Mount Goliath

Mount Goliath is a peak high on the shoulders of Mount Blue Sky located outside of Idaho Springs within the Arapaho National Forest. Here in this fragile alpine environment Denver Botanic Gardens oversees the highest cultivated garden in the U.S., managed in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service. When the road is open, visitors can enjoy the garden, the Dos Chappell Nature Center and hike the M. Walter Pesman Trail. Amid grand mountain vistas, the 1.5 mile (one way) Pesman Trail winds through subalpine and alpine areas of bristlecone pines and wildflowers.

Mount Goliath is designated as a birding hotspot on the Cornell University's worldwide eBird community science website.

The road to Mount Goliath and Mount Blue Sky is open for the season. To visit, you need to obtain a timed entry ticket in advance of visiting. Here is how you can request your ticket. There is NO cell phone service at the Mount Blue Sky Welcome Station or in the Mount Blue Sky recreation area. Please purchase, and print or download, your reservation ahead of time, at home or before leaving the towns of Idaho Springs or Bergen Park. Reservation tickets are not sold at the Mount Blue Sky Welcome Station.

Hikers should keep in mind:

• The trail is steep and rocky and the elevation ranges from 11,540 to 12,100 feet.
• Due to the mountain’s altitude and exposure, the weather is more extreme than Idaho Springs and can change rapidly. Be prepared for strong sun, cold, wind or rain.
• It is important to stay on the trail and avoid stepping on plants.
• Leave no trace: take only pictures, leave only footprints.

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