08/04/2026
Want to conquer a giant of Colorado cycling? Mount Blue Sky’s 7,000 feet of elevation gain to the 14,130 foot summit will slay many a Goliath.
This ride leaves the Clear Creek Admin building parking lot immediately off I-70 exit 240 in Idaho Springs.
The ascent begins in the Arapaho National Forest, where you will start to wind your way up as the Mount Blue Sky summit sits far off in the distance.
The entrance to Mount Blue Sky is about 13 miles from the start and the summit is another 14 miles. Bicycles may enter the park for free and do not need a timed reservation.
While the high altitude environment is harsh, there is no absence of life or color. So much so that the long climb is eased by the numerous floral and fauna you will likely see. Wildflowers, lichen, butterflies, birds, marmot, chipmunks, and mountain goats will greet you along the way.
Mount Goliath Natural Area contains the northern most grove of bristlecone pine in North America. Bristlecone survive in the hard high altitude environment for thousands of years. Their twisted and bent form give them a natural and weathered bonsai look only nature and millenia can create. Please remember to stay on the road and marked paths as the plants here only have about 8 weeks to grow, bloom, and seed. The over 70 native species of plant are easily trampled and destroyed under human feet.
A little further and you will soon be above treeline, riding past Summit Lake, and along rocky cliffs and 14 switchbacks to the top. With the right planning, preparation, and focus, you can slay this giant.
Enjoy and ride safe!
-Dan
Dan D’Angelo is a Colorado lawyer focused on representing injured bicyclists & brain injury victims. Also an avid cyclist, Dan loves riding all over Colorado. By combining his love and knowledge of cycling and years of experience litigating bike and brain injury cases, Dan helps his clients get moving in the right direction when they’re injured and can’t ride.
Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/routes/3519149588859186218
