Colorado Scenic Byways Map
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Starting in historic Georgetown, this byway travels south to Grant for 22 miles. But don't be fooled, although it's not a long distance, it can take hours to travel this road. Newly paved, this pass is a must drive.
The Pass may be closed during winter for bad weather.
Georgetown offers a glimpse into Colorado's past; once a silver mining mecca, the town has preserved many of its old buildings and converted them to museums. Carriage rides take visitors on a tour of downtown.
The byway travels alongside South Clear Creek and South Platte River where there are various picnic areas to stop for lunch or wait until you get to Grant. Just a little ways south along Highway US 285 is the famous Coney Island Hotdog Stand. Stop in for a lunch or dinner after your trip, you probably deserve it!
Things to do in the area include: the Georgetown Loop Railroad, hot springs in Idaho Springs 13 miles to the north, and trailheads for vacationers to mountain bike, hike, fish, and ATV.
Location: Take I-70 west of Denver to Exit 228 in Georgetown; follow signs for Guanella Pass from the Gateway Visitors Center.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do
Mountain Lodging along the river in Platte Canyon, Bailey, CO is on US HWY 285, close to Denver. Lodge suites: comfortable, two-room, fireplaces, WiFi, fishing. Heated swimming pool! Romantic in Winter!
Bear Mountain Stables offers private guided horseback trail rides - 6 riders. We love birthdays! Nestled in the mountains secluded pine and aspen forests, rock outcroppings. Conifer is 20 minutes from Denver.
Fun for the whole family in Georgetown: the Capital Prize, an authentic underground 1800s mine, is 35 miles from Denver! A unique tour through a fully operational gold mine, see how miners strike GOLD!
Near Bailey, a National Historic Site on South Platte River, 45 miles SW of Denver. Rustic mountain cabins - open all year surrounded by Pike National Forest. Pets are welcome at Glen-Isle Resort Lodge.
RV and Tent sites in the mountains above Denver at Idaho Springs RV Resort Campground, enjoy great access to the Scenic Byways: Mt Blue Sky and Guanella Pass, and Loveland Ski Area. Dogs welcome!
More Activities & Information
Bailey & Pine Area, Colorado includes: Conifer, Grant, Pine, Shawnee
Denver Mountain Area, Colorado includes: Black Hawk, Central City, Empire, Evergreen, Genesee, Georgetown, Golden Mountains, Idaho Springs, Idledale, Morrison