Driving to the Summit at Mount Blue Sky, Formally Mount Evans in Colorado
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Mount Blue Sky
Mount Blue Sky, formally known as Mount Evans offers spectacular views of the Continental Divide and the Rocky Mountains. This awe-inspiring beauty and its iconic peak lay within Colorado and provide the opportunity to explore scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Enjoy hiking this natural beauty or drive the 28-mile route climbing to 14, 130 feet.
Address: 16 Mount Blue Sky Road, Idaho Spring, Colorado
Hours: 8am to 6pm. Read to the end to find a trick if you arrive outside those hours. Closed during the winter months. Opens around May 31st. Summit is open Memorial Day through Labor Day only.
Cost: $15 per vehicle
Reservation fee: Timed reservations are required for a $2 per ticket non-refundable fee. These can be purchased up to 30-days in advance.
Timed Reservations: Arrive within the 2-hour window of your timed reservation. You cannot enter prior to your reservation time but once you enter you can stay as long as you want. You will need a printed or digital copy of the reservation to enter.
Camping: No camping allowed at Mount Blue Sky.
Pets: dogs are allowed if on a leash
Maximum length of vehicle is 30-feet.
No cell service so make sure you have your tickets printed or downloaded to your phone prior to arrival.
Average time spent at Mount Blue Sky? About 2-3 hours.
Snowcapped mountains
Part way up you will find mounds of snow offering the opportunity to stop and touch the snow and experience the cold if you have not already. My youngest had only been in snow briefly in his infant life so he found this opportunity absolutely amazing!
Take an expert guided tour in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Learn basic rock-climbing skills and then practice them in the great outdoors. Prices start at $100
Mount Blue Sky Summit
As we ascended Mount Blue Sky, I found it exhilarating yet nerve wrecking as we drove our campervan along the narrow and sometimes unsteady roads next to the edge of the mountains, leaving very minimal room for two cars to travel in opposite directions at once without the thought of slipping and falling off the edge.
We safely made it to the summit, and I felt this drive was more challenging than our drive to the summit at Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak seemed easier than this drive. Maybe it was because Mount Evans was my first opportunity to drive such a route and Pikes Peak was my second time, either way this route was scarier. With a narrow path to drive, use caution as you drive to the summit.
My family and I also noticed it was colder at Mount Blue Sky than it was at the Pikes Peak summit. There wasn’t much to do at this summit as compared to Pikes Peak, but it is still an amazing opportunity to explore this beautiful mountain in Colorado.
Top of the Summit
At the top of the summit, you will find a large parking lot where you can park and walk over to see the magnificent views. Here you will also find the remains of the Crest House which was designed by a German immigrant who named this structure a “Castle in the Sky” which he built for his wife. In 1941 Crest House opened and offered a restaurant, gift shop, restrooms, emergency oxygen, and an observation deck. In 1979 a fire broke out and much of the structure was destroyed. Today, you can walk areas of the Crest House as you explore the summit.
Enjoy this wild rafting tour on the Animas River. This guided tour takes you on an exciting adventure next to some panoramic views of the canyons. Prices start at $65
Mountain Goats
Despite the challenge of this drive, I would totally drive it again! My kids enjoyed this drive and our stop back down the summit encountered mountain goats which was a fun surprise.
Enjoy this quick video of a part of our drive along Mount Blue Sky.
Echo Lake Lodge
At the entrance to Mount Blue Sky you will find the Echo Lake Lodge. You can enter this lodge for all your souvenir needs to include magnets, clothing, wool blankets, hats, glassware, and so much more. You can also purchase tickets to Mount Blue Sky from this location. There is also a mailbox on their porch where you can mail letters if needed. Restrooms are available for public use within the Lodge.
NEED TO KNOW: When we made it to Mount Evans, Mount Blue Sky, we did not have tickets. We asked inside the Lodge if we could purchase tickets for that day, but they did not have any more availability, so we were unable to get any. However, the guy did mention that the ticket booth for Mount Blue Sky closes at 6pm and if we waited, we could go to the summit after that time for free. Therefore, we waited in the parking lot next to the lodge until the attendants left, which was around 6:20pm and then we headed to the summit. Since it was summertime, we had plenty of day light left to make it there and back.
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Another magical destination within Colorado. Mount Blue Sky offers majestic views from its peak, serene landscapes, and excellent hiking opportunities. You will be thrilled to experience this natural wonder on your next adventure.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. Pic: Sanibel Island, Florida
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