Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway Closes for Repairs

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (CO 5) will close to all forms of travel starting September 3, 2024, until Spring 2026 for extensive repairs on a 0.7-mile stretch near Summit Lake. The $7.5 million project aims to address road damage caused by permafrost melting underneath, which has resulted in a bumpy and hazardous driving surface. Motorists must secure timed reservations to access the road before its closure, with tickets for Labor Day weekend already sold out. While the road is closed, hiking trails such as Chicago Lakes and Bierstadt Trail will remain open, but hikers should be prepared for high alpine conditions without services. The road is expected to reopen on Memorial Day weekend 2026, contingent on conditions. The byway was recently renamed from Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky, reflecting a cultural recognition of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.