Overview
Mount Spalding rises right above Summit Lake on the Mt. Blue Sky road, west of Denver. A signed trail leaves the north end of the lake and climbs Spalding's rocky east ridge to the top.
It is Class 2, with a steep, rocky trail near the start and a short detour left of the ridge crest around rougher ground near 13,200 feet.
The round trip is about 2.5 miles with 1,025 feet of gain, one of the shortest 13er hikes in the state. You start at nearly 12,850 feet, so take it easy if you just drove up from Denver.
Plan of the day
Whatever time your road reservation allows; aim to be done before noon.
Be on the summit by 11:30 a.m.
A steep, rocky stretch of trail low on the ridge.
Easy. Near 13,200 feet, stay left of the crest, then move back up to it near 13,300 feet.
None on the route. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Summit Lake (Mt. Blue Sky Road)
From I-70, get off at Idaho Springs (exit 240) and follow Colorado 103 south about 13.5 miles up to Echo Lake. The Mt. Blue Sky road (Colorado 5) starts here. It is open only in summer and you need a timed reservation to drive it; check the Forest Service website before you go.
Summit Lake's signed lot is roughly 9 miles up that road.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Summit Lake (Mt. Blue Sky Road). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →