MOUNT BLUE SKY DRIVE

The road up Mount Blue Sky reopened for Memorial Day.   Rebecca and I drove it the day before it officially opened, and it is great. The section around Summit Lake has been re-engineered to remove the humps and lumps (aka frost heaves), and it is now very smooth.  The rest of the road is similar to before, with various cracks and imperfections.  It offers  stunning scenery and the chance to drive the highest paved road in North America, climbing to 14,130’ elevation.  We will spend two hours on the mountain, visiting the summit, Summit Lake, and Mt. Goliath, and then proceed to lunch at Cabin Creek Brewing in Georgetown.  Note that the air is thin and it is almost always cold and windy, so dress accordingly.

Please read the important information below about required advance reservations and entry fee.

Date:  Monday, June 29, 2026

Where:  Meet at the Philips 66 station in Morrison, 16283 Morrison Road.

Time:  7:45  am for an 8:00 am departure.

Route:  See https://maps.app.goo.gl/ESmH7hS2oboCoRdk8. 

IMPORTANT:  ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  Management of the CO-5 (Mount Blue Sky Scenic Drive) has been transferred from the Forest Service to the City of Denver, so you need to make advance reservations ($2)  and pay an entry fee ($20), totaling $22.  Federal passes are no longer accepted.  Here is the link to make reservations:  https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438. Please select the 9:00-11:00 am time slot, on June 29, 2026.  As of this writing, there are 66 tickets available for that time but that will change. Reservations can be canceled and entry fee refunded up to 24 hours before, so it is best to make reservations sooner than later.

Please RSVP to me so I can have a headcount for the restaurant.

Any questions?  Contact Peter Monson.