Denver to Mount Blue Sky: Red Rocks & Alpine Lake Day Trip

Summary

Red Rocks music vibes, alpine lakes, mountain roads and local stories

You’ll start with music history at Red Rocks Amphitheatre before winding through mountain roads toward Mount Blue Sky. Enjoy a picnic lunch by Echo Lake and breathe in crisp alpine air at Summit Lake nearly 13,000 feet high. With a local guide sharing stories and plenty of time for photos or just sitting quietly by the water, this day trip leaves you feeling both lighter and somehow more grounded.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the acoustics here are so good even the birds sound better,” our guide Mike grinned as we shuffled up the steps at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He waved at a couple of joggers who looked like they’d been running since sunrise. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing between those giant red walls — it’s like the rocks swallow up every bit of city noise. There was a faint smell of wet stone from last night’s rain, and someone nearby was playing a harmonica. Not well, but it fit somehow.

The drive out of Denver was quieter than I thought it’d be. Mike pointed out old mining towns along Clear Creek Canyon — he told us about a bakery that sells “the best cinnamon rolls in Colorado,” but we didn’t stop (still thinking about that). The road started winding up and suddenly there were patches of snow on the side even though it was June. My ears popped as we climbed toward Mount Blue Sky. It’s weird how you can feel altitude before you see it; my sandwich tasted different at Echo Lake, maybe because I was hungrier than usual or maybe just because everything felt sharper up there. We sat by the water for lunch — turkey for me, veggie for my partner — and watched clouds move over the peaks like slow ships.

Summit Lake is almost 13,000 feet up. The air is thin and kind of sweet-smelling, if that makes sense? We saw marmots darting between rocks (Mike called them “the real locals”). He told us sometimes mountain goats show up but they must’ve had other plans that day. There’s this hush when you get out of the van — not silence exactly, more like everything gets softer except your own breath. I still think about that view: blue sky above, snow patches below, and Denver way off in the haze. We took photos but honestly none of them really caught what it felt like to stand there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Red Rocks and Mt. Blue Sky Tour

• Meet by large American flagpole
• Explore Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Drive up Clear Creek Canyon
• Enjoy scenic mountain drive
• Lunch at alpine lake
• Stop for photos and wildlife
• Optional stop for beer and shopping

Top questions

How long does the Mount Blue Sky tour from Denver take?

The tour is an all-day outing departing from Denver with multiple stops including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Echo Lake for lunch, and Summit Lake near Mount Blue Sky.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included—a choice between turkey or vegetarian sandwich is provided at Echo Lake.

Can you reach the summit parking lot year-round?

No, access to the summit parking lot is usually only possible from early June to mid-October due to weather conditions.

What should I bring for the Mount Blue Sky tour?

Bring a reusable water bottle for refills; waterproof shoes and wool socks are recommended from November to April due to snow.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

The minimum age is 8 years old; not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or asthma due to high altitude.

Does this tour include pickup in Denver?

The meeting point is by the large American flagpole in front; hotel pickup isn’t specified in the reference content.

Will I see wildlife on this tour?

You may spot wildlife such as marmots or mountain goats near Summit Lake depending on conditions and luck.

Is this a private or small group tour?

This is a small group tour led by an expert local guide.

What’s included

Your day covers entry to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, all scenic drives up Clear Creek Canyon and Mount Blue Sky with parking fees taken care of, plus a picnic-style lunch (turkey or vegetarian sandwich) enjoyed by Echo Lake. Water refills are available if you bring your own bottle, and your driver-guide shares stories throughout before returning you back down to Denver in the afternoon.