Perched high in the sky at 14,265 feet, the mountain formally known as Mt. Evans stands as one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers. This specific mountain is one of the most well-known in Colorado because it’s one of two 14ers that visitors can drive to the top of. 

The drive itself is an adventure, winding through alpine forests and past serene mountain lakes, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even see glimpses of wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep. As you drive to the top of the winding road, the air grows thinner, and the view becomes more and more dramatic. For many, the experience of standing on the summit, gazing over the vast expanse of the Rocky Mountains, is an unbeatable rush. 

Yet, beyond its physical beauty and tourist appeal, Mt. Evans carries a historical weight, one that has recently promoted significant change: its renaming to Mt. Blue Sky. 

The Man Behind the Mountain
In 1895, the mountain was officially named “Mount Evans” after John Evans, a figure in Colorado’s early history, serving as the territory’s second governor from 1862 to 1865, states the U.S. Forest Service. 

However, his tenure is marred by controversy, particularly his association with the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. During this massacre, Cheyenne and Arapaho people were attacked by Colorado militia, resulting in the death of over 150 Native Americans, who were primarily women, children, and the elderly. 

Despite the gravity of the event, Evans was never formally held accountable, though he was eventually forced to resign as governor. 

A Movement for Change
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to re-evaluate place names and monuments that honor figures with controversial or painful legacies. In Colorado, this movement gained momentum, particularly among the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who called for the renaming of Mt. Evans as a step towards healing and recognition of historical injustices. 

“It’s hard and it’s tragic because those generations would have lived and would have grown,” says Governor Reggie Wassana of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. 

The push for renaming is about honoring the full history of the region, including the voices and experiences of its Native inhabitants. This sentiment was echoed by various stakeholders, including historians, local officials, and community leaders, who supported the idea that place names should reflect shared values of respect and inclusivity. 

According to Rocky Mountain PBS, “The Arapaho, Cheyenne and Wilderness Society petition to change the name includes a statement signed by Evans in 1864: ‘I, John Evans, governor of Colorado Territory, do issue this my proclamation, authorizing all citizens of Colorado, either individually or in such parties as they may organize, to go in pursuit of all hostile Indians on the plains…to kill and destroy, as enemies of the country, wherever they may be found, all such hostile Indians.’”

After years of advocacy and discussion, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially approved the name change to Mt. Blue Sky in 2023. It was chosen to honor the Arapaho people, who are known as the Blue Sky People, and the Cheyenne tradition of the Blue Sky ceremony, an important cultural and spiritual event. 

“It was something that fit both tribes perfectly… It fit the mountain as well,” Wassana says. “Since we’re Cheyenne and Arapaho, we have two languages… We wanted everyone to agree.” 

With the renaming of Mt. Evans to Mt. Blue Sky, a new chapter in Colorado’s history is written. As visitors continue to journey to the summit of this majestic peak, they now do so with a renewed understanding of its deeper significance–a symbol of reconciliation and a tribute to the enduring cultural heritage of the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes. 

The drive to its summit, the encounters with wildlife, and the panoramic views remain as captivating as ever.