June 10, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
Heathers parents were in town, and we decided to take a drive up to Mt. Evans (Mount Blue Sky). It is the highest peak in the Mount Evans Wilderness along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and the 14th tallest 14er in Colorado. In March 2022, there was an approval to rename the peak to Mount Blue Sky. This was due to the negative associations of territorial Governor John Evans and his involvement with the Sand Creek Massacre. At this point, June 2023, I don’t think anything has moved forward yet with the official name change, but I would assume it will happen soon. For the rest of this blog, I am going to refer to it as Mount Blue Sky.
A friend recommended taking State Highway 103 up to Echo Lake instead of I-70 to Idaho Springs and up, so we ventured up that way for something different. We were very surprised as to how many bicyclists were making that long grueling peddle up the mountain. There seemed to be at least a hundred or more. I later heard that they may have been training for the Triple Bypass bike ride coming up in July. Good luck to them, not something that I will be attempting.
Driving up to Mount Blue Sky is an exhilarating adventure that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and offers the opportunity to witness the majestic wildlife that calls this mountainous region home. Keep in mind that there is a timed entry that needs to be purchased and the cost of getting into the park. As you ascend the winding roads, a sense of anticipation builds, knowing that you’re about to embark on a memorable journey filled with stunning sights and encounters with nature. But maybe that’s just the lack of oxygen affecting your head? In fact, that can be an issue for some. We recommend if you are taking friends and family from out of town, you might want to stop and pick up a can of the Boost oxygen, just in case. Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. There are no stores or visitor centers in the area that sell it, so pick it up in town beforehand. Maybe at one time they did at the Echo Lake Lodge, but they have been closed and not sure if and when they will reopen.
Upon reaching the lower elevations of Mount Blue Sky, we already started spotting some mountain goats and bighorn sheep dotting the rugged terrain. In fact, there were a lot of them standing on the road eating something off the road. These remarkable creatures, perfectly adapted to the high altitudes, gracefully navigate the rocky slopes, displaying their impressive agility and resilience. As you continue your ascent, the sightings become more frequent, and you can’t help but marvel at their beauty and the way they effortlessly blend into their surroundings and easily travers the rocky terrain. Keep your eyes out for the marmots too, they are the large ground squirrels running around in the rocks.
The drive itself is an adventure in its own right. The road to the top of Mount Blue Sky is the highest paved road in North America, (5th highest in the world). The road winds its way up to an elevation of over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) and is only open in the summer. The mountain itself tops out at 14,271-foot (4,350 m), almost 9,000 feet higher than Denver. As you ascend, the air becomes crisper, and the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panorama of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and shimmering alpine lakes. The awe-inspiring views serve as a constant reminder of the raw power and beauty of nature.
Reaching the summit of Mount Blue Sky is a truly remarkable experience. As you step out of your vehicle, you’re greeted by the cool crisp air and the remnants of the historic Summit House, a once-thriving restaurant that stood proudly at the top. Although the building was destroyed by fire in the 70’s and never rebuilt, its remnants offer a glimpse into the past. A reminder to visitors of the mountain’s rich history and the human endeavor to conquer its heights.
To the northwest of the ruins and parking lot is a short but rewarding hike that awaits those who seek an even more panoramic view. The trail to the very top takes you along a well-marked path, guiding you through alpine tundra, wildflowers, and the occasional marmot scurrying across the rocks. But during our visit, there was still about 2 feet of snow still covering the path and it made for a slippery hike up to the top. Might have been a good idea to bring hiking poles and shoe spikes to help with that. As you ascend, the surrounding peaks seem to shrink in comparison to the vast expanse unfolding before your eyes.
Finally, standing at the summit of Mount Blue Sky, you are treated to a truly humbling experience. The world stretches out in all directions, with distant mountain ranges, deep valleys, and endless sky merging into a symphony of natural beauty. The thin air and the sense of accomplishment fill you with a profound appreciation for the grandeur of the mountains and the resilience of the wildlife that thrives in such extreme conditions.
As you make your descent back down the mountain, you carry with you the memories of the mountain goats and bighorn sheep, the remarkable views from the summit, and the sense of wonder that comes from being in the presence of such untouched natural splendor. The journey up to Mount Blue Sky is not just about reaching the top; it’s about immersing yourself in the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains and connecting with the untamed spirit of the wilderness.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
