Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Drive North America's highest paved road to breathtaking alpine vistas, but plan around a major construction closure until 2026.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for a peaceful experience.
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Best Time
Fewer crowds for a peaceful experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drive North America's highest paved road to breathtaking alpine vistas, but plan around a major construction closure until 2026.
"The drive is beautiful albeit scary. There are no guard rails and you are driving next to long drops."
🚗 Reservations Required
Timed entry reservations are mandatory during the open season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Book in advance!
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop drastically. A jacket is essential, even on warm days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit of Mount Blue Sky
Mount Blue Sky Summit
Drive to the highest paved road in North America for unparalleled panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
Summit Lake
Along Highway 103
A stunning alpine lake offering breathtaking reflections and a popular spot for photos, even if the summit road is closed.
Historic Idaho Springs
Base of the byway
Explore this charming historic town for a bite to eat and a stroll before or after your mountain adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Closure Alert: Plan Ahead!
Altitude & Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Reservations Required
Timed entry reservations are mandatory during the open season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Book in advance!
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop drastically. A jacket is essential, even on warm days.
🤢 Altitude Sickness Awareness
Take it slow, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms. Not everyone can reach the summit.
🐐 Respect Wildlife
Mountain goats are common. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Reservations Required
Timed entry reservations are mandatory during the open season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Book in advance!
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop drastically. A jacket is essential, even on warm days.
🤢 Altitude Sickness Awareness
Take it slow, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms. Not everyone can reach the summit.
🐐 Respect Wildlife
Mountain goats are common. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
There are no gas stations on the byway. Ensure your vehicle is fueled before you start the ascent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway for its unparalleled alpine beauty and the thrill of driving the highest paved road in North America. The stunning vistas, Summit Lake, and potential wildlife encounters are major highlights. However, the road's narrowness and lack of guardrails can be intimidating, and altitude sickness is a common concern for those unaccustomed to high elevations. The current multi-year construction closure until 2026 is a significant factor for planning.
"This remarkable treasure is right in West Denver's back yard. It is currently under construction for road and facilities upgrades. So, unfortunately, it will not be opened until Memorial Day 2026. Theses days you need a reservation and it can be busy ... so plan ahead and think of opting for a non-holiday weekday for more quiet enjoyment. I have been on this summit many times over 16 years in the SW Denver Area. I mostly rode my motorcycle; I also have been several times with friends and relatives. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway above Summit Lake, is the highest paved road in North America. The roads are first class as you ascend to an alpine wonderland of intense natural beauty. We have always been impressed with every visit."
William Brooks
"Although the road to the top of Mount Blue Sky was closed during my visit, the experience was still amazing! The drive up Highway 103 offered incredible views, and the pull-offs along the way gave us plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery. The sweeping mountain vistas and breathtaking landscapes were worth every moment. It’s a beautiful drive and a great spot to connect with nature, even if you can’t make it to the summit. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the area!"
Stephen Chandler
"That drive is NO JOKE. No guard rails, coming and going from summit lake in either direction is wavey and bumpy and crackly, parking is super convenient though. There’s bathrooms at every checkpoint, they are the pit kind though and most are low key dirty. The hike at the peak was too much for me so we didn’t attempt hit the walk/hike from the lake to the canyon overlook was easy. Very windy! Once we got acclimated the cold wasn’t too bad but bring a jacket for sure. The castle was very interesting! Great views! The drive to the scenic drive isn’t for the weak either tbh. Keep your distance from the wildlife! They’re very cute and cool to see. Goats were clearly not threatened by humans, nice to see actually."
Sav_cc33
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Denver, take I-70 West to Exit 240 for Idaho Springs. From Idaho Springs, follow CO-103 South, which leads to the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. The drive from Denver is about an hour.
No, the byway is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. It is currently closed for extensive construction until spring 2026.
Yes, when open, you can drive to the summit of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) via the scenic byway. It's the highest paved road in North America.
The road is paved but can be narrow and winding with steep drop-offs. There are no guardrails in many sections, making it a thrilling drive.
Services are very limited. There are pit toilets at some checkpoints, but no gas stations or restaurants. Ensure you have a full tank of gas and any snacks you need before ascending.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, timed entry reservations are required to drive the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway during its operating season. Book these in advance online.
There is an entrance fee per vehicle, in addition to the reservation fee. Check the official recreation area website for current pricing.
Reservations typically open a few weeks before the season starts. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on reservation availability.
You will not be able to drive up the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway without a valid reservation. Plan ahead to secure your spot.
During the closure for construction, access to the summit area is limited. Check official sources for any permitted access.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic drive, stop at pull-offs for photos, visit Summit Lake, and explore the summit area. Even if the road is closed, the drive up Highway 103 offers stunning views.
The summit of Mount Blue Sky is 14,130 feet above sea level, making it the highest paved road in North America.
The hike from Summit Lake to the summit can be challenging due to the altitude. Shorter walks to overlooks are more accessible.
You might see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and various birds. Always maintain a safe distance.
Yes, there are pit toilets at several checkpoints along the byway, though they can be basic.
📸 📸 Photography
Every pull-off offers incredible views! Summit Lake, the 'castle' structure at the summit, and panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide are prime locations.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Be mindful of weather changes.
Yes, but always use a zoom lens and maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography may require permits, so check with the park authorities if applicable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Summit Lake is a great spot for families to explore, offering beautiful scenery and a chance to see wildlife like mountain goats. The shorter walks to overlooks are more manageable for younger children. Ensure everyone is dressed in layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. The 'castle' at the summit is also a fun point of interest for kids.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan your trip during the open season and secure reservations well in advance. Consider combining your drive with a visit to historic Idaho Springs for a complete day trip. Remember to fuel up your vehicle and pack essentials, as services are scarce along the byway.
📸 Photographers
Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for capturing the dramatic landscapes. Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add dramatic flair to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Blue Sky Construction Project
During this closure, the entire 28-mile byway will be inaccessible to both motorized and non-motorized travel. This means that for the entirety of 2025, visitors will not be able to drive to the summit. While the summit itself might have limited access through hiking trails, the primary attraction – the scenic drive – will be unavailable. Travelers planning trips for 2025 will need to seek alternative scenic drives in the Colorado Rockies.
Despite the closure, the drive up Highway 103 towards the byway entrance still offers spectacular views and opportunities to experience the alpine environment. Visitors can still enjoy pull-offs and the beauty of Summit Lake, even if the road to the very top is blocked. Planning for visits in 2026 will be essential, as the byway will likely remain a popular destination requiring reservations.
Navigating the Altitude and Weather
The weather at this elevation is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly. Even on a warm summer day at the base, expect temperatures to be significantly colder at the summit, often dropping by 40 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Strong winds are also common. It is crucial to pack multiple layers of warm clothing, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer, a hat, and gloves.
For those sensitive to altitude, consider spending a night at a lower elevation before ascending. If you begin to feel unwell, it's best to descend immediately. The drive itself is part of the experience, but being prepared for the environmental conditions will ensure a safer and more enjoyable visit.
Driving the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Drivers should be aware that the road is narrow and features numerous hairpin turns. A significant aspect of the drive is the lack of guardrails along many steep drop-offs, which can be unnerving for some. It's essential to maintain a safe speed, stay in your lane, and be mindful of oncoming traffic and cyclists.
Wildlife sightings are common, with mountain goats frequently seen grazing near the road. Remember to keep a safe distance and never feed the animals. The 'castle' structure at the summit is a unique landmark and a popular spot for photos. Even if the summit is inaccessible, the drive up Highway 103 offers incredible vistas and is a worthwhile experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit