Colorado 14ers: Mt Blue Sky (Formerly Mt Evans) Spring Hike Trail Guide

In early April, I hiked the 14er Mt Blue Sky from Echo Lake. It was a very long day as the hike was about 17.5 miles and 5,600ft of elevation. From summit lake the hike is about 5.5 miles with 2,000 ft of elevation gain. To watch the hike from summit lake, skip to 9:55 in the video to start your virtual hike.
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[@TheVirtualSherpa]

If you have hiked Mt Evans recently, leave your trail conditions here.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

As of the time this video was posted, Clear Creek County is currently closed to all non-residents. I do not recommend hiking this route at this time unless you live in county.

[@mileshenson4923]

I wonder if they will even open the road this year? It can get so crowded on the summit.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Miles Henson agree - they usually wait until Memorial Dayish but I would imagine there might be a delay on that this year.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Did Mt Evans from West Chicago Creek then up near Grey Wolf in the summer was a good summer way to do Evans but was a long route don't know how many miles was covered but there were no other people doing it. You could take a dog on that route.

[@CapeBone]

I did Mount Evans From Summit Lake in Sept 2021 very little snow hardly any wind I thought the class 2 scramble from "West Evans" was fun. I lost the trail a couple times in the last mile to the summit just cause there are a few social trails. There were a lot of people -- Especially down at summit lake. When I got back down there were a bunch of tourists and otherwise who were visiting the lake to take pictures.

[@Septix]

Just attempted today but only managed to reach upper lake and was not sure about how to proceed, wish I had downloaded the video before heading out. Glad I turned back because I’m new here and altitude hit me like a rock towards the last 3 miles returning. I did pick up a few pieces of trash in your honor on my way back though. Thank you for the guide!

[@zachkinder5012]

Did this summit route on Sunday since the road up is still closed. Wanted a bit of a challenge because I haven’t been able to peak grab in a month. Even without the snow, this hike is a haul. I went down the slope from Evans, as well, which trims nearly 1.5 miles off the return to summit lake. Decided I’d rather take a direct route than regain Spalding. I don’t regret it. From a technical standpoint, obviously not the most difficult, but from a pure exhaustion standpoint, this took almost all I had in me. I did Belford-Oxford-Missouri back-to-back-to-back this last summer, which is roughly the same distance wise (16-17 miles), and even having to gain 3 peaks (Missouri from the valley below Belford), the Evans hike was more taxing. Glad to check this one off, won’t be doing it again. Props to you for doing it 4 times. 😬

[@rowdyryan9988]

The triple solo with Clay Tim and Steve at the end literally made me levitate off the ground

[@noeliasanchez5134]

Thank you MUCH for all the crucial info on these 14ers!! 🙏🏽🤟🏽

[@amateurhouradventures]

Keep up the good workie homie! Awesome video as usual! 👍

[@ericfredrick3235]

Long day for sure. Sun-up to Sun-down as I remember it, and I did it June 2020, no snow. What was nice was the COVID road closure all summer, so no crowds at the top. The mountain goats had taken over the summit lake parking lot. I wish it would stay that way, because it's such a challenging and rewarding hike.

[@raypraise]

I truly love this video...We just went from summit lake and it was challenging for me...I can't imagine from Echo Lake lol.

[@gabeah]

long day from echo. good vid, thx brah! 🤙🏿

[@URin1984]

That looks rough. I did Pikes today and it was pretty rough, but that looks like a serious pain in the a. Thanks for the video.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Looks like a good way to stay in shape in the winter.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

mickey brumfield if you are into type 2 fun, it’s the place to be 👍🏽

[@2arizona1990]

I really admire you, sir! Physically, I'm unable to do the things that you do and hike these fourteeners. However, I feel like I'm vicariously hiking through your experiences. I absolutely love what you do, and I think you should write a book, if you haven't done so already. I would definitely buy a copy!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Appreciate the kind words and yeah, have thought about a book before, just not sure what the demand would be vs amount of work it would take.

[@connerjoyce187]

Thanks for posting , I am avoiding this now ha looked wack! You must have a zen master mind.

[@TheFerny2008]

Did mount Evans 2 years ago during bad weather we struggled but made it.

[@adamlarnz4981]

Through these rocks....got it

[@WannabeAlpinist]

Mt Evans is legit the most annoying hike with all the tourists at the top. I haven't hiked from the Lake yet, only via the Sawtooth. Seems pretty scenic.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Wannabe Alpinist it’s terrible but if you are willing to work a little harder, there is always seclusion to be found, even on the busiest peaks in Colorado. Well, except Pikes. Pikes is the worst.

[@WannabeAlpinist]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Yeah, tomorrows weather looks so nice for a 14er, but this dang pandemic :(

[@htownallday281]

It's such a beautiful hike...until you get to the summit. It kind of diminishes the hike in a sense, seeing a hundred tourists that simply drove to the top up there. I legitimately saw a group of people that parked at the top, hiked the 0.1 miles to the summit, and said, "wow that was tough". Like 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@intpsoftware5784]

htownallday281 literally lol’ed

[@grantskidmore6921]

Could tell you were in noodle mindset for sure at the end there 😂

[@russlehman2070]

The lake is Idaho Springs' water supply, so don't piss in it, unless, of course, somebody you really don't like lives in Idaho Springs.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Did the road look clear enough to mountain bike up to summit lake or beyond? Looked ok from what I could see on your video. The length of the hike . . .and back down again looked LOOOONG. Your video of Grizzly peak inspired me and it was GREAT fast fun pretty easy/wind swept but quite windy on my return was the only downer. . .

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Karl Decker hard to tell since I could only see from summit lake but it was about half clear. Think it probably still needs 2-: weeks before you could make a continuous bike from echo to the summit lake.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

The Virtual Sherpa Thanks man, I’ll probably go for it pretty soon. It doesn’t really have to be continuous I don’t mind some suffering. But huffing it the whole way sure look tough.

[@htownallday281]

Damn what's the deal with all of the dislikes already? Relax people. Edit: probably idiots on reddit screaming "shelter in place!!!". I forgot you post these on there.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

htownallday281 meh, who cares? People fundamentally don’t understand that not everything is filmed live apparently. Whatever, this is a good video and in 2-3 months people will appreciate it.

[@victav]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Right on my man. Thanks for all the vids.

[@njosborne5540]

Another great video. I am doing this from Summit Lake in July. Is the route / signage pretty apparent? Thank you!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Yeah, from what I show in the video to signs /an obvious trail without snow - you should have no issues.

[@njosborne5540]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Thank you, Mickey. Appreciate the great vids you put out.

[@adamross2572]

So what would you suggest be the bast way to gain experience in class 3-4 routs? Just go out and start getting myself into that type of stuff. I’m very comfortable on class 2 and ha e done some class three but not as much as I would like.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

There really is no solid answer for progressing into class 3/4/5 and higher exposure besides just gaining more experience. If you are able to rock climb, this will help a ton with exposure fears, but really its best to find a route with small portions of higher exposure and class and just gain experience with it. Specifically with 14ers, check out my blog ranking them all to give you a good idea on how to work your way up. www.thevirtualsherpa.com/ranking-the-colorado-14ers-by-difficulty/

[@adamross2572]

The Virtual Sherpa thanks so much! Yeah I have been wanting to get I to rock climbing for that reason. I plan on just finishing the easier 14ers and progressively working my way up to the harder ones. Thanks!

[@russlehman2070]

I would suggest that you start with some bouldering type stuff: Short ascents on a bit of rock or a short piece of cliff, where there is not a lot of exposure but you have to use your hands to climb. Gain confidence moving around on steep rock, and then you can start doing longer routes and routes with exposure.

[@baileyvoss8266]

Are there any 14ers that are currently open or that will open in the next couple of weeks?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

As far as I am aware, the only 14ers that are currently closed are: Mt Bierstadt, Mt Evans, Torreys Peak and Grays Peak in addition to any ones that are accessed from San Juan County. Having said that, if you don't live local to them, I don't recommend traveling to them unless you do so in an extremely socially responsible manner. Finally, keep in mind its still spring and most of the mountains are still loaded with snow and avalanche danger.

[@herbiemartinez5031]

Do you know how much the parking cost to park at Summit lake?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

$5 I believe - www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438?tab=fees

[@AngelaMoayedpardazi]

Do you need a reservation to enter the Summit Lake Park or can you park there for free?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Summit Lake - yes, Echo Lake - no. You can read more about it here: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/mt-evans-14er-hike-trail-guide/

[@AngelaMoayedpardazi]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Thanks for the help!

[@user-dx7lt6yj4e]

is it dog friendly?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

www.thevirtualsherpa.com/mt-blue-sky-14er-hike-trail-guide/

[@dominickagazzi5362]

Me and my wife got married at echo lake