Summit Lake + Mount Blue Sky
Type … Drive-up
Highlights … Views, Alpine Lake, Historical Site
Seasons … Summer + Fall (Open Memorial Day to Mid-October typically)
Closest Town … Evergreen or Idaho Springs
Shade … None
Parking Situation … Plenty
Potty Situation … Pit Toilets at Lake + Summit
Map/Location…Google Map to Summit Lake HERE
One of our favorite adventures last summer was taking the kids and some friends up to Summit Lake + Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans) to watch the sunset. Mt. Blue Sky’s summit is only 1 of 2 Colorado 14ers you can reach by car making it the perfect experience for kids who want to see what life is like looking down from 14,000 ft.
We made an evening of it by starting at Summit Lake for a picnic dinner - about 10 minutes before the summit. The lake is stunning in its own right and has a great little beach to camp out on. From there right before sunset, we drove up to the summit where there are historical ruins to check out and plenty of places to perch to watch the sun go down. There are also a number of little trails to explore and marmot to meet.
DRIVE-UP TIPS
Reservations Required. As of my writing this Jan 2024, Mt Blue Sky is on a timed reservation system so you’ll need to book in advance. If you’re going for sunset like we did, it hopefully it won’t be a hard reservation to get.
Use caution when driving. If you are afraid of heights or generally a nervous driver, you might sit this one out! The road to Mt Blue Sky is the highest paved road in North America. It gets a bit skinny in parts and if you’re there when it’s crowded, it could feel a bit sketchy. Also you’ll likely have mountain goats to contend with (which we thought was awesome!)
Likely going to be chilly! Temps drop ~3-5 degrees every 1,000 ft of elevation gain so even if it's warm down in Denver or Evergreen, it’s still likely going to be chilly at the summit so pack accordingly! I’ve heard of people getting snowed on up there in July.
Picnic at Summit Lake
Taking it all in at Summit Lake
Exploring Mt Blue Sky
Rock Succulents at Mt Blue Sky
Searching for the perfect sunset spot
Sunset time :)