IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO – As construction commences on the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, visitors planning to experience the pristine landscapes of Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area in 2025 will need to adjust their travel plans.
Beginning in September 2024, the main highway access to the summit of the iconic 14er Mount Blue Sky will be closed to both motorized and non-motorized traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians. This closure is expected to last until Memorial Day weekend of 2026, as extensive repairs are undertaken to improve public safety and restore the natural environment.
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The project, led by the Federal Highway Administration along with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the USDA Forest Service, and Denver Mountain Parks, will address roadway damage extending from the Summit Lake overflow parking lot to the first switchback past Summit Lake. The repairs are aimed at reducing the impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem and restoring natural hydraulic processes, crucial for maintaining the area’s biodiversity.
Visitors can still access the summit through various hiking trails, though the main highway will be inaccessible. The areas around Echo Lake Park, Echo Lake Campground, and trails like Chicago Lakes and Mount Blue Sky Summit will remain open, ensuring continued access to some of the most beloved parts of the recreation area throughout the construction period.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
District Ranger Patsy McEntee emphasized the importance of visitor cooperation and planning ahead. “While we understand the closure may affect many people’s plans, these improvements are vital for the long-term preservation of Mount Blue Sky’s unique alpine environment and visitor safety,” McEntee stated.
For those looking to visit in 2024, reservations will open on May 21 and are required for parking at the developed sites between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The area is set to open on May 31, 2024, weather permitting.
The recent renaming of the area from Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky, in honor of the Blue Sky People as recognized by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, reflects a broader commitment to recognizing and respecting the cultural significance of the land.
Updates on the construction project and visitor information for 2025 will be made available on the official recreation website and through cooperating agencies as the project progresses.
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