Mt Evans
Drive North America's highest paved road to the summit of Mount Blue Sky, formerly Mount Evans, an hour from Denver.
About Mt Evans
Mount Blue Sky, known for more than a century as Mount Evans, is the fourteener you can see from much of Denver, rising above Clear Creek County in the Front Range. Colorado Highway 5 climbs about 15 miles from Echo Lake to a parking area just below the summit, and it has long been considered the highest paved road in North America.
Along the way you pass the ancient bristlecone pines of the Mount Goliath Natural Area, the tundra and tarn of Summit Lake, and finally the stone ruins of the Crest House near the top. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common along the upper road.
The road is a summer-only affair and requires a timed reservation. It reopened on Memorial Day weekend 2026 after a long construction closure, so check the current season before you go.
A 5.2-mile out-and-back near Georgetown with a lake along the route, rated difficult and used for both hiking and rock climbing. Best April through November, dogs welcome on leash — mountain goats are a realistic sighting near the summit road, so it's worth carrying a telephoto even on a hiking-focused day.
History
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names renamed the peak Mount Blue Sky on September 15, 2023. The old name honored territorial governor John Evans, who bore responsibility for the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho people; the new name was proposed by the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.
The Crest House, a summit restaurant and gift shop built in 1941-1942, burned on September 1, 1979; its stone walls remain as a windbreak and viewpoint. Echo Lake, dammed by a glacial moraine, and Summit Lake are both Denver Mountain Parks, and a bristlecone grove on Mount Goliath includes trees well over 1,500 years old.
Photographing Mt Evans
Best light: Sunrise is the classic shoot: the summit and the plains to the east catch first light while Denver sits in shadow below. Check the road's current gate hours before planning a pre-dawn drive. Late July and August bring tundra wildflowers around Summit Lake, and evening light warms the west faces of the bristlecones on Mount Goliath.
Shots to look for
- Mountain goats on the rocks near Summit Lake or the upper switchbacks, with a 100-400mm to keep a respectful distance
- Summit Lake from its eastern shore with the cirque walls of Mount Blue Sky reflected on a still morning
- Twisted bristlecone pines on the Mount Goliath trails as gnarled foreground against distant peaks, wide angle at low height
- The Crest House ruins framed against a sea of clouds or the Front Range skyline from the summit parking area
- Echo Lake at the bottom of the road at golden hour, with forested shoreline reflections
Photo tips
- Reservations are capped by hourly time slots; most open 30 days ahead and a share open two days ahead, so plan early for sunrise.
- It is far colder and windier on top than in Denver; bring gloves and a sturdy tripod or a beanbag.
- Give goats and bighorn sheep plenty of space and never feed them; a telephoto is the right tool here.
- Afternoon lightning is common in summer; the summit and road are fully exposed.
- Drones are not permitted in wilderness, which surrounds much of the road; check the boundary before flying.
Know before you go
- A timed-entry reservation is required to drive beyond the welcome station; book on Recreation.gov.
- The road is open only in summer and was closed from late 2024 until Memorial Day weekend 2026 for repairs; confirm current status.
- Altitude above 14,000 ft can cause headaches and shortness of breath; move slowly and hydrate.
- The upper road is narrow with steep drop-offs and few guardrails; drive slowly and watch for cyclists.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a reservation to drive Mount Blue Sky?
Yes. A timed reservation from Recreation.gov is required to drive past the welcome station; in 2026 the fee is $20 per vehicle. Cyclists and pedestrians enter free.
Why was Mount Evans renamed?
In 2023 it was renamed Mount Blue Sky because John Evans was held responsible for the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre. The new name was proposed by the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.
When is the Mount Blue Sky road open?
Only in summer, typically from late May into early fall. After a construction closure, it reopened Memorial Day weekend 2026; check Denver Parks and Recreation for current dates.
Featured in: Colorado 14ers: Hiking and Photography Guide · Where to Photograph Wildlife in Colorado
Combine it with
Echo Lake · Mount Goliath Natural Area · Chicago Lakes · Idaho Springs
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · coloradosun.com · denvergazette.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.