Mount Blue Sky
Drive North America's highest paved road to 14,130 ft for unparalleled Rocky Mountain vistas and wildlife encounters. (Currently closed for repairs un...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Mount Blue Sky
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drive North America's highest paved road to 14,130 ft for unparalleled Rocky Mountain vistas and wildlife encounters. (Currently closed for repairs until 2026)
"You can tick off that you drove the highest paved road in North America and made it to the top of one of Colorado's fourteeners."
🚗 Book Reservations Early
Reservations are essential for driving the scenic byway during peak season. Book online in advance!
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Temperatures plummet at the summit. Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves, even on a summer day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Mount Blue Sky Summit
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies from North America's highest paved road. See for miles!
Wildlife Encounters
Along the Mount Blue Sky Highway
Spot majestic mountain goats and other alpine wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep a safe distance!
Mount Goliath & Summit Lake
Scenic pull-offs on the highway
Stretch your legs and soak in stunning vistas at these popular stops, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Closure Alert: Plan Ahead!
Reservation System & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Reservations Early
Reservations are essential for driving the scenic byway during peak season. Book online in advance!
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Temperatures plummet at the summit. Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves, even on a summer day.
🐢 Drive Slow & Steady
Take your time on the winding road. Use pull-offs to let faster traffic pass and enjoy the scenery.
🐐 Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them and be aware of their presence on or near the road.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Reservations Early
Reservations are essential for driving the scenic byway during peak season. Book online in advance!
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Temperatures plummet at the summit. Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves, even on a summer day.
🐢 Drive Slow & Steady
Take your time on the winding road. Use pull-offs to let faster traffic pass and enjoy the scenery.
🐐 Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them and be aware of their presence on or near the road.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
There are no gas stations on the Mount Blue Sky Highway. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel for the round trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Blue Sky for its breathtaking panoramic views and the unique experience of driving North America's highest paved road. The chance to see wildlife, particularly mountain goats, is a major draw. However, many note the road's rough condition in places and the lack of guardrails, advising caution and slow driving. The upcoming closure for repairs is a significant point for current planning.
"What an amazing drive. Be warned, there are no guard rails the further up the mountain you go. But, the amount of cars that are allowed at one time is monitored. That is helpful. The views were amazing. The mountain goats were fun to see as well. Bring layers of clothing with you. There is a definite temperature drop as you travel up the mountain."
Carroll Harris
"Magnificent view along with the a quick test for your lungs at 14,200 ft.
Definitely not a road trip for a faint hearted person. Amazing views and lots of scenic point on the way till you reach the top lost point."
Aniket Kale
"Mount Blue Sky should be an item on your bucket list. You can tick off that you drove the highest paved road in North America, made it to the top of one of Colorado’s fourteeners and likely first hand experience with some incredible wildlife.
The 14 mile drive to the top will take you past some great stops. Mount Goliath and Summit Lake are definitely worth a leg stretch and chance to take in great vistas. The cherry is literally on top where you can capture far reaching views of the Rockies and add new stops to your bucket list.
Don’t be intimidated by the drive itself. Yes, it can be a bit of a white knuckle drive if you let the heights and lack of guard rails get to you. The solution is to take it slow and pay attention to the road. Don’t let other drivers rush you. There are plenty of pull-offs to let them pass. After all, they shouldn’t be in a hurry either!"
Edward Bean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Blue Sky is accessible via the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mt. Evans Highway) from Idaho Springs, Colorado. The road is currently closed for extensive repairs until Spring 2026. When open, reservations are required during peak season.
No, the Mount Blue Sky Highway is closed for major permafrost damage repairs and is expected to reopen in Spring 2026. 
The summit of Mount Blue Sky reaches an elevation of 14,130 feet, making it the highest paved road in North America.
Currently, the Mount Blue Sky Highway is closed to all traffic, including hikers and bikers, due to extensive construction. This closure is expected to last until Spring 2026.
Mount Blue Sky is the recently renamed peak, formerly known as Mount Evans. The surrounding wilderness area is still undergoing a renaming process.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, when the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is open, reservations are required for vehicle access from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These can be booked online.
While there isn't an entrance fee for the road itself, a reservation fee is typically required during the reservation season. Check the official website for current pricing.
The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting. However, it is currently closed for repairs until Spring 2026.
The Mount Blue Sky Highway is generally closed to vehicles in winter due to snow and hazardous conditions. It is currently closed for repairs until Spring 2026.
While not typically restricted, the steep grades and winding nature of the road are best suited for standard passenger vehicles. RVs and trailers may find it challenging.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
When open, visitors can drive the scenic byway, enjoy panoramic summit views, spot wildlife like mountain goats, and stop at scenic overlooks like Summit Lake and Mount Goliath.
Dress in layers! Even in summer, the summit can be very cold and windy. A jacket, hat, and gloves are highly recommended.
Restroom facilities are typically available at key stops like Summit Lake and the summit area when the road is open.
Yes, children can enjoy the drive and wildlife spotting. However, the lack of guardrails at higher elevations requires constant supervision.
Common sightings include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and various alpine birds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food services available on Mount Blue Sky. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at the scenic pull-offs and designated areas. Remember to pack out all trash.
The closest dining options are in Idaho Springs, a historic mining town located at the base of the mountain.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. Summit Lake and Mount Goliath also provide stunning backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens. Be patient and respectful of the animals' space.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
While official tours may be limited, local photography groups or guides might offer excursions. Check local tourism boards or photography clubs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When the road is open, stops like Summit Lake offer space for kids to stretch their legs and explore safely (away from the road's edge). The sheer scale of the landscape and the feeling of being on top of the world can be awe-inspiring for younger visitors. Remember to bring layers of clothing, as the weather can change rapidly, and a cold child is an unhappy child.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
When the road is open, the reservation system helps manage traffic flow, ensuring a more enjoyable experience. Take advantage of the numerous pull-offs to admire the views, take photos, and let other drivers pass. The drive is as much about the journey as the destination, with stunning alpine scenery unfolding as you climb. Remember to check the road status and reservation requirements before your trip.
⛰️ Hikers & Outdoor Adventurers
Even with the road closure, the lower sections of the mountain and nearby areas may still be accessible for hiking. Research trails in the Mount Evans Wilderness area for alternative high-altitude trekking. Always be prepared for challenging conditions, including rapid weather changes, altitude sickness, and rugged terrain. Proper gear, acclimatization, and knowledge of the area are essential for a safe and rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Road to the Sky: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
When open, the byway is a popular destination for its accessibility to high-altitude environments. Visitors can experience alpine tundra ecosystems, witness the effects of extreme elevation, and enjoy vistas that stretch for miles. The road is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through the first Monday in October, weather permitting, and requires reservations during peak summer months. The upcoming reconstruction aims to address critical infrastructure issues, ensuring the longevity and safety of this iconic Colorado drive.
Travelers often describe the drive as both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking due to the lack of guardrails at higher elevations. The advice from seasoned visitors is to drive slowly, utilize the numerous pull-offs to allow faster traffic to pass, and to be fully present in the moment, soaking in the incredible scenery. The road's condition can vary, and while it's surprisingly well-maintained for its altitude, potholes can be present, especially closer to the summit.
Wildlife Wonders at High Altitude
Beyond the larger mammals, keep an eye out for smaller creatures like marmots, which are often seen basking in the sun near rocky outcrops. Various species of alpine birds also call this unique ecosystem home. It's crucial for visitors to remember that these are wild animals. Maintaining a safe and respectful distance is paramount for both the animals' well-being and visitor safety. Never feed the wildlife, as this can lead to dependency and health issues.
Observing wildlife at Mount Blue Sky is a highlight for many visitors, adding an extra layer of excitement to the scenic drive. The presence of these animals underscores the importance of conservation efforts in these fragile alpine environments. Remember to bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom lens to capture these incredible encounters without disturbing the animals.
+1Scientific Exploration at the Summit
Einstein's theory of relativity predicts that time ticks faster the farther you are from Earth's center. By placing highly sensitive portable optical atomic clocks at the summit of Mount Blue Sky, scientists can precisely measure these subtle differences in the passage of time. This research contributes to our understanding of fundamental physics and has implications for technologies like GPS, which rely on extremely accurate timekeeping.
The unique conditions at Mount Blue Sky—high altitude, stable temperatures (relatively speaking for the mountains), and remoteness—make it an ideal natural laboratory for such experiments. It highlights how even seemingly remote natural landscapes can play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit