Summit Lake
a stark alpine lake at ~12,800 ft below the summit
Summit Lake is one of the places Roamward flags on the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans) because it gives the drive its texture: a stark alpine lake at ~12,800 ft below the summit. Use it as a planned pull-over instead of letting the route become a blur between towns.
How it fits the drive
The Mount Blue Sky Byway runs Idaho Springs → Mount Blue Sky summit, CO. The highest paved road in North America.
Nearby route stops
- Mount Goliath bristlecones — a grove of 1,000-year-old bristlecone pines (Mount Blue Sky Byway)
- Mount Blue Sky summit — the road’s end near the 14,265-ft top (Mount Blue Sky Byway)
Conditions, access, parking, fees, weather, and seasonal closures can change quickly on scenic routes. Check the managing agency or local visitor information before committing to a side stop.
Build a trip around Mount Blue Sky Byway stops like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: