Guanella Pass

The view of Georgetown, CO from 

Guanella Pass

Living in Colorado my entire life, I had never driven over Guanella Pass. Guanella Pass goes between Highway 285 at Grant and I-70 at Georgetown. I have spent plenty of time in Georgetown and have driven past the turn off for Guanella Pass in Grant more times than I can count. I have always said that someday I would check it out, and after years of saying that, I finally took the scenic detour that is Guanella Pass.

After spending the night at Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs 'the other half' and I spent some time in Georgetown before heading over the pass. Although the pass is only about 24 miles, it takes probably about an hour, if you don't stop.

One of the many gorgeous views on 

Guanella Pass

But, with all of the gorgeous views you're bound to want to stop at least a couple of times. There are several lakes, ponds, streams and waterfalls along the way. There are also aspen trees most of the way making it a great trip in the fall when the leaves are changing, I'm already planning another trip that way in the fall.

Guanella Pass Summit

At the summit there is a parking area, hiking trails ans an amazing view of Sawtooth Ridge, and while climbing is not really my area of expertise, if you are interested this article from 14ers.com is a good resource for climbing in this area.

An unpaved section of Guanella Pass (through my very cracked windshield) 

On the Grant/Highway 285 side of the pass a good portion of the pass isn't paved and the part that was paved wasn't very well maintained.

To get to Guanella Pass from Georgetown take Rose St. (which is the main street through town) and at the south end of town Rose St ends and there is a sign for Guanella Pass Rd.

From Grant there are clearly marked signs along Highway 285.