elevation change leads to the summit. This route involves scrambling and route finding, so it is not for beginners.

Discover more about Mount Blue Sky

Mount Blue Sky, soaring to 14,130 feet, is a majestic peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, located approximately 60 miles west of Denver. Formerly known as Mount Evans, it was renamed in September 2023 to honor the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, recognizing their deep connection to the area. The Arapaho were known as the Blue Sky People, and the Cheyenne have an annual renewal-of-life ceremony called Blue Sky. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America, typically allows visitors to drive almost to the summit. However, starting September 3, 2024, and continuing through 2025, the highway is closed for extensive repairs, with a planned reopening on Memorial Day weekend in 2026. During the closure, access to the summit is limited to hiking trails. When open, the byway offers breathtaking views of alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and diverse wildlife, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Popular stops along the route include Echo Lake, Mount Goliath Natural Area, and Summit Lake Park. The summit provides panoramic views stretching across the Front Range and the Continental Divide. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Crest House and, with a short hike, reach the true summit. Historically, the mountain was named after John Evans, the second territorial governor of Colorado, whose legacy is marred by his involvement in the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. The renaming reflects a broader effort to acknowledge and reconcile with the past, creating a more inclusive future.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Colorado Central Mill

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Georgetown–Silver Plume Historic District

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Chief Mountain

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Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain fire lookout

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Veterans Memorial Tunnels

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Discover the breathtaking Veterans Memorial Tunnels in Idaho Springs, Colorado, a tribute to veterans and an engineering marvel amidst stunning Rocky Mountain scenery.

A & A Historical Horseback Riding

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Century Casino & Hotel Central City

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Central City Opera House

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St Mary's Glacier Trailhead

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The Gilpin Casino

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Ameristar Black Hawk

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Discover the excitement and luxury of Ameristar Black Hawk, Colorado's premier casino destination, offering gaming, dining, and breathtaking mountain views.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Black Hawk Entrance

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Experience the breathtaking views and rich history along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway at the Black Hawk Entrance in Colorado.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Black Hawk Entrance

Horseshoe Black Hawk

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St Mary's Glacier

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Explore the breathtaking beauty of St. Mary's Glacier in Colorado, a perfect spot for hiking, photography, and connecting with nature.

Maryland Mountain Hidden Treasure Trailhead

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Unmissable attractions to see

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

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Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, where Colorado's natural wonders come alive with stunning vistas and vibrant wildlife.

Summit Lake Park

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Explore Summit Lake Park, the highest elevation city park in the U.S., where stunning mountain views and serene hiking trails await.

Mount Bierstadt

2.2 km

Hike Mount Bierstadt, one of Colorado's most accessible 14,000-foot peaks, offering stunning views and a rewarding challenge for all skill levels.

Mt Bierstadt

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Hike Colorado's Mount Bierstadt: A popular and accessible 14,065-foot peak with stunning views, perfect for beginner mountaineers and experienced hikers alike.

Guanella Pass

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Discover breathtaking views, hiking, and history on this scenic byway connecting Georgetown and Grant in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

7.5 km

Explore ancient bristlecone pines and colorful alpine wildflowers in a unique high-altitude environment near Denver.

Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

Mt Blue Sky Scenic Drive

8.6 km

Drive to the top of the world on the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, offering unparalleled views and alpine adventures in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Echo Lake Park

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Discover stunning alpine scenery, hiking trails, and historic charm at Echo Lake Park, nestled near Mount Blue Sky, just a short drive from Denver.

Argentine Pass

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Conquer Colorado's highest vehicle-accessible pass for stunning views & a thrilling off-road adventure through historic mining country.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

13.8 km

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Georgetown Loop Railroad, an unforgettable experience in Colorado's stunning Rocky Mountains.

Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park - Silver Plume Depot

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Journey through time on a historic railway, experiencing breathtaking mountain views and Colorado's rich mining heritage.

Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park - Silver Plume Depot

Hamill House Museum

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Georgetown Energy Museum

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Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

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Experience Colorado's gold rush history with a guided tour through an authentic 1860s gold mine in Georgetown.

Grays and Torreys Summer Trailhead

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Explore Grays and Torreys Summer Trailhead, your gateway to breathtaking views and exhilarating hikes in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

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Gravity Haus Winter Park

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Randi's Grill & Pub

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The Squeeze

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Mount Blue Sky with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Mount Blue Sky: Summit of the Rockies

A brief summary to Mount Blue Sky

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Hiking

Unlock the Best of Mount Blue Sky

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Mount Blue Sky

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Colorado Central Mill

Georgetown–Silver Plume Historic District

Chief Mountain

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain fire lookout

Veterans Memorial Tunnels

A & A Historical Horseback Riding

Century Casino & Hotel Central City

Central City Opera House

St Mary's Glacier Trailhead

The Gilpin Casino

Ameristar Black Hawk

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Black Hawk Entrance

Horseshoe Black Hawk

St Mary's Glacier

Maryland Mountain Hidden Treasure Trailhead

Unmissable attractions to see

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

Summit Lake Park

Mount Bierstadt

Mt Bierstadt

Guanella Pass

Mount Goliath Natural Area & Dos Chappell Nature Center

Mt Blue Sky Scenic Drive

Echo Lake Park

Argentine Pass

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park - Silver Plume Depot

Hamill House Museum

Georgetown Energy Museum

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

Grays and Torreys Summer Trailhead

Essential places to dine

Traverse Restaurant & Bar

Soupz On

Oaxacan bites

Tin Plate Pizza

Hearthstone Restaurant

The Canteen Tap House and Tavern

Twist

Blue River Bistro

Salt Creek Steakhouse

The Carlin Breckenridge

Tavern Underground

Bird and Cow

Briar Rose Chophouse & Saloon

Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge

Rootstalk Breckenridge

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Breckenridge Ski & Sport

A Racer's Edge

Lace and Lariat

Two Wild Sisters

Breckenridge Shirts & More

Björn's Colorado Honey

Towne Square Mall

Breck ‘N’ Boujee Premium Outlet

The Shop On Main Street

Slope Style Ski + Bike

Simply Breck

Mountain Tees

Arabella Adventures

Cabin Fever

Shirt Off My Back

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Napper Tandy's Irish Pub

Ski Town Chicken Joint

RMU Breckenridge

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