The Blue Sky Ascent
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Event overview
The Blue Sky Ascent & Round-Trip is scheduled for June 28, 2026 in Idaho Springs, Colorado, with the start area at Echo Lake Campground. There are two event options: the Ascent is a one-way climb of 14.5 miles from Echo Lake (about 10,600 feet) to the summit of Mt. Blue Sky (14,264 feet). The climb totals nearly 4,000 feet of vertical gain, with much of the course above treeline. The Round-Trip option includes the ascent to the summit and the return to the start.
Logistics, entries and awards
The Mt. Blue Sky Auto Road will be closed to vehicular traffic for the event; spectators and cyclists are not permitted on the road during the race and spectators are not allowed to camp along the course. Registration is limited to the first 250 Ascent entries and the first 100 Round-Trip entries; there will be no race-day registration. Published entry fee windows range from $125 to $175 for the Ascent and $135 to $185 for the Round-Trip depending on registration date. All finishers receive a custom finisher medal; additional awards include trophy rocks for specified finish times, course record bonuses of $500 for men and women, and cash prizes for podium and masters finishers. Entry fees are nonrefundable; an optional refund-insurance program is available during online registration. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
