DENVER, CO – The road leading up to the summit of Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, has officially closed for the season. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) made the announcement earlier this week on Tuesday morning.
Stretching about 14 miles and climbing more than 7,000 feet, the road offers visitors stunning panoramic views and access to the 14,264-foot summit during its operational months. In the summertime, a parking lot near the summit allows drivers to park their vehicles before undertaking a brief hike along a rocky trail to reach the mountain’s peak.
When in operation, reservations are required for vehicles wishing to make the trip up Mount Blue Sky. A fee of $10 per personal vehicle and $3 per one-person motorcycle is levied for access. Reservations and additional information on visiting the iconic location can typically be found on Recreation.gov.
While the upper segment of the road was closed in early September, the lower portion had remained open until the recent closure. CDOT estimates that the road will reopen for the 2024 season on May 27, weather conditions permitting.
The renaming of Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky took place in mid-September. The mountain had been named after a former territorial governor involved in the indiscriminate murder of Native Americans over a century and a half ago. The new name, Mount Blue Sky, reflects a more inclusive representation of the region’s history and natural beauty.
This seasonal closure is in line with typical maintenance and safety protocols, aiming to ensure the well-being of both tourists and local residents who frequent the area for its unique blend of outdoor experiences and vistas. With the onset of colder weather and challenging road conditions, the closure is an essential step in preserving the safety and integrity of this beloved route. CDOT recommends visitors looking for high-altitude adventures to stay tuned for the road’s reopening in late spring of 2024.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
