Overview
The Sawtooth is the jagged peak between Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky. Instead of the exposed Class 3 ridge from Bierstadt, this route walks over from the summit parking area of the Mt. Blue Sky road on cairned trail and open rock.
It is Class 2, with a few feet of harder rock on one bump along the way. You start above 14,000 feet and drop to the summit, so the hardest climbing is on the way back.
The round trip is about 2.5 miles with 900 feet of gain.
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 few feet of steep rock on a bump where the West Evans ridge ends.
Easy. Follow cairns along the south side of the ridge west of Blue Sky, then cross open ground to the lowest notch on the Sawtooth.
None. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Mt. Blue Sky summit parking
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.
Drive about 14 miles up to the Mt. Blue Sky summit area. Park in the dirt overflow area at the last turn of the road, just before the paved summit lot, or in the paved lot itself. There are restrooms.
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
Mt. Blue Sky summit parking. 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 →