Two Peaks in One Day: Driving Mount Blue Sky and Red Rocks from Denver
A private day trip from Denver that pairs North America’s highest paved road with Colorado’s iconic sandstone amphitheatre.
By midmorning the road lets you breathe again: the pinched grit of the Front Range opens, the highway curling into thin air as the car climbs from the pine-scented foothills into a world of wind and stone. You can feel the mountain rearrange itself around you — trees shrink into scraggly sculptures, switchbacks sweep the valley away, and the sky seems to drop closer to the hood of the car. This is Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, a 28-mile ribbon that rises more than 7,000 feet and delivers you to the highest paved road in North America, where the summit sniffles at 14,130 feet. A private, full-day tour that pairs that alpine drama with the red sandstone acoustics of Red Rocks Amphitheatre makes for one of the most compact, cinematic days out of Denver.
Trail Wisdom
Acclimate Gradually
Spend the first hour moving slowly after the summit stop; sit, hydrate, and avoid sudden exertion to reduce altitude effects.
Layer for Wind
Temperatures can drop 20–30°F between the foothills and summit — bring a windproof outer layer.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Mountain goats and marmots are habituated to people but remain wild—use zoom lenses and keep at least 25 yards distance.
Time Your Photography
Early morning light on the byway and late afternoon at Red Rocks produce the best color and avoid midday crowds.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Echo Lake shoreline for reflections and easy walks
- •Summit Lake buttes and the small tundra trails near the summit
Wildlife
Mountain goats, Marmots
Conservation Note
Alpine tundra is fragile—stay on designated paths, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife to minimize impact.
The byway was built by the Denver Mountain Parks system to connect high-altitude parks with lower foothill parks; the summit road was intended as a scenic link rather than a rapid route.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Early-season snow scenes, Fewer crowds, Wildflower emergence at lower elevations
Challenges: Unpredictable weather, Paved road may still have snow at higher elevations, Shorter daylight
Spring turnout is variable; lower stretches green up early but the summit can hold snow well into May—check road openings.
summer
Best for: Full access to summit road, Warm base temperatures, Long daylight for photography
Challenges: Higher visitation, Afternoon thunderstorms, Intense sun at altitude
Summer is peak access and reliability for the summit road; go early to avoid clouds and crowds.
fall
Best for: Golden aspens, Crisp air and clearer visibility, Smaller crowds post-Labor Day
Challenges: Rapid temperature drops, Possible early snow, Shorter daylight
Fall colors in the foothills make the lower-byway stretches spectacular; summit conditions can change quickly.
winter
Best for: Snow-clad landscapes, Off-season solitude, Unique frozen vistas
Challenges: Summit road typically closed, Icy conditions and limited services, Short daylight and cold
Winter travel to the summit is generally not possible by the paved byway; the area becomes a high-elevation, snowy environment for experienced winter travelers.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Windproof JacketEssential
Blocks sudden cold gusts at the summit and doubles as rain protection.
Sun Protection (hat + SPF 30+)Essential
High-altitude sun is intense; protect skin and eyes.
Sturdy Walking ShoesEssential
Comfortable, grippy shoes allow for short summit walks and trail sections.
Hydration System (2L+)Essential
Hydration reduces altitude symptoms and keeps energy steady during the day.
Common Questions
Is the summit road open year-round?
No: the Mount Blue Sky (Mount Evans) Scenic Byway is typically seasonal; closures occur in winter due to snow—check local road reports before booking.
Do I need a permit to visit Red Rocks?
You don’t need a park permit to visit Red Rocks during daylight hours, but concerts require tickets and some parking areas may charge a fee or limit access.
Will I get altitude sickness on this tour?
Some visitors experience mild symptoms (headache, shortness of breath); moving slowly, hydrating, and avoiding alcohol helps—notify your guide if you feel unwell.
Are there restroom facilities on the summit?
There are limited restroom facilities at Echo Lake and at some pullouts, but services are minimal at the highest elevations—plan accordingly.
Can children or older adults handle the trip?
Yes if they are reasonably healthy, but altitude effects vary—seniors and children should take it slow and consult a doctor if there are existing health concerns.
How long is the driving time between Denver, the summit, and Red Rocks?
Expect roughly 1.5–2 hours of driving each way depending on traffic and stops: Denver to the byway, then from the byway down toward Red Rocks and back to Denver within a full-day schedule.
What to Pack
Water (2L+) for altitude hydration; layered jacket for wind and cold; sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+); comfortable walking shoes for short summit trails.
Did You Know
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway reaches 14,130 feet and is the highest paved road in North America; the mountain was officially renamed Mount Blue Sky in 2023 to honor Indigenous ties to the region.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book early-season tours after confirming road openings, 2) Go early to avoid clouds and crowds, 3) Hydrate before you ascend, 4) Keep cameras ready but hands free for sudden wildlife sightings.
Local Flavor
After the day’s climbs, head to Morrison for a late lunch—The Fort offers regional historic flavor near Red Rocks—or return to Denver’s LoDo neighborhood for craft beer and elevated pub fare; many visitors combine the tour with a rooftop or brewery stop to round out the day.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Denver International Airport (DIA); Typical pick-up: Denver hotels; Driving distance: ~60 miles one-way to the summit area from Denver (tour handles driving); Cell service: patchy above tree line; Permits/fees: concert tickets at Red Rocks as required, possible parking fees—no summit permit required.
Sustainability Note
Alpine tundra recovers slowly—pack out all trash, stick to trails and pullouts, avoid feeding wildlife, and favor guided operators that practice Leave No Trace.