Mount Blue Sky
Mount Blue Sky
5
About
From the top of Mount Evans, you’ll have the neighboring mountains and the Great Plains at your feet. To get there, drive from the town of Idaho Springs all the way to the mountaintop, pulling over occasionally to soak up the commanding views of the surroundings. The hike to the summit from the parking lot takes less than 10 minutes. Make sure you visit in the warmer months, as the road to Mount Evans is closed for the best part of the year. If you’re up for some intense trekking, hike the 5.3-mile trail from Summit Lake. – Tripadvisor
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Mount Blue Sky and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- InformedDenver, Colorado4 contributionsSuperb other than ignorant peoplePlease leave your drones at home. They suck and you suck for taking advantage of such a pristine environment. If you start a forest fire or contaminant a fresh water lake will you feel bad? Obviously you don’t have that thoughtVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 July 2024
- lovelytraveler72Chicago, Illinois65 contributionsGet close to nature as you reach the peakThere’s something for everyone on the way to the Mount Blue Sky summit. Chance to hike around Echo Lake, drive up the switchback road to the summit, experience the thrill of seeing Mountain Goats and Rams along the way. Be sure to bring warm clothing as the temperature drops as you rise. Bring water and snacks too if you’re going to hike any distance. The altitude gains to 14,000+ feet.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 August 2024
- Rebecca B224 contributionsGreat for passengers, not driversIf you are a passenger and you don’t get carsick, you will have a spectacular time! If you are a driver, well, you will only see 10% of the scenery whenever you make a pitstop and 90% of the drive you will be focusing on the road so you don’t end up on the news! Bah! Put your best driver forward…. Personally I would not trust anyone other than yourself, or a Colorado native or transplant, to drive you up this mountain, unless you have friends who are professional drivers… Mt Blue Sky is closed for road repairs all of 2025 so you have time to better your driving skills…. Lastly, if you are having to chose between this and Rocky Mountain National Park, go with RMNP 100% - there are more pull outs, more trails, more viewpoints, better ranger stations and facilities and in overall better scenery. It’s beautiful on Mt Blue Sky but RMNP is a superior trip.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 August 2024
- ealemancClovis, California5 contributionsA must do tour!Had the pleasure of being guided by Kristina through Red Rocks Amphitheater. She was knowledgeable and made you feel like you were walking around with your friend! Highly recommend her! Instructions for meeting are very clear and this tour is a good idea to take before you actually go for an event; she gave us many tips on how to make our trip here next time very efficient and fun. Thank you!!Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 14 September 2024
- wanograhamDenver, Colorado54 contributionsClosed for 21 Months - Alternatives to Mt. Blue Sky are listed.Mount Blue Sky will be closed to motorists and cyclists until Memorial Day Weekend in May 2026. When it reopens, make sure you have reservations to drive past the "welcome station." If you don't have reservations you will not be allowed to proceed. Mt. Blue Sky is a high altitude experience. Two alternative drives are 1) Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The road reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters). Trail Ridge Road is usually open from Memorial Day Weekend to some time in October. Get reservations ahead of time at Recreation.gov. 2) Pikes Peak Tollroad. The summit of Pikes Peak is elevation 14,115 feet (4,302 meters). Reservations are required to drive on the road to the summit. To be guaranteed of reaching the summit (rather than a turn-around location below the summit) plan you trip for Memorial Day through the Fall season.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 15 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,581 reviews
Excellent
2,157
Very good
360
Average
42
Poor
10
Terrible
12
NicholasR28270
5 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
While they had signage alerting you of the needed reservation, we received them just at the point where we lost service. They only have reservations for 3 day car pass for $15. (Not sure why they can't have a single day pass as well, feels like an excuse for a money grab). Aside from the disappointment of Colorado trying to control all their parks with these reservations, the staff and walks through the lakes were amazing.
I'm sad to see such a beautiful state so commercialized and controlled. But, I hope you can take our disappointments and be prepared before your trip!
I'm sad to see such a beautiful state so commercialized and controlled. But, I hope you can take our disappointments and be prepared before your trip!
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wanograham
Denver, CO54 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Mount Blue Sky will be closed to motorists and cyclists until Memorial Day Weekend in May 2026. When it reopens, make sure you have reservations to drive past the "welcome station." If you don't have reservations you will not be allowed to proceed.
Mt. Blue Sky is a high altitude experience. Two alternative drives are 1) Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The road reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters). Trail Ridge Road is usually open from Memorial Day Weekend to some time in October. Get reservations ahead of time at Recreation.gov. 2) Pikes Peak Tollroad. The summit of Pikes Peak is elevation 14,115 feet (4,302 meters). Reservations are required to drive on the road to the summit. To be guaranteed of reaching the summit (rather than a turn-around location below the summit) plan you trip for Memorial Day through the Fall season.
Mt. Blue Sky is a high altitude experience. Two alternative drives are 1) Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The road reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters). Trail Ridge Road is usually open from Memorial Day Weekend to some time in October. Get reservations ahead of time at Recreation.gov. 2) Pikes Peak Tollroad. The summit of Pikes Peak is elevation 14,115 feet (4,302 meters). Reservations are required to drive on the road to the summit. To be guaranteed of reaching the summit (rather than a turn-around location below the summit) plan you trip for Memorial Day through the Fall season.
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Solo
The motorcycle ride up (and down) the Mt. Evans roadway was worth every minute! The views, landscape and wildlife is not to missed, just amazing! The ride itself is 'challenging' in some portions of the trip, especially in those 5 mph switchbacks. I have 50+ years of motorcycle riding experience, including YEARS of high level professional riding. So..if you decide to ride up, be prepared, get some experience and skills!
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LongRider2011
Placerville, CA15 contributions
Jul 2021
Gorgeous drive up to the (near) top of Mount Evans with many great stops along the way. A short walk from the parking lot gets you to the top with spectacular 360 degree views, and when we went there were plenty of bighorn sheep and mountain goats everywhere that are definitely not afraid of people.
You will need a timed entry reservation from recreation.gov, best to get to the top by mid-day to avoid weather issues. Stay hydrated, walk slowly, breathe deeply...the air is thin! If you are the driver, resist the temptation to look around on the way up or down...the road is narrow with no guardrails and requires full attention!
You will need a timed entry reservation from recreation.gov, best to get to the top by mid-day to avoid weather issues. Stay hydrated, walk slowly, breathe deeply...the air is thin! If you are the driver, resist the temptation to look around on the way up or down...the road is narrow with no guardrails and requires full attention!
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham w
Mims, FL1,055 contributions
Sept 2021
5 years ago our tour of 13 national parks missed Mt Evans although a son and sister drove up to the top and suffered altitude sickness. So on this trip to Colorado we booked to visit, you are allowed up to 12830 feet in September, we had to turn around just short of Summit Lake as a snowstorm made driving without chains dangerous.
spectacular views on way up and down. Autumn colours beautiful. Mt Goliath Nature Center open , ridiculous request to wear masks in outdoor setting, doors open to nature, fortunately some ignoring.
spectacular views on way up and down. Autumn colours beautiful. Mt Goliath Nature Center open , ridiculous request to wear masks in outdoor setting, doors open to nature, fortunately some ignoring.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovelytraveler72
Chicago, IL65 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
There’s something for everyone on the way to the Mount Blue Sky summit. Chance to hike around Echo Lake, drive up the switchback road to the summit, experience the thrill of seeing Mountain Goats and Rams along the way. Be sure to bring warm clothing as the temperature drops as you rise. Bring water and snacks too if you’re going to hike any distance. The altitude gains to 14,000+ feet.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin I
Omaha, NE163 contributions
Jun 2021
Mount Evans was a great experience. The road is a little intimidating but if I can make it up there in a minivan, so can you! It helped that traffic was light on the Thursday afternoon at noon when we arrived. We didn't get to stay as long as we would have liked thanks to afternoon thunderstorms but we couldn't get up any earlier due to full timed reservations earlier. Definitely hike up to the very top of Mount Evans after you park; it's worth the 360 degree view! Wear a coat, too! It was 75 in Idaho Springs before we started the drive up and it was 40 and windy at the summit! I would highly recommend a trip up to Mount Evans and we will definitely do it again!
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Informed
Denver, CO4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Please leave your drones at home. They suck and you suck for taking advantage of such a pristine environment. If you start a forest fire or contaminant a fresh water lake will you feel bad? Obviously you don’t have that thought
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulek116
Chorzow, Poland20 contributions
Jun 2019
Definitely worth traveling in your own car. But be careful when planning your trip because: (1) the road may be closed because of snow even in the middle of summer and (2) the road is narrow and may be icy. We did not have any problems with the high altitude, but I heard that some people did. There is a short but a bit challenging walk from the parking lot to the summit, so take good shoes. And of course, have warm clothes because it is really high and the temperature may be quite low.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca B
224 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
If you are a passenger and you don’t get carsick, you will have a spectacular time! If you are a driver, well, you will only see 10% of the scenery whenever you make a pitstop and 90% of the drive you will be focusing on the road so you don’t end up on the news! Bah! Put your best driver forward….
Personally I would not trust anyone other than yourself, or a Colorado native or transplant, to drive you up this mountain, unless you have friends who are professional drivers… Mt Blue Sky is closed for road repairs all of 2025 so you have time to better your driving skills….
Lastly, if you are having to chose between this and Rocky Mountain National Park, go with RMNP 100% - there are more pull outs, more trails, more viewpoints, better ranger stations and facilities and in overall better scenery. It’s beautiful on Mt Blue Sky but RMNP is a superior trip.
Personally I would not trust anyone other than yourself, or a Colorado native or transplant, to drive you up this mountain, unless you have friends who are professional drivers… Mt Blue Sky is closed for road repairs all of 2025 so you have time to better your driving skills….
Lastly, if you are having to chose between this and Rocky Mountain National Park, go with RMNP 100% - there are more pull outs, more trails, more viewpoints, better ranger stations and facilities and in overall better scenery. It’s beautiful on Mt Blue Sky but RMNP is a superior trip.
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the odds that I’ll experience bad weather on the mountain between noon and 2pm in late June?
Written 9 June 2021
Yes, dogs are allowed but only on leash. However, the trail to the summit from the parking is quite narrow and steep (and sometimes icy) so it would be difficult to go there with your dog. And there are mountain goats around, so your dog may be nervous...
Written 30 May 2020
How far is Mount Evans from Downtown Denver?
Written 2 June 2019
About 1.5 hours. But the drive up the mountain to 14 thousand feet takes an hour too. This road is narrow and no gaurd rails and lots if switchbacks. You have to go slow
Written 2 June 2019
Since Mount Evans is part of the National Forest System, will a senior NP pass get you in rather than the fee per person? Thanks for the information.
Written 19 May 2019
About an hour to Idahoe Springs and another 30 minutes up to the top of Mount Evans parking lot. Then you can go on a little hike to the summit. Remember WATER , sun protection and change of weather - always have a jacket in the mountains!!
Written 5 June 2019
Going to be there in June on motorcycles. Can motorcycles drive up the mountain or only cars?
Written 17 May 2019
I'm late in responding, but the following roads are still closed due to heavy snow this season. Motorcycles are common and fine. The following roads are mostly still weeks (or more) away from being open:
– State Highway 5 Mount Evans
– State Highway 82 over Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen. (Scheduled to open in early June.)
– Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)
– Kebler Pass in the Crested Butte area (Scheduled to open late May or early June)
– Cottonwood Pass between Buena Vista and Gunnison County. (Scheduled to open Saturday, June 22)
Written 28 May 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 117
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing