Mount Blue Sky

Mount Blue Sky is a mountain summit in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, rising 14,265 feet (4,349 meters) above sea level. The peak sits within the Mount Evans Wilderness and offers open views across the surrounding high plains and valleys of the Clear Creek County area.

The United States Board on Geographic Names changed the mountain's name in September 2023 following a recommendation from the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. This decision came after years of discussion about the previous naming and its relevance to the indigenous peoples of Colorado.

The name Mount Blue Sky was proposed by the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho, whose ancestors traveled these mountains long before European settlers arrived. The designation honors their spiritual connection to this part of the Rockies, which held importance for both tribes for centuries.

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway leads close to the summit and is known as the highest paved road in North America, ending at 14,130 feet (4,307 meters). Visitors should expect cool temperatures and thin air, and even in summer strong winds and sudden weather changes can occur.

Scientists conducted experiments on cosmic rays and high-altitude physics at the summit in the early 20th century, advancing particle physics research. The thin atmosphere and great elevation made the mountain an ideal location for this work, which later laid groundwork for modern particle detectors.