One road. A whole lot of sky.
What to ExpectThe road climbs. The trees thin out. Then the whole Front Range opens up around you. Starting in Idaho Springs, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway carries you past mountain lakes and ancient bristlecone pines toward the summit of a 14,265-foot peak. Pack layers, take the curves slowly and leave time for every overlook.
One of the highest paved roads in North America.
Start with an easy walk around Echo Lake, then stop at Mount Goliath Natural Area to see bristlecone pines shaped by centuries of mountain wind. Higher up, Summit Lake sits in a rocky basin where mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen.
The upper road is narrow, with tight switchbacks and no guardrails. Vehicles are limited to 30 feet and motorhomes are not recommended. Cyclists share the road, so give them plenty of room.
The byway runs about 28 miles and climbs more than 7,000 feet, ending at a parking area near 14,130 feet. From there, a short, steep trail leads to the true summit.
Plan ahead for timed tickets.
From late May into early fall, vehicles need a timed ticket from recreation.gov to visit Mount Goliath, Summit Lake and the summit. In 2026, the pass was $20 per car and $15 per motorcycle. Hikers and cyclists enter free, and federal recreation passes are not accepted.
About 75% of tickets open 30 days ahead and the rest open two days ahead, both at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Each ticket holds a two-hour entry window, and once you are in, you can stay all day.
The upper road closed for the 2026 season in early October. Check recreation.gov for next year’s opening dates and any event closures before you go.
Give this place a little care.
Above treeline, plants grow slowly and a single footstep can leave a mark for years. Stay on established trails and boardwalks, especially at Mount Goliath and Summit Lake.
Give mountain goats, bighorn sheep and marmots plenty of space, and never feed wildlife. Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps.
Leave the rocks, flowers and shoreline as you found them, so the next visitor gets the same view.
Go easy on the altitude.
The air is thin above 14,000 feet. Drink plenty of water, take breaks and head back down if you feel dizzy, sick or short of breath. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket, even in July.
Afternoon storms build fast in the high country. Start early, keep an eye on the sky and get back to your car if you hear thunder. Find more tips on our Know Before You Go page.
Leave room for something after.
Back in Idaho Springs, trade trail snacks for a meal, wander into a local shop, or settle in for another night in the mountains. The drive might be the reason you came. Leave a little room for whatever becomes your favorite part.
STAY FOR ANOTHER DAY
Leave a little room for tomorrow.
Book a stay in Clear Creek and make time for dinner, a slow morning, and whatever the mountains have planned next.