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Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Explore Colorado's flora and fauna at its best. Start your tour at the historic silver mining town of Georgetown. Here, Guanella Pass zigzags up the mountainside. Observe mule deer grazing in small meadows and big horn sheep butting heads to show their dominance.The paved road takes you south to the town of Grant as you pass through spruce, lodgepole pine and aspen forests. A sparkling creek snakes its way along the road with trout playing in the water. As the road climbs its way up the 11,700-foot pass, the forest is full of willows and miniature alpine wildflowers. Several adventurous hiking trails branch out from this byway, offering both summer and winter recreational opportunities. The Mount Evans Wilderness borders the whole east side of the road. Only foot traffic is allowed in the wilderness and all dogs must be on a leash. Descending down the south side of this winding road, Guanella Pass brings you back to civilization at the town of Grant. Here the byway and Highway 285 intersect. Camping and parking along this road is only allowed in Forest Service campground and designated campsites that are signed with "Parking" and "Tent" symbols. Forest Service roads 118E and 119 are the only locations you can disperse camp within the Guanella Pass corridor.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Heavy |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Parking, Camping and Campfire regulations in effect to help protect the watershed. Park in designated (signed) pullouts or in the designated trailhead parking areas. Camp in Forest Service developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed in designated campsites along Forest Service road 118E and 119. Designated camping sites are signed with "Parking" and "Tent" symbols. Forest Service roads 118E and 119 are the only locations you can disperse camp within the Guanella Pass corridor. Campfires allowed in Forest Service developed campgrounds or designated campsites along Forest Service Road 118E and 119 when fire restrictions are nto in place. Please check the Clear Creek and Park County websites for other local fire restrictions. |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toliet at trailheads |
General Information
Directions: From I-70: Take the Georgetown exit. Following the signs for Guanella Pass through the town. From Hwy 285: Drive through Grant and head north through Guanella Pass.Activities
Scenic Driving
Explore Colorado's flora and fauna at its best. Start your tour at the historic silver mining town of Georgetown. Here, Guanella Pass zigzags up the mountainside. Observe mule deer grazing in small meadows and big horn sheep butting heads to show their dominance.The paved road brings travelers south to the town of Grant through spruce, lodgepole pine and aspen forests. A sparkling creek snakes its way along the road with trout playing in the water. As the road climbs its way up the 11,700-foot pass, the forest is full of willows and miniature alpine wildflowers. Several adventurous hiking trails branch out from this byway, offering both summer and winter recreational opportunities. Descending down the south side of this winding road, Guanella Pass brings you back to civilization at the town of Grant. Here the byway and Highway 285. Parking and camping is in designated areas only.
| Pavement Type for Parking | Gravel |