Mount Evans Renamed, Closed to Riders until 2026
The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, formerly known as Mount Evans Scenic Byway, is set to close for a lengthy period due to extensive roadway repairs. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is a perennial favorite destination for motorcycle sport touring riders. The highest paved road in North America, this breathtaking ribbon of pavement climbs over 7,000 feet, surrounded by alpine vistas, reaching the summit recreation area at 14,130 feet. The road is narrow, with steep switchbacks that challenge even the most experienced rider. Summitting Mount Blue Sky in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is certainly a significant motorcycling accomplishment.
Improving Safety
The Federal Highway Administration’s Federal Lands Access Program is leading the construction project to repair and reconstruct approximately 0.7 miles of the roadway near the Summit Lake Parking Lot. The underlying roadway material has settled, and natural drainage patterns need to be restored to improve public safety and reduce ongoing impacts on the fragile alpine ecosystem.
Closed Through Memorial Day Weekend 2026
The closure is scheduled to begin on September 3, 2024, and will last until spring 2026. The area is expected to reopen around Memorial Day weekend in 2026, depending on weather conditions and construction progress.
For official timely updates on the state of the road and the construction project, visitors should check the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area webpage and the Federal Highway Administration Mount Blue Sky webpage.
Mount Evans Renamed Mount Blue Sky
In a significant move to address historical injustices, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially renamed Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky on September 15, 2023. The decision became final on January 20, 2025, following years of consideration and consultations with state, county, local, and Tribal governments.
Mount Evans was originally named after John Evans, the Territorial Governor of Colorado from 1862 to 1865, who was closely linked to the Sand Creek Massacre, a tragic event where U.S. soldiers attacked and killed many Native Americans. The new name, Mount Blue Sky, was chosen to honor the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes and to promote inclusivity and healing.
Plan This Epic Ride For 2026
No matter its official name, Mount Evans or Mount Blue Sky, you will always remember that last switchback as the summit approaches. Read more about this ride destination in [Riding Mount Evans], and for an extra challenge, consider Ride Pikes Peak and Mount Evans in a Day.
by Staff Writers
The American Sport Touring writing team is a diverse group of passionate riders and industry experts dedicated to delivering insightful, well-researched content. Our contributors—both within the organization and guest writers—bring deep firsthand experience in sport touring, motorcycle technology, and destination discovery and route planning. No matter the assignment, each upholds the American Sport Touring commitment to high-quality, informative, and trustworthy content.
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