Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

We arrived in Idaho Springs in afternoon and decided to drive up Mount Evans. Pleasant drive up and through the moutains, we stopped by Echo Lake to walk around for awhile which was lovely. We were unaware that reservations were still necessary to drive to the top (visited on Labor Day) and visitor center and parking was too crowded so we just drove the rest of the route. Saw some elkhorn sheep and stopped for some pictures at scenic overlooks.

We drove this scenic byway hoping to drive to Mt. Evans but only made it to Echo Lake as the road to the peak was already closed in October. However we drove all the way to Evergreen and it was a great drive on a nice road with colorful aspen leaves to look at. Juniper Pass was a great stop along the way.

We took this ride in July 2020 it was very scenic with breath taking views. We were hoping to drive to the top of Mt. Evans but the auto road was closed. We saw a deer 🦌 eating on the side of the road we stopped to take pictures.

The bartender at my hotel in Denver insisted if we had one day to see the mountains we must do the Mount Evans Scenic Byway and SHE WAS RIGHT! You can see for miles and miles, there is the cutest lodge at the bottom and a gorgeous alpine lake along the way. But the best part is the wild goats roaming the summit and parking lot!! The kids loved them. The drive is a little scary so put the best driver in your group forth and white knuckle your way to the top!! It's worth it!!!

This was the highlight of our trip, way better than our visit to Pikes Peak. Road was not crowded thanks to the reservation system and the summit wasn't packed either. Lots of cool views on this road, the highest in the U.S.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a very beautiful, scenic drive. Make sure you buy your tickets in town before driving up to the welcome station.The drive up to Summit Lake Park was winding, but not horrifying. It looks as if the last portion is where the twists and turns come in, but by the middle of September, even without snow on the ground, the road was closed. A little disappointing, but I'm glad we got as far as we did. I wish the welcome center would have told us. Summit lake was beautiful and we saw many mountain goats. Take your time on the drive and it will be enjoyable!

This drive was not as scary or intimidating as some reviewers let on. If you’re a competent driver, don’t even question doing this - just do it!
We rode with our windows down and could feel the gradual temperature drop. We did get a little dizzy once we reached the summit, but take deep breaths and stay hydrated. Lots of pull overs for photo ops along the drive as well as the summit.

This isn’t for the faint at heart, but if you want a fantastic view of the area and the ability to say you have driven the highest road in North America, this is a great choice. The road is fairly narrow and has no guard rails, so make sure you can handle this. There are very few places you can turn around on your way up. We enjoyed seeing the tundra style plants and wildlife. We saw a lot of marmots, a herd of Bighorn does, and a mountain goat. Beware: the top is COLD and windy. Wear pants and a jacket.

This byway has incredible views. Each turn has more beauty to offer than the next. Be sure to have gas and snacks as there are not many places to stop for either. Drive can sometimes be a little anxiety inducing but the beauty wins out. Wouldn't let me choose a date before this year - Mount Evans was closed due to COVID. Visited 2018.

Fairly easy to get reservations on the recreation.gov app. Unless it is extremely stormy, go anyway as the scenery is still pretty neat even in foggy rain and clouds. The drive is not for the faint of heart if you are scared of heights though.