Guides/Overland routes/Colorado
Overland route22 midifficulty: easy

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

RegionColoradoAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway — overland route near Georgetown, Colorado, Colorado
Photo by MichaelKirsh via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
22mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Any street-legal vehicle. Paved its full length since 2010. Closes seasonally with snow on the high stretch.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Drops out at the upper switchbacks; service in Georgetown and Grant.
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Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is a 22-mile paved highway over Guanella Pass at 11,669 feet, between Georgetown on I-70 and Grant on US-285. The route is the standard auto access to the Mount Bierstadt trailhead, one of the most-climbed 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. Pike-San Isabel and Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests cover the surrounding land.

The road was paved its full length in 2010, replacing the previous gravel surface. The high stretch closes seasonally with snow, typically from late October to mid-May. Most drivers run the byway in 90 minutes. There are no technical obstacles. The interest is the alpine scenery, the Mount Bierstadt access, and the proximity to Denver (under two hours).

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closures. The high stretch closes from late October through mid-May.
  • High elevation. The pass tops 11,669 feet. Watch for altitude effects.
  • Wildlife. Bighorn sheep and the occasional moose cross routinely.
  • Crosswinds at the pass. High-profile vehicles should reduce speed.
  • Mount Bierstadt crowds. Peak summer weekends see long lines for trailhead parking.

Location

22 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 39.596, -105.723

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townGeorgetown, Colorado
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r02/arapaho-roosevelt
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location39.596, -105.723

Getting there

Directions

From Denver / I-70 (north entrance). Take I-70 to Georgetown (Exit 228). Follow signs through town to Guanella Pass Road / FR 118.

From US-285 / Grant (south entrance). From US-285 at Grant, turn north on Guanella Pass Road / FR 118.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway runs north-south between Georgetown (on I-70 about an hour west of Denver) and Grant (on US-285 about an hour and a half from Denver). Pike-San Isabel National Forest's South Park Ranger District covers the southern half; Arapaho-Roosevelt's Clear Creek Ranger District covers the northern half. The pass crests at 11,669 feet on the broad shoulder between the Mount Bierstadt and Square Top Mountain massifs.

Trail Overview

Twenty-two miles, point-to-point, paved. The northern climb out of Georgetown gains about 3,000 feet to the pass; the southern descent drops about the same to Grant. The upper stretch above 10,500 feet runs through alpine willow-and-tundra meadows. There are no off-road sections.

Points of Interest

  • Mount Bierstadt trailhead. Adjacent to the pass parking area. The standard route up Mount Bierstadt (14,065 ft) leaves from here. Heavy summer-weekend use.
  • Guanella Pass (11,669 ft). The crest. Pullout with views of Bierstadt, the Sawtooth ridge, and Mount Evans.
  • Georgetown. Historic 1860s silver-mining town with the Georgetown Loop Railroad and a preserved Victorian downtown.
  • Bighorn sheep range. The corridor is core bighorn sheep habitat; sightings are common.
  • Naylor Lake. Privately owned but visible from a roadside pullout near the pass.

Where to Camp

The Guanella Pass corridor has three USFS developed campgrounds: Whiteside, Clear Lake, and Guanella. Dispersed camping is allowed on FS land off side roads with the standard 16-day stay limit. Georgetown has private campgrounds and motels; Grant has limited services.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • The Mount Bierstadt trailhead fills before sunrise on summer weekends. Arrive early or use a weekday.
  • The pass closes from late October through mid-May with snow. Confirm with the Clear Creek Ranger District (303-567-3000).
  • Combine with the Mount Evans Highway during summer for a high-passes day from Denver.
  • Top off in Georgetown or Grant. There is no fuel on the byway.
  • Bighorn sheep are the byway's signature wildlife. Reduce speed in their range.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Guanella Pass Scenic Byway?
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is rated easy. The route runs 22 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Guanella Pass Scenic Byway?
Any street-legal vehicle. Paved its full length since 2010. Closes seasonally with snow on the high stretch.
When is the best time to visit Guanella Pass Scenic Byway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Guanella Pass Scenic Byway?
Drops out at the upper switchbacks; service in Georgetown and Grant.