Denver Takes Control of Mount Blue Sky Summit Operations

The iconic mountain summit will reopen under new management with the city overseeing operations.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, geometric illustration in the style of A.M. Cassandre, featuring sweeping, streamlined forms in shades of blue, grey, and white that evoke the grand scale and majesty of a mountain landscape without any literal depiction of people, buildings, or text.The reopening of Denver's iconic Mount Blue Sky summit under new city management signals a shift towards sustainable outdoor recreation and community stewardship.Denver Today

The summit of Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, is set to reopen Memorial Day weekend after a two-year closure for repairs. Under a new agreement, the city of Denver will take responsibility for managing the welcome station, summit area, and Mount Goliath Natural Area, while the U.S. Forest Service will maintain a presence but receive a smaller share of revenue from park entry fees. The bulk of the revenue will now go to the city and the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation.

Why it matters

This shift in management control represents a significant change for one of Colorado's most popular and iconic mountain destinations. The city's increased involvement aims to improve operations, maintenance, and revenue sharing as the summit reopens to the public.

The details

The Denver City Council approved an agreement giving the city a new role in overseeing the former Mount Evans. Under the deal, Denver will take responsibility for managing the welcome station, the summit area, and the Mount Goliath Natural Area. Denver staff will be stationed at the welcome station and handle park maintenance, while city park rangers will assume authority across the affected areas. The U.S. Forest Service will maintain a presence on the mountain but will receive a smaller portion of the revenue generated from park entry fees, with the bulk of the funds now going to the city and the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation.

  • The summit of Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, is set to reopen Memorial Day weekend (May 26, 2026) after a two-year closure for repairs.
  • The new management agreement between Denver and the U.S. Forest Service was approved by Denver City Council in April 2026.

The players

Denver City Council

The legislative body of the city of Denver that approved the new management agreement for Mount Blue Sky.

U.S. Forest Service

The federal agency that will maintain a presence on the mountain but receive a smaller share of revenue from park entry fees under the new agreement.

Denver Mountain Parks Foundation

The nonprofit organization that will now receive a portion of the revenue generated from park entry fees at Mount Blue Sky.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The city of Denver and the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation will work to implement the new management plan and prepare for the summit's reopening to the public on Memorial Day weekend 2026.

The takeaway

The transfer of operational and financial control of Mount Blue Sky's summit to the city of Denver and the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation represents a significant shift in the management of this iconic Colorado destination. The goal is to improve operations, maintenance, and revenue sharing as the summit reopens after a two-year closure.