Mount Blue Sky
Mount Blue Sky
5
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- 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 28, 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 2024Traveled soloWritten August 27, 2024
- Rebecca B233 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 31, 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 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 14, 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 2024Traveled soloWritten September 15, 2024
- USASUNZurich, Switzerland261 contributionsA very nice mountain roadAt the beginning of our round trip we wanted to visit a high mountain on the way to Rocky Mountains NP and chose Mount Blue Sky. The weather was cloudy but dry. We bought the USD 10.- ticket the day before for the ascent to the Summit and the visit to the Mt.Goliath Nature Center. The driveway was wonderful, unfortunately it got very cloudy upstairs and the view was limited. Thanks to our mountain roads in Switzerland, the driveway was no problem for us. On top we put on our thick jackets and walked up to the summit. It was an experience to experience this height. For a long time, however, we did not stay up because of the cold. There are mountain goats up there. At the beginning of the descent several stood near the road. We therefore drove very slowly and had to stop. A goat had placed itself right in front of our car. Either she wanted food or enjoyed the warmth of the car. So be careful. You can't see these animals in the fog. At the Mt.Goliath Center we made a short hike through the pine forest. We really liked this, beautiful views and it was warmer again. At Echo Lake we took a last break and enjoyed a picnic at the lake. This was a very nice trip worthwhile.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
2,581 reviews
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12
cqfp123
Los Angeles, CA1,156 contributions
Jun 2021
1) Reservations: Timed entry reservation required.
2) Entrance fee: Included in the annual Interagency Park pass if you have one.
3) Time of the day: All sites I reviewed recommended going in the morning - usually better weather, less windy and less chance of storms. They open at 08:00. Would go as early as possible - fewer cars on the steep and narrow road and better chances to see wildlife. I had an 08:00 entry ticket and headed straight to the top. On the way up I passed only two or three cars going the opposite direction. There was plenty of parking at the summit when I got there. I stopped at the other locations on the way down and it worked out quite well.
4) Attire: Dress in layers. It can be quite cool at the top due to altitude and winds. There are several trails, so proper footwear is a must.
2) Entrance fee: Included in the annual Interagency Park pass if you have one.
3) Time of the day: All sites I reviewed recommended going in the morning - usually better weather, less windy and less chance of storms. They open at 08:00. Would go as early as possible - fewer cars on the steep and narrow road and better chances to see wildlife. I had an 08:00 entry ticket and headed straight to the top. On the way up I passed only two or three cars going the opposite direction. There was plenty of parking at the summit when I got there. I stopped at the other locations on the way down and it worked out quite well.
4) Attire: Dress in layers. It can be quite cool at the top due to altitude and winds. There are several trails, so proper footwear is a must.
Written June 29, 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.
Brian S
O'Fallon, MO5 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Family of six 51-15 year olds. I’m 51 and in ok shape but not a hiker. Drive up majority, moderate hike to summit at the end, just take your time and no problem. The highlight of our week long trip to the Rockies. Worth every bit of the effort. Get a reservation before you go, WiFi is terrible unless you are standing right next to the ranger station.
Written July 3, 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.
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 July 16, 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.
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 June 10, 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.
k2687h
Toledo, OH22 contributions
Sep 2019
I didn't know this until I went, but you can only get all the way to the top between Memorial Day & Labor Day. Before Memorial Day & after Labor Day you can only drive up to Summit Lake, but can walk the rest (if you are prepared for the walk/hike the last few miles up the road!). I could definitely feel the altitude difference at Summit Lake, so be prepared for that. The drive was fun & entertaining.
Written January 3, 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.
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 July 14, 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, FL1,051 contributions
Sep 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 October 2, 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.
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 June 27, 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.
Quinn
Englewood, CO3 contributions
Jul 2022
Gorgeous! Worth the drive if you don't hike but also an amazing hike from the bottom. You can see mountain goats if you keep an eye out. Access road is closed most of the year so you have to plan accordingly because of snow. Always keep an eye on younger children though because there is a HUGE drop.
Written July 26, 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.
Michael E
Northbrook, IL3 contributions
Jun 2022
Climbed on a bike from Idaho Springs on a perfect day in mid June (shortly after the road opened) with family driving up after spending some time in Idaho Springs. Great experience we all enjoyed, exhilarating views. Key was first acclimating for a week in Colorado sleeping around 8000' with some smaller climbs and also picking a nice sunny day with low winds. The road surface is great to Echo Lake, so-so before Summit Lake, then pretty bad, so took the family car down.
Written March 18, 2023
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 June 9, 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 May 30, 2020
How far is Mount Evans from Downtown Denver?
Written June 2, 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 June 2, 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 May 19, 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 June 5, 2019
Going to be there in June on motorcycles. Can motorcycles drive up the mountain or only cars?
Written May 17, 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 May 28, 2019
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