Mount Blue Sky
Idaho Springs, CO
The 4,348 m summit reached by the highest paved road in North America, reopened in 2026 after two years of repairs. It is open in summer only, with a timed-entry reservation; mountain goats and bighorn sheep graze the slopes.
Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is a 14,130-foot (about 4,307-meter) peak in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, reached via the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway from Idaho Springs. Over 28 miles (about 45 kilometers), the road climbs more than 2,100 meters and is listed by CDOT as the highest paved road in North America. It leads from juniper and ponderosa hills through spruce forest into the alpine zone.
Pikas, marmots, mountain goats and bighorn sheep live here; CDOT calls the mountain perhaps the best place in Colorado to see bighorn sheep. The weather is unpredictable, with wind, rain, lightning, snow and hail possible on any day of the year. Pack warm clothing.
After construction and maintenance work, the road was closed for almost two years (since the end of the 2024 season) and, according to CDOT, was due to reopen over Memorial Day weekend 2026. The summit is open only from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and entry requires a reservation through Recreation.gov (as of October 2026, check ahead). CDOT does not recommend vehicles longer than 30 feet (about 9 meters) on CO 5, because the road is steep, narrow and winding.
- Nearest town
- Idaho Springs, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 39.5883, -105.6438
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lostfork BasecampCampsite9 mi from Mount Blue Sky · 9 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Kenosha Pass CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Mount Blue Sky · 25 pitchesDrinking water
- Jefferson Creek CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Mount Blue Sky · 17 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Aspen CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Mount Blue Sky · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Camp Always Choose AdventuresCampsite15 mi from Mount Blue SkyTents
- Lodgepole CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Mount Blue Sky · 34 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterDogs allowed
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mount Blue Sky?
Mount Blue Sky is in Idaho Springs, CO, at GPS 39.5883, -105.6438. It is about 9 mi from Georgetown.
Can you camp near Mount Blue Sky?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Guanella Pass Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 88 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mount Blue Sky?
Mount Blue Sky is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Blue Sky, Georgetown and Loveland Pass to Breckenridge.
What is there to see near Mount Blue Sky?
Places worth a stop nearby: Echo Lake Park (5 mi), Loveland Pass (14 mi), Red Rocks Amphitheatre (24 mi) and Adams Falls (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mount Blue Sky?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)