Mount Blue Sky: Summit of the Rockies

Mount Blue Sky, soaring to 14,130 feet, is a majestic peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, located approximately 60 miles west of Denver. Formerly known as Mount Evans, it was renamed in September 2023 to honor the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, recognizing their deep connection to the area. The Arapaho were known as the Blue Sky People, and the Cheyenne have an annual renewal-of-life ceremony called Blue Sky. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America, typically allows visitors to drive almost to the summit. However, starting September 3, 2024, and continuing through 2025, the highway is closed for extensive repairs, with a planned reopening on Memorial Day weekend in 2026. During the closure, access to the summit is limited to hiking trails. When open, the byway offers breathtaking views of alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and diverse wildlife, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Popular stops along the route include Echo Lake, Mount Goliath Natural Area, and Summit Lake Park. The summit provides panoramic views stretching across the Front Range and the Continental Divide. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Crest House and, with a short hike, reach the true summit. Historically, the mountain was named after John Evans, the second territorial governor of Colorado, whose legacy is marred by his involvement in the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. The renaming reflects a broader effort to acknowledge and reconcile with the past, creating a more inclusive future.