America's highest road race — 14.5 miles to a 14,264-foot summit
Other trail races within 38 miles
The Blue Sky Ascent runs 14.5 miles up North America's highest paved road, climbing nearly 4,000 vertical feet from Echo Lake at 10,600 feet to the summit of Mount Blue Sky at 14,264 feet. Passing through montane, subalpine, and alpine biomes, runners spend the final miles above treeline in full exposure — flanked by bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Originally held as the Mt. Evans Trophy Run in 1971 and one of Colorado's oldest mountain races, the event draws competitive climbers and ambitious recreational runners who want to test themselves at altitude.
Experienced ultrarunners
Idaho Springs, CO, United StatesJune 28, 2026
The Blue Sky Ascent is a point-to-point trail race in Idaho Springs, CO, United States, held on June 28, 2026. The course covers 14.5 miles, climbs 4,000 ft, and has a 4h30m cutoff.
| Location | Mile | Elevation | Cutoff | Drop bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Echo Lake Start | 0.0 | 10,673 ft | — | |
Nature Center Aid Station | 3.0 | 11,565 ft | — | |
Mile 6 Aid Station Aid Station | 6.0 | 12,441 ft | — | |
Summit Lake Aid Station | 9.0 | 12,851 ft | 2h30m | |
Mile 12 Aid Station Aid Station | 12.0 | 13,435 ft | — | |
Mt. Blue Sky Summit Finish | 14.5 | 14,150 ft | 4h30m | Drop Bags |
Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.
Sign in for race-day weather at every station, points of interest, segment-by-segment analysis, pacing, and to save this race to your calendar.
Echo Lake Campground is located directly at the race start (13264 Chicago Creek Rd). Book sites through Recreation.gov. Additional dispersed camping is available in the surrounding Arapaho National Forest.
Course runs from 10,600 to 14,264 feet — the start line is already above treeline elevation for many peaks; acclimatization strongly recommended
Summit can be cold, windy, and has potential for snow at any time of year — a summit drop bag is urged for all runners
Mountain weather is unpredictable; mornings are typically clear with afternoon storms possible on exposed ridgelines
Extended time above treeline with no shade and elevated UV intensity at high altitude
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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