The Blue Sky Ascent
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Blue Sky Ascent and Round Trip
The Blue Sky Ascent and Round Trip take place on June 28, 2026 near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Both events begin at Echo Lake Campground on Chicago Creek Road, with the campground sitting at about 10,600 feet of elevation.
From Echo Lake the course follows North America's highest paved road, climbing 14.5 miles to the summit of Mt. Blue Sky at 14,264 feet. The route passes through montane, subalpine, and alpine environments and totals nearly 4,000 feet of vertical gain.
Distances offered:
- 14.5 miles one way from Echo Lake to the summit of Mt. Blue Sky.
- 29 miles round trip to the summit and back to Echo Lake.
The Round Trip option returns runners to Echo Lake Campground at the finish. Wildlife commonly observed along the course includes bighorn sheep, marmots, and mountain goats; human spectators may also be present. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
