Echo Lake

The Mount Blue Sky (Evans) to Juniper and Mestaa'Ėhehe Passes loop is a high-octane gravel cycling route that plunges you into Colorado's alpine heart. You'll traverse diverse terrain, from open ponderosa and juniper hills to deep spruce forests, eventually breaking above timberline into a treeless tundra environment. The views from the Mount Blue Sky Summit are truly expansive, stretching across the Continental Divide and the entire Front Range, often accompanied by sightings of marmots, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

This difficult 58.3-mile (93.9 km) loop demands very good fitness, with a substantial 8080 feet (2463 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 5 hours and 56 minutes. Be prepared for thin air and highly volatile mountain weather, which can include strong winds, rain, or even snow at any time. While the route connects to the highest paved road in North America, expect varied gravel conditions, some potentially rough, and continuous climbing.

This area holds significant historical value as part of the Denver Mountain Parks system, designed to make the mountains accessible. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which forms part of this loop, is famous for its extreme altitude and unique alpine ecosystem, showcasing hardy wildflowers and lichens. It's also the setting for the iconic Bob Cook Mount Blue Sky Hill Climb, underscoring its challenging reputation among cyclists.

The Idaho Springs to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit cycling route is an iconic climb, taking you from the historic town through diverse ecosystems to the highest paved road in North America. As you ascend, you'll transition from lush forests to the stark beauty of the alpine tundra, passing stunning landmarks like Echo Lake and Summit Lake. Expect a relentless uphill battle with an average gradient of around 4.4% to 4.6%, culminating in epic switchbacks to the 14,130-foot summit, where panoramic views of the Continental Divide await.

Planning your visit requires careful attention to road conditions and seasonal closures. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (CO 5) was closed for the entire 2025 season for construction, with the road from Echo Lake Lodge to the summit scheduled to reopen on Memorial Day weekend 2026, requiring reservations. This difficult 55.0-mile (88.5 km) ride, with its 6851 feet (2088 metres) of elevation gain and estimated 5 hours and 4 minutes duration, demands excellent fitness and acclimatization to high altitude, as the thin air above 12,000 feet significantly increases the challenge.

This route is a bucket-list ride for experienced cyclists, renowned for its extreme altitude and the chance to spot wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep. It's also home to the prestigious Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb, attracting competitive riders annually. The journey offers a unique experience of diverse ecosystems and unparalleled views, making it one of Colorado's premier cycling challenges for those ready to test their endurance against both gradient and the elements.

If you are looking for a challenging road cycling adventure, the Echo Lake to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit route offers a difficult climb over 29.9 miles (48.1 km). You will gain a substantial 4202 feet (1281 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 53 minutes. As you ascend, the scenery transforms from tree-lined roads near Echo Lake to expansive alpine vistas above the tree line, leading to a rugged, exposed environment.

Planning your ride requires careful attention to seasonal closures. The Mount Blue Sky Highway will be closed to all users, including cyclists, from September 3, 2024, through the entirety of 2025 due to construction. During this period, access to the summit is only possible via hiking trails. The highway is currently projected to reopen around Memorial Day weekend in 2026, so make sure to check current conditions before you go.

This route provides a unique high-altitude cycling experience, taking you past Summit Lake and into a landscape of craggy terrain. You can expect panoramic views of distant mountain peaks and glacial valleys, with opportunities to spot wildlife like mountain goats in their natural habitat. It is a true high-alpine journey that sets it apart from many other road cycling routes in the region.