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- Mount Blue Sky
14,268 ft · Front Range, Colorado
Mount Blue Sky
Mount Blue Sky is a 14,268 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Ridge from Summit Lake: 5 mi, 2,066 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Blue Sky at a glance
- Elevation14,268 ft4,348 m
- RouteWest Ridge from Summit LakeClass 2
- Distance5 mi2,066 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the West Ridge from Summit Lake
From Idaho Springs, Colorado, take Highway 103 to the Mount Evans Road (seasonal, fee required). The road typically opens late May and provides access to Summit Lake at 12,800 feet, making this one of the shortest hikes to a Colorado 14er. Despite the short distance, weather can be severe with high winds and afternoon thunderstorms common. Bring warm layers even in summer. The Chicago Lakes Trail offers a longer alternative approach from below. Popular destination that can be very crowded when the road is open. Mountain goats often seen near the summit.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
Mount Blue Sky on Yak
Climbers have shared 76 climbs of Mount Blue Sky on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Blue Sky
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Blue Sky
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Blue Sky?
Mount Blue Sky is 14,268 feet (4,348 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado. It is also known as Mount Evans.
How does Mount Blue Sky rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,268 feet, Mount Blue Sky is the 12th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Blue Sky?
The West Ridge from Summit Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 5 miles with 2,066 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Blue Sky?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the West Ridge from Summit Lake, covering 5 miles with 2,066 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Blue Sky?
The West Ridge from Summit Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 5 miles with 2,066 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Blue Sky?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Blue Sky reaches 14,268 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Blue Sky?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Blue Sky?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Blue Sky?
The West Ridge from Summit Lake starts at about 12,840 feet, roughly 1,428 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Blue Sky?
The standard route is the West Ridge from Summit Lake. Other routes include the Combo: Bierstadt, Sawtooth, Blue Sky.
Climb Mount Blue Sky with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list