From Denver: Trip to Mount Blue Sky Summit and Glacial Lake

If you’re craving a day out of the city with jaw-dropping scenery and fresh mountain air, this tour to Mount Blue Sky offers a compelling mix of adventure, natural beauty, and history. While I haven’t personally taken the trip, detailed reviews and the itinerary paint a picture of an experience that’s both visually stunning and thoughtfully curated.

One thing I love about this trip is the chance to reach the summit of one of Colorado’s tallest mountains—at a lofty 14,265 feet—without the need for strenuous hikes or technical skills. The views from the top are said to be panoramic and worth every ounce of effort. I also appreciate the wildlife sightings and wildflower encounters that make the alpine environment feel alive and authentic. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to Idaho Springs, a historic gold mining town, adds a dash of local charm and a great spot for lunch or shopping.

That said, a potential consideration is the tour’s pacing—some reviews mention feeling rushed, especially at the summit, due to tight scheduling and a lengthy stop at Idaho Springs. If you’re someone who loves plenty of time at each stop, this might feel a bit hurried. Still, if you’re eager to cram in the highlights of Colorado’s mountains in one day, this trip fits the bill.

This tour suits travelers who crave stunning mountain vistas, wildlife encounters, and a taste of historic Colorado. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Scenic Drive: The trip takes you up North America’s highest paved road, offering spectacular mountain views.
• Summit Experience: Reach the top of Mount Blue Sky and enjoy 360-degree vistas, wildflowers, and wildlife.
• Wildlife & Nature: Expect mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and an abundance of wildflowers in pristine environments.
• Historic Charm: Idaho Springs provides a charming old western gold mining town to explore for lunch and shopping.
• Comfort & Convenience: Guided tour, transportation in a comfortable Ford van, water refills, and snacks included.
• Limited Flexibility: The schedule is tight, and some travelers reported feeling rushed, especially at the summit and at Idaho Springs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day Trip

The journey begins in Denver at Union Station, a central spot that’s easy to find and a scenic start point. You’ll meet your guide and join a small group of up to 12 travelers, making for a more personalized experience compared to large bus tours. The group size is ideal for engaging conversations and getting quick responses to questions about Colorado’s mountain environment and history.

The Drive Up the Rockies

Your ascent starts with a scenic drive through Colorado’s rugged landscape. The road climbs steadily, revealing increasingly dramatic views of jagged peaks, sprawling forests, and occasional wildlife sightings. The guide is likely to point out interesting facts and local history along the way, enriching your understanding of this region.

Glacial Lakes: Echo Lake & Summit Lake

Your first stops include Echo Lake at 10,600 feet and Summit Lake at 12,800 feet. These short walks are perfect for acclimating to the altitude while soaking in the scenery. Echo Lake, surrounded by mountains and wildflowers, makes for fantastic photos, while Summit Lake offers a peaceful oasis with clear waters and mountain reflections.

The Climb to Mount Blue Sky’s Summit

The highlight is driving to the top of Mount Blue Sky, where a short walk from the parking lot allows you to stand at 14,265 feet. Here, you’ll witness wildflowers, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots in their natural habitat. Several reviewers mention the guide’s skill at spotting wildlife—like the reviewer who noted a “beautiful white goat” greeting them at the summit—and that enhances the overall experience.

The summit walk is optional but highly recommended for those wanting to get closer to the wild environment and enjoy sweeping 360-degree views. Many describe the feeling of reaching the top as exhilarating, with some meeting mountain goats or observing herds of longhorns—a real treat for wildlife lovers.

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Idaho Springs: A Historic Lunch Stop

Post-summit, the tour makes its way down to Idaho Springs. This old western gold rush town is known for its charming streets, local shops, and history. The review from Natalie’s group highlights it as an “exceptionally well-organized” stop where you can explore or grab lunch independently. While the stop is appreciated, some reviews mention that 90 minutes can feel a bit long, especially if your focus is on maximizing time at the summit.

Return to Denver

After exploring Idaho Springs, the group heads back to Denver, with most arriving in the late afternoon or early evening—around 4:15 pm to 4:30 pm, as some reviews indicate. This timing allows you to unwind after the busy day, though a few travelers felt the schedule was too rushed, missing out on some experiences.

Transportation & Group Size

The entire tour is conducted in a comfortable Ford van, which is roomy enough for small groups of 12 or fewer. This small-group format is appreciated for its intimacy and flexibility, often leading to more engaging guides and quicker answers to questions. The van’s climate control and modern features make the drive more pleasant, especially in the variable mountain weather.

Value & Pricing Analysis

At $129 per person, the cost covers guided transportation, water refills, snacks, and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. When you consider that this price includes multiple scenic stops, wildlife sightings, and a summit experience—not to mention the convenience of transportation from Denver—it’s quite reasonable.

The tour doesn’t include lunch, which means you can pick something local in Idaho Springs or bring your own snacks. This flexibility allows you to tailor your meal to your preferences or dietary needs, saving some money if you choose to dine on your own.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews are glowing, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 9 travelers. The standout features are expert guides, who are often praised for spotting wildlife and navigating mountain roads safely, and spectacular views that truly live up to the hype.

However, one reviewer did express disappointment regarding the rushed pace, feeling that too much time was spent at Idaho Springs, which limited the time available at the summit—especially critical given that the summit area closes for a year afterward. This highlights that while the experience is generally well-organized, those who prefer a slower pace might find it less ideal.

Conversely, many travelers appreciated the guide’s attentiveness, with comments about how they “masterfully navigated the real OMG road” and enabled wildlife encounters, making the trip feel special.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventure seekers and nature lovers who want a comprehensive day of mountain scenery, wildlife, and local history. It’s ideal for those comfortable with moderate altitude and a fair amount of driving, and who prefer guided convenience over self-planned exploration.

It’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or individuals with altitude sickness, as the elevation reaches over 14,000 feet. The busy schedule and limited flexibility might not appeal to travelers looking for a more relaxed pace or longer time at each stop.

This tour from Denver to Mount Blue Sky and the surrounding lakes offers a well-rounded experience packed with stunning vistas, wildlife, and a taste of Colorado’s gold rush history. The small-group format, expert guides, and scenic drive make it a memorable and convenient way to explore Colorado’s high country in just over seven hours.

While some may find the schedule a tad rushed, most will agree that the opportunity to stand atop one of Colorado’s highest peaks and see wild goats, marmots, and wildflowers in their natural habitat is worth it. It balances adventure and education with comfort, making it suitable for travelers who want a taste of Colorado’s mountain magic without a strenuous hike.

If you’re short on time but crave incredible mountain scenery, this tour delivers on value and visual wow-factor. It’s a terrific choice for those eager to tick off Colorado’s iconic peaks and wild landscapes in a single day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 5 years due to the altitude and the nature of the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The full trip lasts approximately 7.5 hours, starting in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
Guided tour, transportation by a Ford van, water refills, and snacks are included. Lunch is not included, giving you flexibility.

Are there any physical requirements?
It requires some walking at stops, but the summit walk is optional. Expecting anyone with altitude sickness to be cautious—the experience may be challenging at high elevations.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, rain gear, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Weather can change quickly in the mountains.

How many people are in the group?
Limited to 12 participants, offering a more intimate experience and better interaction with your guide.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise guides like Christina for their ability to spot wildlife and navigate mountain roads expertly.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
Available only during the summer months when roads are open and snow has melted away—typically a 3-month window.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

This detailed review aims to give you a true sense of what to expect from this mountain adventure, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your Colorado trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: