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Mount Blue Sky Summit / Interpretive Site
Drive the highest paved road in North America. Whether it is for the views, wildlife or history, “The Top” offers something for everyone. To the east, look out at the plains of Colorado and the Denver area. To the west, take in views of the continental divide, including Grays and Torreys peaks, the only 14,000 foot mountains on the Continental Divide. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is visible to the north. Pikes Peak, South Park and New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountain's can be seen to the south. There are three significant structures at “The Top,” two of which are historic: the ruins of the Crest House, the High Altitude Lab and the Meyer-Womble Observatory. The Crest House was first open to the public in 1942, serving as a restaurant and souvenir shop. In 1979, the Crest house burned in a propane fire. The oldest structure up there is The High Altitude Lab. A wooden double A-frame building that was constructed by the University of Denver in 1935 to support cosmic ray research. In 1979, the University of Denver added a telescope, which in 1997, was expanded into an observatory. Take advantage of interpretive signs onsite that tell the story of these structures in great detail.
Watch this helpful video by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for important information to know before visiting Mount Blue Sky.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | The road and access to the Summit of Mount Blue Sky is closed at Summit Lake the day after Labor Day. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations are required for entry. Go to recreation.gov to create an account and purchase your ticket. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438 |
| Fees: | New Timed Entry Reservation system The standard amenity recreation fee is required at the Forest Service sites, Mount Goliath Natural Area and the Summit of Mount Blue Sky Interpretive Site. While the road is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week (weather permitting) the fee is only required during daily hours of operation: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Buy an All Site ticket on recreation.gov for $15 and you can access all three developed recreation sites. Mount Goliath, Summit Lake Park and Summit Interpretive site. $10 ticket allows access to the Forest Service sites, Mount Goliath and Summit Interpretive Area. $5 Summit Lake Park ticket allows access only to Summit Lake Park, owned by Denver Mountain Parks. All purchased tickets require a $2 reservation fee per recreation.gov There is no fee for driving the road if visitors don't plan to stop at one of the three fee areas. Bicyclist and hikers are free. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | No camping, campfires or stove fires except in designated campgrounds or dispersed campsites. Dogs must be on leash. |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |