Mt. Blue Sky

Almost! Mount Blue Sky is home to the highest paved road in North America. You can drive the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (Highway 5) up to the upper parking lot at 14,130 feet, leaving just a short, 100+ foot walk up an established trail to reach the true summit. However, vehicle access is seasonal (typically Memorial Day through early October) and requires booking a timed-entry reservation ahead of time through Recreation.gov.

The Sawtooth Ridge is a notorious Class 3 scramble that connects Mount Blue Sky to neighboring Mount Bierstadt. Many endurance hikers park at Guanella Pass, climb Bierstadt first, and then cross the jagged, exposed ridge of the Sawtooth to bag Blue Sky on the same day. Crossing the Sawtooth requires using hands and feet on Class 3 terrain, making a climbing helmet and route-finding skills essential for a safe traversal. While not an overly difficult route, this traverse requires a lot of time and should only be done if you have some basic Class 3 scrambling skills. Don't be fooled by anyone who might tell you it's and easy hike. It's not. And you won't find a trail on the traverse across to The Sawtooth, just plenty of tedious work getting across this rocky ridge.

Because hundreds of vehicles drive to the top every day, the local populations of mountain goats and bighorn sheep have become dangerously habituated to humans. They will fearlessly approach vehicles, campsites, and hikers to lick salt from sweat-stained backpacks, car tires, and trekking poles. To prevent dangerous encounters or wildlife conflicts, you must keep a distance of at least 50 feet, never offer them food, and secure all personal gear. It's also important to know that dogs can chase wildlife. Dogs are allowed on Mount Bierstadt, but they are strictly required to be kept on a physical hand-held leash at all times. DO NOT even think about bringing your dog on the Sawtooth traverse route between Bierstadt and Blue Sky. :)

Originally named "Mount Rosalie" in 1863 by painter Albert Bierstadt, the mountain was officially renamed Mount Evans in 1895 to honor Colorado's second territorial governor, John Evans. However, because Governor Evans's executive orders directly led to the horrific Sand Creek Massacre of 1864—where U.S. cavalry slaughtered over 150 peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho people—the federal government stripped his name from the peak in September 2023. The new name, Mount Blue Sky, was chosen by tribal leaders to honor the Arapaho (known as the "Blue Sky People") and the sacred Cheyenne Blue Sky renewal ceremony.