Event Logistics
Packet Pickup
Friday, July 24
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Feedback Sports: 251 Violet St Suite 140, Golden, CO 80401
Saturday, July 25
5:30 am-7:45 am
Start Line - Downtown Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Directions & Parking
FROM DENVER (EAST)
32.4 miles West on US Interstate 70 to Idaho Springs and take the “Mt. Blue Sky” exit (#240)
FROM DILLON (WEST)
36 miles East on US Interstate 70 to Idaho Springs (thru Eisenhower Tunnel) & take the “Mt. Blue Sky” exit (#240)
START LINE
Downtown Idaho Springs, CO 80452
AWARD PARTY
14th and Miner Street in downtown Idaho Springs
11 am-3 pm
IDAHO SPRINGS PARKING
Please carpool, as we will have very limited free parking for the race.
Once the few free spots fill up, you will need to pay for your parking. Please see the Idaho Springs Parking map to plot out your best move. No one wants to be stressed trying to find parking before the race.
Get your race day parking pass for $12! Saves a bundle and is good for all day.
Lodging
Idaho Springs has plenty of options to stay the night before the race. Check the link below for options.
Spectators
Unfortunately, we cannot allow spectators along the road during the event. There is very limited space at the top of Mt. Blue Sky, and we close the road to spectator and vehicular traffic to ensure rider safety.
Highway 5 (the road to the Summit of Mt. Blue Sky) will be closed from 9:00 PM the evening before the race until 2:00 PM on race day.
While spectators are not permitted on course, friends and family are welcome to attend the Finish Celebration at 14th and Miner Street to share in the fun!
Additional reminders:
No outside support is allowed on course. We will have a fully stocked aid station at Echo Lake.
No vehicle rides down are permitted for racers.
Riders may pack a gear bag for transport to the top.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us keep this event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Ride Details
Formerly Mt Evans, Mt Blue Sky is an iconic ride up the highest paved road in North America. We close the road to the top for your safety and viewing pleasure. It’s the only way to ride this epic road without vehicular distraction. You vs. mountain.
Riders can race in the Pro or Open categories and we will have age group awards. You’ll enjoy 27 miles and over 6,700’ of gain, finishing at the Summit at 14,130’. Unfortunately, we cannot allow e-bikes for the 2026 event.
The Hill Climb is in honor of Bob Cook, US Olympian and record holder. Bob Cook died of brain cancer at the age of 23, and the Hill Climb is a memorial to this extraordinary athlete. NY Times Article
Categories
This year the Blue Sky Hill Climb is not sanctioned by USA Cycling (USAC). Our categories reflect age groups and an Open division.
Why the change? Over the years, participation from the traditional racing community has decreased, and we wanted to evolve the event to better reflect who is showing up at the start line.
E-bikes are not permitted at this one. The Blue Sky Hill Climb is designed specifically as a human-powered hill climb, it's a test of pacing, grit, and sustained climbing effort at altitude. It’s also structured as a competitive event, and allowing e-bikes would change the nature of that challenge and make fair competition difficult to maintain.
The minimum age for this event is 15. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
START TIMES
7:10 am - 70+ M/W
7:15 am - 60-69 M/W
7:20 am - 50-59 M/W
7:25 am - TANDEM
7:30 am - Under 18 M/W
7:35 am - 18-29 M/W
7:40 am - 30-39 M/W
7:45 am 40 - 49 M/W
8:00 am - Open/Pro M/W
Weekend Schedule
friday, July 24
Packet Pickup
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Packet Pickup - Recommended; there will be lines on event day.
251 Violet St Suite 140, Golden, CO 80401
You will receive a rider bag (for clothing transport to the top), a wristband for food and beer, a number plate, and mystery swag.
Saturday, July 25
Race Day!
5:30 am - 7:45 am - Packet Pickup - Start Line
6:15 am - Rider bag drop opens
7:15 am - Rider bag drop cut-off
7:15 am - Age group wave starts every 5 mins
8:00 am - Open/Pro Start
11:00 am- Afterparty with post-race food and beverages on Miner Street. Awards soon thereafter.
2:00 pm - RIDER CUTOFF Mt. Blue Sky road reopens
3:00 pm - The fun is over until we see you in 2027!
course maps
START
Downtown Idaho Springs. See location here.
FINISH
Mt. Blue Sky Summit 11.130’
RACE DISTANCE
27.4 Miles
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This epic climb takes place on the highest paved road in the United States. It’s a 6,714′ climb from an elevation of 7,500′ all the way up to 14,130 feet. There will be a hydration station at Echo Lake with electrolytes, water, and gels. Water and snacks will also be available at the summit.
Be prepared to ride down to your car. There is no shuttle service from the summit.
road closure
We suggest all riders make their way down to the Forest Service guard gate on Hwy 5 by 2:00 pm. Once you reach the top, the race is over, and you can take some pictures and enjoy the views, but the road reopens to vehicles and the public at 2 pm. It is much nicer to ride down without cars, so please take this into consideration. CUTOFF for timing at 2 pm.
Bag drop
Bring gear for the ride down!
We will provide a bag for clothing that will be transported to the summit This bag can hold any of your cold-weather gear for the descent. Clothing drop will be located at the start line, and it will leave at 7:15 am sharp. Plan to have your bag dropped by 7 am at the very latest.
Note: The descent will be cold, and you will be expected to ride down. Make sure you bring what you need to keep warm in your clothing bag for the descent! Please wear highly visible clothing for the trip down the mountain; this will ensure your safety in the case of adverse weather conditions.
Please mark your name and telephone number on the bag. PRINT LEGIBLY. If your name and telephone number are not on the bag, it cannot be returned to you if you do not claim it.
You will drop your bag near registration, which will be located near the start line.
You are responsible for bringing the bag down with you - it will have drawstring straps.
What goes in the bag? We recommend warm attire for the ride down!
What should NOT go in the bag? Anything breakable – these bags will get thrown around. Do not put valuables like cell phones, wallets, etc. in the bag.
On Course support
HYDRATION STATION
There will be a hydration station located at Echo Lake. At the finish, there will be water, hydration mix, and light snacks.
Please do not throw any trash on the mountain. It is a special place, and we want to continue to use it. Please put trash in your pocket and dispose of trash at the trash receptacles at Summit Lake, the top, and at the start line. No off-trail use permitted due to sensitive environment; please do not walk, ride, or drive off the roads or designated trails. Public urination is illegal; do not do it! Use discretion while changing at your car; please respect the residents of Idaho Springs.
NO LITTERING ON COURSE, THIS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.
NO PUBLIC URINATION, THIS IS ILLEGAL.
PERSONAL SUPPORT
Unfortunately, we cannot allow spectators unless they volunteer. There is limited space on the top of Mt. Blue Sky, and we cannot have cars on the road to protect our racers. Please have your family and friends join you at the Award Party to share in the fun!
finish PARTY
The finish/awards party location is on Miner Street in downtown Idaho Springs. Join us for free beer and finish food from Tommyknockers!
Register
Your Entry Includes:
Hydration station at Echo Lake
A gift you can wear, sip from, stomp on, or glide with - who knows? TBD
A big ol’ finisher medal to swing around your neck
Closed road from Echo Lake to the summit
Complimentary beer and food at the finish party in Idaho Springs
Rider timing - Timing is included for ALL Riders
Something to tell the grandkids about
REFUNDS
NO REFUNDS
Your entry is non-refundable. You will see optional rider cancellation coverage offered by a third party available for purchase during registration. The optional insurance generally covers accidents and illness leading up to the event. The optional insurance is not a ‘change my mind policy’. It does not cover change of plans, lack of training, minor injuries, general sickness, bad weather day etc. Please consider purchasing additional rider insurance if you would like extra peace of mind and check the policy limitations before you purchase.
DEFERRALS - NO LONGER AVAILABLE
If your plans change, you may defer your entry for a fee. The fee is paid when you defer, and you will not be charged when you sign up in 2027.
If you decide after July 12, 2026 (2 weeks before the event) that you can’t ride we will hold a place for you for 2027, but you will have to pay the full fee again.
Deferrals are not transferable; they are for you to return and finish what you started.
If you defer, you do not get a 2026 jersey.
To process a deferral, log in to your RunSign-up Dashboard and click DEFER
A note about our deferral fee: This fee helps us manage the financial impact of deferrals. It covers the ongoing costs we incur over two years, accounts for potential price increases in the subsequent year. It provides a small cushion for the reduced revenue we'll experience in 2027. As a non-profit organization, our aim is not to generate profit from this fee, but rather to safeguard the event's financial stability so we can continue our mission of supporting other non-profits.
Please understand that injuries or medical issues do not qualify for an exception to the deferral fee. During registration, you were offered the chance to purchase the optional insurance, as many have done, to protect themselves in such situations. Granting exceptions would be unfair to those who proactively chose to secure this coverage.