A very special place! The last time I was there was way back in 2013, when it was still called Mt. Evans. I only discovered the name change a few weeks ago. While researching that, I also discovered some changes in how the area is managed, so I thought I’d publish an update. Here’s some info for your browsing pleasure on this highest paved road in North America:
- Wikipedia article with general information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Blue_Sky
- USDA Forest Service Page for the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area & Scenic Byway: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28508
- Colorado Department of Transportation Mount Blue Sky page: https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways/north-central/mount-evans
- US Department of Interior notice of the name change: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/board-geographic-names-completes-renaming-mount-evans
I went through my archives and processed / reprocessed several images so I’d have some you haven’t seen for this post. This first photo is near the summit. The color version’s here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/34467852916/
Road narrows (Nikon D80, July 2007)The road’s a bit scary to drive and requires concentration, but I haven’t seen any news of automobiles accidents up there. There are a few guard rails in places, but not on most of the road. Going down was worse for me than going up. White knuckles and relief when we were finally done with the switchbacks.
Marmots are common on the mountain. This one was enjoying some sunshine on the side of the road.
Mount Blue Sky Marmot (Nikon D80, July 2007)You can catch lovely reflections and flowers at Summit Lake:
Summit Lake reflection (Nikon D80, July 2007)Mountain Goats are also common up there and they’re used to people, so you can get some pretty good photos of these sure footed wild animals.
Two young mountain goats (Nikon 7000, July 2011)I you decide to visit, please check the official websites for the latest information before you go. Reservations are required now and there’s construction planned that will block part or all of the road through 2025.
It’s a wonderful place – I need to go back! You can click on these photos to see larger versions on Flickr and you can view some of my other Mount Blue Sky photos in this folder: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/albums/72157627010365829/
On a side note: Lynn and I are just about done with our move. The new place is getting organized and I hope to get back out photographing some time soon.
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Stay positive, be kind, and take care of yourselves and each other. And if you can, make some photos!
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