Overview
Epaulie is a point about half a mile southeast of Epaulet Mountain that new mapping shows is a few feet higher, making it the official high point. It is one of the easiest 13ers anywhere: a short walk across boulder-strewn tundra from a pullout on the Mt. Blue Sky road, over Epaulet's summit to Epaulie.
It is a Class 1 to 2 walk. You can also start at Summit Lake and walk the road, or keep going 1.25 miles to Rosalie Peak for a bigger day.
The round trip is about 2.8 miles with 495 feet of gain from the pullout.
Plan of the day
Whatever time your road reservation allows.
Be on Epaulie by noon.
Nothing hard; boulders scattered in the tundra.
Easy. From the pullout, walk straight south to Epaulet, then southeast to Epaulie.
None. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Mt. Blue Sky Road (below Epaulet)
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 up the road past Summit Lake as it switchbacks and turns west. Where the road runs above the broad saddle north of Epaulet Mountain, a small pullout big enough for a car or two sits on the road's south edge. You can also park at Summit Lake and walk the 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
Mt. Blue Sky Road (below Epaulet). 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 →