Monarch Pass

Gunnison side of Monarch Pass

Monarch Pass is one of my favorite passes in Colorado. Monarch Pass is a stretch of Highway 50 going from just outside of Poncha Springs towards Gunnison and of course is home to Monarch Ski Area. Monarch Pass is known for being one of the most scenic passes in Colorado, although I'm not sure how you decide that in a state where every pass is scenic and gorgeous in its own way.

At the summit of Monarch Pass there is a visitor center with a gift shop and you can even take a gondola ride with views over 100 miles. The summit is also located along the continental divide.

Abandoned Madonna Mine near by Monarch Pass 

 Abandoned Madonna Mine near by Monarch Pass 

Abandoned Madonna Mine near by Monarch Pass 

One of my favorite sites from Monarch Pass is the abandoned Madonna Mine, Colorado is full of abandoned mines and Ghost towns, which always intrigue me. I just love the idea of the little glimpse of history that you get, it's like a little glimpse into the past.

No matter where you stop and look along Monarch Pass, you are sure to be greeted by spectacular views. But like most passes in the Colorado high country, be prepared for anything, even a snow storm in the middle of the summer.

Snow on Monarch Pass in the Summer

Never knowing the kind of weather that you are going to encounter in Colorado is just part of the adventure.

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.