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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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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

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.
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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.

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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.

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