Martha and I drove the 2014 Honda CR-V to check out Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans. Martha had read somewhere that the road would be shut down all of 2025 for road repairs so a visit was in order.
Mount Evans, the old name was chosen to recognize Colorado's second Territorial Governor: John Evans. He was the one who authorized the Sand Creek Indian Massacre. The name was changed in September of 2023. More info here: LINK
Blue Sky apparently honors both the Arapaho Tribe which refer to themselves as the Blue Sky People and the Cheyenne Tribe which has an annual Renewal of Life Ceremony called Blue Sky.
The weather was mostly cloudy and cool, especially at 14,000 feet, where the car's thermometer reported a brisk 43°F with strong breezes.
We figured it was a good omen when we spotted this local while approaching the summit's parking lot:
photo by Martha
We found a spot for the CR-V with no problems, the reservation system in place nowadays keeping the crowding conditions down.
A couple of selfies while we wandered about the "castle", the remnants of a restaurant from back in the 40s and which burned down in 1979.
Behind us is the tippy top of Mount Blue Sky.
You can hike it, we skipped it.
Castle remnants on the left, the observatory on right
photo by Martha
As we exited the ruins of the "castle", there were more locals posing for us tourists:
Here's some marmots we saw as we drove down from the summit towards Summit Lake:
At Summit Lake, we walked a short distance to check out the sights:
Yep, more Marmots, right on the trail!
photo by Martha
On the way further down:
photo by Martha
At one of the hairpin turn's apex
After a quick sack lunch in the Summit Lake parking lot we retraced our way back down the mountain to CO Hwy 103. We would end up taking Witter Gulch Road instead of I-70 back towards the Metro Denver area. Slower route but more scenic.
A good day of driving and spending time together.
6 comments:
Is that an interesting road for a sidecar with no heater?
Interesting wildlife photos, so close.
The road is just fine, CCjon, even with snow .... In fact the mountain is prettier coated with snow. You do have to dress warmly and have grip heaters and covers. Thanks.
I love the Mt Blue Sky locals. I have been up three times through the years and the locals are always the highlight of the trip. How far in advance did you get your reservation to enter?
I believe Martha got it two days out, Oz.
Love the animal shots, Dom. Nicely captured. Say hi to Martha. Cheers, SonjaM
Thanks, SonjaM....she says hey
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