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Jul 5, 2018 · Venture up Mount Blue Sky, formally Mount Evans, via the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway for unforgettable views. Keep these tips in mind as you make the climb.
- Rich Grant
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Experience breathtaking views of Colorado's scenic beauty by cruising through the Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Denver. This road connects Idaho Springs to Mount Evans’ summit and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, picturesque greenery, and wildlife sightings of mountain goats.
- (1K)
- Attraction
- Denver, 80439, Colorado
Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area & Scenic Byway. Area Status: Open. The Scenic Byway to Mount Blue Sky climbs over 7,000 feet in its 28-mile length, reaching an altitude of 14,130' feet. Idaho Springs serves as the starting point to the byway, which is the highest paved road in North America!
- Idaho Springs, CO; Bergen Park, CO
- No
- Heavy
77 reviews and 387 photos of MOUNT BLUE SKY SCENIC BYWAY "Take a deep breath. You'll need it on the top of Mt. Evans. The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway is absolutely gorgeous, and everyone who is ever in Denver for more than 5 hours should drive up it. Starting in Idaho Springs, you head into the mountains past some quiet mountain homes.
- (77)
- 105.643598
- 39.588299
- Evergreen, 80437, CO
- Mount Blue Sky Elevation
- Altitude Sickness
- Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway Reservations
- Best Stops Along The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
- Additional Information About Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
The summit is 14,265 feet above sea level. The highway tops out at 14,130 feet above sea level, from here you can follow a short hike to the summit.
Altitude sickness is caused by rapid changes in air pressure and oxygen levels and is characterized by headaches, nausea, dizziness, and loss of breath. Symptoms subside when you make your way to lower elevation. Altitude sickness is common and at this elevation can affect anybody. Ascending the byway too quickly will increase your odds of getting ...
Timed-entry reservations must be booked online in advance. Tickets cannot be purchased at the park entrance. Have your reservation downloaded or printed before getting to the park entrance, there is no cell serviceat the Welcome Station. I have Verizon 5G and excellent service throughout Denver, I had zero service at the park entrance. The ticket p...
Echo Lake & Welcome Center
Elevation 10,600 feet above sea level 46 miles from Denver Echo Lake is located off Highway 103, just before the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway Park Entrance (Welcome Center). It’s the last spot that doesn’t require reservations or a fee. The lake has easy hiking trails, picnic benches, and beautiful mountain views. Just off the lake is Echo Lake Lodge, which in addition to lodging, offers dining and a gift shop. At the byway entrance there’s a small “welcome station” which is simply a ranger st...
Mount Goliath Natural Area
Elevation 11,540 feet above sea level 3 miles from Echo Lake & Welcome Center The first stop we did on Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway was the Mount Goliath Natural Area. Mt. Goliath Natural Area sits just below the tree line and is a transition zone between sub-alpine and tundra. This is especially worth a stop due to the bristlecone pines found here. Bristlecones are among the oldest tree species found in the world. In fact, the bristlecones found here are around 1,600 years old. Additionally,...
Summit Lake
Elevation: 12,840 feet 6 miles from Mount Goliath Natural Area Summit Lake is a naturally formed glacier lake sitting below the summit. The area is comprised of a 160-acre treeless park surrounded by national forest lands. Spend some time walking around the lake, then follow the path towards Chicago Lakes. There’s a beautiful overlook just a short distance down this path. Fun Fact: Summit Lake Park is managed by The City of Denver and is the city’s only treeless park. There are restrooms on s...
When Is Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway Open?
The summit is typically open Memorial Day – Labor Day. The Mount Goliath and Summit Lake areas remain open into early fall. The road can close at any time, no matter the season, due to weather. The road is technically open 24 hours, however timed-entry permits are required. The first available permit is 8 am – 10 am with the final entry of the day between 4 pm – 6 pm.
What Kind Of Vehicle Is Best for Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway?
Motorcycles, 2WD, and 4WD vehicles are all permitted on Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. Per CDOT’s recommendations, vehicles more than 30 feet in length are not advised on this narrow, twisting-and-turning road. Motorhomes are not recommended. The road is paved the entire way, although some sections have significant road damage. Motorcyclists need to be particularly careful.
How Long Is The Byway & How Much Time Do You Need Here?
Plan for a minimum of 2 – 3 hours to drive the highway from Echo Lake to the summit. It’s 14 miles from Echo Lake to the summit, covering 3,530 feet of elevation change. This stretch will take about 45 minutes each way. In addition to drive time, add at least one hour for stops and time spent at the summit. You could easily spend a whole day here if you plan to take advantage of the entire recreation area.
Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is not only the highest Colorado scenic byway, but is also home to the highest-paved road in North America! Climb more than 7,000 feet, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet along this route.
Experience breathtaking views of Colorado's scenic beauty by cruising through the Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Denver. This road connects Idaho Springs to Mount Evans’ summit and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, picturesque greenery, and wildlife sightings of mountain goats.
