Mount Blue Sky Loop (formerly Mount Evans Loop)

The Mount Blue Sky Loop begins and ends at the Summit Lake Trailhead (~12,827') in the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, reached via the Mount Blue Sky Byway (CO-5) from Echo Lake, approximately 14 miles from Idaho Springs. From the trailhead, follow the Mount Blue Sky Ridge Trail (#51) northwest toward the Chicago Lakes Overlook. At approximately 0.5 miles, turn right and climb the east ridge of Mount Spalding, gaining the summit (13,842') at approximately 1.1 miles. Descend southwest into the Spalding–Blue Sky saddle, then continue west up the west ridge of Mount Blue Sky. The trail stays below the crest on the south side and is well cairned — follow the cairn line. Reach the summit of Mount Blue Sky (14,272') at approximately 2.0 miles. From the summit, locate the faint trail on the east side of the summit parking area and descend the steep, loose northeast face approximately 0.6 miles to the Mount Blue Sky Byway. Turn right and walk approximately 0.5 miles along the road back to Summit Lake.