Diverse and complex, Blue Mountain is an interesting and challenging route finding exercise located just outside the northeast corner of Colorado�s Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The mountain is actually a massif of four forested granite peaks denoted as �Blue Mountain� on a topographic map. The summits are unofficially termed �West Blue,� �Baby Blue,� and �East Blue� which is ranked at 9,322 feet high. However, West Blue appears to be the highest summit, one hundred feet higher than East Blue. Depending on how you approach your day on the mountain, your experience could be a brief half day�s stroll to the high point or a full day of exploration while visiting several high points and getting in your share of scrambling and route finding.

This is remote country and seldom visited. Once on the massif, there are no trails or markers. The East Blue summit register indicated 10 visitations, some of them repeat climbs by the same people for 2006. This is definitely mountain lion country, but any kind of wildlife could be encountered. Plan on solitude during your visit, and be certain of your navigation and first aid skills before proceeding, because you�ll be on your own. Being found or rescued in this complex landscape would be a stretch of luck, so depend on your own skills to get in and out of the area in any given condition.

Terrain on Blue Mountain varies greatly. A stroll through a pristine aspen meadow could be followed by a fun scramble through rocks to a tiny summit, which is then followed by navigation through pine forests punctuated by scrambles over crags of solid granite. Views from each of the summits are spectacular, and surprisingly, the strategic view from this low profile front range peak is better than some of the more well known and prominent goals nearby. The entire front range, from Rocky Mountain National Park all the way to Pikes Peak is visible, as well as just about every major �foothill� summit, including the peaks just west of Boulder and points south such as Mount Morrison, Long Scraggy Peak, Green Mountain, the Table Mountains and the entire front range metro area. No matter your route and effort, the reward for a visit to this mountain is certainly worthwhile in terms of views and solitude.

Getting There

On the west end of Golden, where Highways 6, 58 and 93 meet at an intersection, proceed north on Highway 93 for 1.3 miles to the signed intersection for Golden Gate Canyon State Park and White Ranch Open Space Park and turn left (west). If coming from Boulder, head south on Highway 93 to this intersection, which is just north of Golden.

There are two options for getting to Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Blue Mountain.

It�s a bit shorter to take the Crawford Gulch alternative. The other option is to take the slightly longer alternative, the Golden Gate Canyon Road to the park�s Visitor Center. Excellent displays and a relief map of the Park, as well as nice facilities are available.

Golden Gate Canyon Road
From the intersection north of Golden, follow Golden Gate Canyon Road to the park entrance. Just before the entrance on the right is a kiosk from which you can purchase a daily pass. The route is well marked. It is approximately 12.8 miles to the Visitor Center. Once in the park, you are driving east on Crawford Gulch Road. As you approach completing mile 16, be on the lookout for a barn complex on your right, and a dirt road up Nott Creek directly across from it on your left. Take this dirt road to its terminus where there is plenty of parking and a restroom facility.

Crawford Gulch Road
From the intersection north of Golden, drive west on Golden Gate Canyon Road 3.8 miles to the Crawford Gulch Road turn-off. Turn right and proceed on this road due north, reaching a high point between drainages at mile 8.9. The road then descends gradually, then rapidly into Crawford Gulch. At mile 10.7, you�ll arrive at the park boundary, and at mile 11.4, at the Nott Creek turn-off. At this turn-off is a kiosk from which you can buy a daily pass. Take this right turn to the road�s terminus and ample parking.

Red Tape: Golden Gate Canyon State Park

This is certainly one of the gems of Colorado�s state park system. Golden Gate Canyon is nestled in a forested gorge and offers a shady respite from the rigors of daily life. Activities include picnicking, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and even ice skating. Special events facilities are also available.

Golden Gate Canyon SP

Vehicle Pass Fees

Blue Mountain is accessed from the park, but the mountain itself is not within the park and does not fall under the park�s juristdiction. Blue Mountain is located in Jefferson County, not far from the border with Boulder County.

Daily Vehicle Pass: $6 (Purchased at either entrance to the Park-Remember to bring a pen)
Annual Pass: $60
Multiple Annual Passes: $20
Aspen Leaf Pass (For Colorado residents 64 and older): $27
Columbine Pass (For disabled): $12.50
Centennial Pass (For those on limited income): $12.50
Aspen leaf: Free pass for residents born before 1922.
Disabled veterans with applicable license plates are free.

Camping

155 camp sites are available within Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Camping beyond the park boundary on the slopes of Blue Mountain would certainly be feasible, but there is no reliable water source on the mountain.

Essential Gear and When to Climb

Depending on the season and amount of snow, your gear will vary accordingly. A day hike during the summer or fall would require standard day hike gear. A spring or winter outing would require winter apparel as well as snow shoes or skis depending on snow cover.

No matter when you attempt Blue Mountain, a map, compass and/or GPS device are strongly recommended, as much of your day will be spent navigating this complex terrain.

Summer or fall are the optimum times to climb Blue Mountain. Spring will be a soggy affair. A winter visit will be very quiet and solitary, but expect high winds on the summits.

Current Conditions

NOAA Forecast for Jefferson County Above 9,000 feet

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