Blue Sky Hill Climb 2026

Blue Sky Hill Climb 2026

Presented by Shift Events
Road Cycling
Idaho Springs, CO
Jul 25, 2026
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About This Event

This storied race traces its lineage back to 1962, originally known as the Mt. Evans Hill Climb before being renamed in 1981 to honor five-time winner Bob Cook, who died of cancer at just 23 years old. Now returning as the Blue Sky Hill Climb after a hiatus, it remains one of North America’s most challenging cycling events, climbing the highest paved road on the continent.

The course covers 28 miles from Idaho Springs to Mount Evans’ summit, starting at 7,540 feet and ascending to 14,130 feet—just 130 feet below the actual peak. That’s a brutal 7,000-foot elevation gain over challenging mountain terrain. Junior riders finish at Echo Lake, 11 miles up the mountain.

Altitude preparation is critical. Most riders either arrive 5-7 days early to acclimatize or use the arrive-and-race-within-24-hours strategy to avoid partial acclimatization effects. Weather at 14,000 feet can be severe even in summer—cold temperatures, wind, rain, or snow are all possible.

Aid stations at Echo Lake and the summit provide water, electrolytes, and gels during the grueling ascent. Notably, there’s no shuttle service down, so plan to descend under your own power back to the start in Idaho Springs.

The event draws 600-1,000 riders annually, ranging from nine to 85 years old, including participants from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. Professional cyclists regularly compete alongside recreational riders across multiple categories. Part of the Gran Fondo National Series, it attracts serious climbers seeking to test themselves against this legendary mountain challenge.

Shift Events

Event Organizer
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Shift Events, formerly known as Team Evergreen Cycling, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that bikes build better communities. They produce top-tier cycling events in Colorado, including the Triple Bypass, The Hundo, Salida 76, Session Series, Blue Sky Hill Climb, and the Beti Bike Bash. A substantial portion of their event earnings is donated to support community improvement projects that make real differences in people’s lives.

Shift Events

Mission and Purpose

Shift Events is committed to creating a more welcoming environment for all riders, reducing confusion, and setting both sides of the organization up for success. They believe that bikes build better communities and donate a substantial part of their earnings to support community improvement projects.

Shift Events

Signature Events

  • Triple Bypass: Recognized as one of the premier cycling events in the nation and a bucket-list event for riders everywhere, the Triple Bypass is a spectacular tour through the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The event is scheduled for July 12, 2025.
  • The Hundo: A beloved mountain bike race in the popular Buffalo Creek area. Participants can choose to go long with the Hundo or opt for the shorter Hundito, all for a good cause. The event is set for June 14, 2025.
  • Salida 76: Seventy-six miles of gorgeous gravel, offering a blend of champagne with a whiskey chaser. This event provides a full weekend of bike riding and mountain-loving in the laid-back Colorado town of Salida. The event is planned for September 14, 2024.
  • Beti Bike Bash: Touted as the world’s largest women’s-only MTB race, it welcomes participants ranging from beginners to seasoned pros, fostering an inclusive environment for all. The event is scheduled for October 13, 2024.
  • Session Series: Designed for those who crave fast, technical, and raw experiences, this series challenges riders to compete for the fastest time down the infamous Sluice Trail at Floyd Hill. It takes place on Wednesday nights in June 2025.
  • Blue Sky Hill Climb: An iconic bicycle race and Gran Fondo that ascends the highest paved road in North America, reaching 14,264 feet above sea level. The event is anticipated for 2026.

Through these events, Shift Events not only promotes cycling but also contributes significantly to community development, having donated nearly $4.5 million over the past 36 years.

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