Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area Timed Tickets
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans), the highest paved road in North America, climbs over 7,000 feet in its 28-mile length and reaches an altitude of 14,130 feet. The Scenic Byway starts near Idaho Springs and leads through Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, offering visitors scenic views of the Continental Divide, mountain goat and bighorn sheep herds, marmots, birds, alpine wildflowers, and Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine trees. Come make Mount Blue Sky your first 14er!
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is jointly managed with the Colorado Department of Transportation
Mount Blue Sky History - Learn about the history of the mountain and the road.
Watch this helpful video by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for important information to know before visiting Mount Blue Sky.
Notifications and Alerts
Under the new locally managed operating structure at the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, federal recreation passes, including America the Beautiful and Federal Lands Access Passes, are no longer accepted.
Need to Know
- Reservation Requirements
There is NO cell phone service in the area. Please purchase your reservation ahead of time, at home or before leaving the towns of Idaho Springs or Bergen Park.
Visitors who arrive by vehicle or motorcycle must purchase a timed ticket reservation and must enter on the day of the reservation at the required time. Tickets must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or use the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Tickets will not be sold at the Mount Blue Sky Welcome Station.
Under the new locally managed operating structure at the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, federal recreation passes, including America the Beautiful and Federal Lands Access Passes, are no longer accepted.
- Arrival Times
Please arrive as close to your 2-hour reservation time reservation as indicated on your ticket. For example, If you booked a reservation for the 7-9AM time slot you have between 7-9AM to enter. You may not enter the area prior to your reservation. Once entered, visitors can stay the entire day.
- Reservation Limit
Visitors are allowed to have up to 1 private reservation per day for only 1 time slot. Reservation holder must be in the vehicle at time of entry.
- Entering the Area
Please have a printed or digital copy of your timed ticket reservation available to be scanned at the Welcome Station each day you enter. Print or download your reservation to your phone prior to leaving a nearby town with cell service. There is no cell service at the Welcome Station.
All reservation holders be prepared to show photo ID.
- Weather/Hazards
Conditions can change quickly and drastically on Mount Blue Sky. Regardless of the weather conditions at the start of Highway 5, come prepared for any of the following: intense sunlight, cold temperatures, snow, hail or rain, extreme wind, and low oxygen levels. The road can close any day throughout the summer due to winter-like conditions.
- Wildlife viewing and safe distances
Observe animals from a safe distance - safe for you and safe for the animals.
Never chase or harass wildlife - it is unlawful and can harm them.
Respect others who are viewing the same animals.
It is illegal and harmful to feed wild animals.Check out Colorado Parks and Wildlife video on what to know when visiting the area.
- Area regulations
Camping and campfires are not allowed within one-half mile of Highway 5 and the entire Summit Lake Flats area.
Feeding or attracting wildlife is prohibited.
Hunting is prohibited within one-half mile of Highway 5 when it is open. - Pets
Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a handheld leash at all times.
- Driving the Scenic Road
The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet. The views are breath taking, but the road condition is variable and has no guardrails so be prepared for slow and possible difficult driving conditions. Drivers should be aware there are many bicyclists that cycle this road.
The maximum allowable length for vehicles is 30 feet due to the narrow steep and winding road. Motorhomes are not recommended.
- Mount Blue Sky Road (Hwy 5) Closures
The Mount Blue Sky road (Hwy 5) will be CLOSED for a recreation event on June 28, July 11, and July 25 2026. The road will close to the public the night before the scheduled events approx. 8PM.
Reservations for these three days will only be open for the 3PM and 5PM reservation times.
- Commercial Use
A standard timed ticket vehicle reservation is required for all commercial operators entering the area and must be purchase beforehand on Recreation.gov
- Family Reunions, Weddings, and Elopements
These events are not permitted along Highway 5 or at developed sites located on the corridor. The developed interpretive sites on this corridor are designed for interpretation and education for the public and are not appropriate for special events as they are continually at or over capacity.
CFR: § 261.16 Developed recreation sites. Prohibited: (a) occupying any portion of the site for other than recreation purposes.
- FAQs
For additional information about Mount Blue Sky, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=28452&actid=64
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: 75% of the timed tickets will be available 30 days in advance at 8:00 AM MDT, on a daily rolling basis.
Secondary Booking Window: 25% of the timed tickets will also be available two days in advance at 8:00 AM MDT on a rolling window. Example: On June 1 tickets will be available for June 3; on June 2 tickets will be available June 4.
Changes and Cancellations
Cancellations must be made up to 24 hours in advance of the entry time for refund minus $2 processing fee. Refunds must be processed through www.Recreation.gov.
No refunds for no shows, weather or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance.
Once printed, the ticket is considered issued and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Highway 5 Idaho Springs CO 80452
Phone Number
970-295-6600
Available Tickets
- Mount Blue Sky Reservation Pass
- Fee-Free Day: Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area All Sites - August 1, 2026. Celebrate Colorado Day
