Guanella Pass Scenic Byway – Georgetown to Grant, CO

Guanella Pass passes through two national forests on it’s way from I-70 to US 285. It begins in Georgetown, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest and climbs to 11,669 feet in 12 miles. After the summit, it crosses into the Pike National Forest, before ending in Grant.

It’s breathtaking the whole way and definitely worth a trip, which takes about an hour. September and early October are two of the most popular times to drive the pass, with beautiful fall foliage everywhere. Both sides of the pass offer something unique, with plenty of forests and mountains to explore.

National Scenic Byway b/w I-70 and Hwy 285

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway — Summit of Guanella Pass; Mt Bierstadt in distance.

Guanella Pass is a remarkable drive between two major highways. This national scenic byway connects I-70 and Georgetown, to the north, with Highway 285 and Grant, to the south.

It begins directly from downtown Georgetown and quickly climbs in 12 miles to its summit at 11,669 feet. The whole drive to Grant takes about an hour.

Camping and hiking are the main activities on the byway. Mount Bierstadt (14,065′) is one of the easier 14’ers in the state to hike and is accessible from the Summit Area of the pass. The three mile trail to the top takes 3 to 6 hours roundtrip. Mt Evans is another 14’er with a trail from the pass. You can also drive up Mt Evans.

Highlights on Guanella Pass

Guanella Pass Georgetown CO Aerial — Looking down on Georgetown around sunset.

(north to south)

Georgetown & Georgetown Lake
Silverdale Interpretive Site
Clear Lake & Campground
Silver Dollar Lake Trailhead
Guanella Pass Campground
Guanella Pass Trailhead
Duck Creek Picnic Area
Geneva Park Campground
Burning Bear Campground
Abyss Trailhead
Three Mile Trailhead
Whiteside Picnic Area
Grant

Activities near Guanella Pass

Guanella Pass Hike Colorado — Guanella Pass hike. Photo: Rob Lee

Biking – Some folks bike the pass.

Camping – There are four campgrounds on Guanella Pass, as well as lots of dispersed camping. There are two Arapaho National Forest campgrounds on the Georgetown side and two Pike National Forest on the Grant side.

Clear Lake CG – Closest to Georgetown, 8 sites, non-reservable
Guanella Pass CG – Just past Clear Lake CG, 18 sites, Reservations
Geneva Park CG – Grant side, 26 sites, Reservations
Burning Bear CG – Near Grant, 13 sites, Reservations
Dispersed camping is available just after Clear Lake Campground (about 10 minutes outside of Georgetown). There plenty of spots directly off the road, throughout the byway, except the summit area. There are also lots of free dispersed camping spots on both sides of the pass. Sites can be found within 5 minutes out of Georgetown.

Read about the Camping near Grant, around Guanella Pass.

Read about the Camping near Georgetown, around Guanella Pass.

Fishing – Georgetown Lake and Clear Lake are the closest to Georgetown. There’s also a few lakes along the pass.

Hiking – Beautiful trails are found dotted along the pass. Most of the big hikes though are at the summit. A 1/4 mile hike overlooks the valley.

At the top are big 13K-peaks and the 14,060 foot Mount Bierstadt. It’s a 3 mile hike (one-way) up 2,391 feet to the top of it.
Silver Dollar Lake is a 1.75 mile (one-way) hike from the top.

Horseback Riding – Horses are allowed on certain multi-use trails.

Hunting – Permitted in parts of the federal land during appropriate seasons.

OHV – There are several forest service roads that allow off highway vehicles.

Winter Recreation – The pass may close if there is avalanche risk. Otherwise trails are open to cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Getting There

Guanella Pass Road Closed Due to Snow Grant Side — End of the line; Guanella Pass seasonal road closure from Grant side. Photo: David Stillman

The pass is open year round, weather permitting. It does close in the winter sometimes. The 22 mile, 2WD route takes about an hour and is fine for all cars. From downtown Georgetown, take Co Rd 381/Gunella Pass Roadout of either the historic district or in ‘downtown’ Grant on Highway 285.

Aerial view of Georgetown from Guanella Pass Rd.