Mount Blue Sky

High above the Colorado plains, where mountain goats navigate rocky cliffs and ancient pines defy the odds, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway leads travelers into a realm where altitude and awe rise in tandem. Once known as the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, this iconic route carves through a breathtaking span of terrain, climbing from the soft contours of pine-covered foothills to the harsh, windswept summit at more than 14,000 feet.

This road is the highest paved thoroughfare in North America. With every twist of its narrow lanes, Mount Blue Sky challenges drivers and enthralls adventurers with one of the most exhilarating drives in the United States. Located just 60 miles west of Denver, the byway begins in the historic town of Idaho Springs and stretches 49 miles, weaving through five climate zones and rising nearly 9,000 vertical feet.

Ascending Through Climate Zones

The journey begins in the high plains near Denver, where dry ponderosa and juniper-studded hills open into expansive meadows. From there, the road leads steadily upward, carving through spruce forests thick with the scent of pine resin. Wildlife rustles in the underbrush, and the silence grows deeper the higher you climb.

Echo Lake marks a natural pause. Situated at 10,600 feet, this sparkling alpine lake is surrounded by picnic tables and forest trails, offering a place to rest and soak in the cool, crisp air. Just beyond the lake, the climb steepens and the trees thin. Within minutes, travelers break above the treeline and enter the stark, fragile beauty of Colorado’s alpine tundra.

Here, the landscape transforms into a world ruled by wind and stone. Hardy clusters of wildflowers cling to the soil, thriving in the short summer season. The oldest living things on the mountain, 1,700-year-old Bristlecone pines, endure in this harsh setting, their twisted forms bearing witness to centuries of storms and sun.

Along the Way: Points of Interest

This is not a drive to rush. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is rich with stops that demand exploration:

• Echo Lake Lodge: Built in 1926, this historic log structure houses a restaurant, bar, and gift shop. Known for its rustic charm and four-sided stone fireplace, it serves up local favorites like pan-fried trout and homemade pie.
  
• Walter Pesman Alpine Garden: Just past timberline, this area offers a glimpse into the tough lives of alpine plants. It’s a stunning walk among fairy primroses, purple fringe, and ancient pines.

• Mount Goliath Trail: Maintained by the Denver Botanic Gardens, this tundra trail winds through fields of high-altitude wildflowers. Guided hikes are available in summer.
  
• Summit Lake: At 13,000 feet, this glacial basin is an excellent place to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats grazing near rocky outcrops.
  
• Summit Trail: From the parking area near the top, a short quarter-mile path leads to the 14,264-foot peak. The thin air makes even this short trek a challenge, but the view from the top reaches far across Colorado’s mountain ranges.

Weather, Access, and Precautions

Mount Blue Sky’s grandeur is matched by its unpredictability. The weather can shift without warning. Rain, hail, snow, and lightning are possibilities every month of the year. Sun exposure is intense at high elevations, so sunscreen is essential, even on overcast days. Visitors should dress in warm layers and bring extra water. Due to the thin air, altitude sickness is a concern for some, especially at the summit.

The road to the top is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. After Labor Day, the stretch between Echo Lake and Summit Lake remains accessible through early October, weather permitting. However, for the 2025 season, the upper portion of the byway will be closed to all traffic for major construction. During this time, access to the summit will be available only by foot via designated hiking trails.

Entry to the byway now requires a reservation through Recreation.gov, and vehicles longer than 30 feet are not recommended due to steep, narrow curves.

The Return

The descent offers its own drama. Returning to Denver via Highway 103 over Squaw Pass creates a scenic loop. Along this route, visitors can stop at Genesee Park, where a herd of 40 buffalo grazes peacefully against a backdrop of snow-tipped mountains. These lands are part of Denver’s Mountain Parks system, which protects more than 14,000 acres of natural beauty, including this drive and others like Red Rocks Park and Buffalo Bill’s grave atop Lookout Mountain.

The Experience

Every mile of the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway invites a deeper connection with the raw elements of the Rockies. It’s a road of striking contrasts, where fragile alpine blooms grow among jagged rock and the air grows thinner as the views grow wider. Each bend reveals a new texture of the mountains, from soft forest shade to granite spires etched by ice and wind.

Whether you’re pausing for lunch at a log-built lodge, walking among ancient trees, or standing breathless at the summit, this journey brings you face to face with the untamed power and beauty of Colorado’s high country. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is a road that rises with the mountains and stays with you long after the engine cools.