The Blue Sky Ascent
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Event overview
The Blue Sky Ascent & Round Trip takes place in Idaho Springs, Colorado on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The event offers two formats: an Ascent - a one-way climb from Echo Lake to the summit of Mt. Blue Sky - and a Round-Trip, which includes the return descent to Echo Lake. The Ascent course covers 14.5 miles and rises about nearly 4,000 vertical feet from the Echo Lake start elevation of 10,600 feet to the summit at 14,264 foot Mt. Blue Sky.
Course and logistics
The route runs largely above treeline and includes multiple aid stations. The Mt. Blue Sky Auto Road will be closed to vehicular traffic during the event; spectators and cyclists are not allowed on the closed road and spectators are not permitted to camp along the course. Round-Trip entrants may use summit drop bags that are transported to the turnaround. The event includes a return ride down the mountain and a post-race meal for participants.
Registration, limits and beneficiaries
Registration opens on Thanksgiving Day and is limited to the first 250 Ascent entries and the first 100 Round-Trip entries. There is no race-day registration and no waiting list. A portion of each entry fee is donated to Alpine Rescue, which will provide on-course support. Finishers receive a custom Mt. Blue Sky medal; additional awards and prize money are listed for overall, masters, and course record performances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
