Quick Info
From Denver: 45 miles, under 1 hour via I-70. Exit: 228 (Georgetown). No passes required: Before Eisenhower Tunnel. Year-round access: I-70 maintained in winter. Day trip friendly: Easy round trip from Denver.
Georgetown is one of the easiest mountain towns to reach from Denver. Located directly off I-70 before the Eisenhower Tunnel, you avoid the worst of ski traffic and don't need to cross any major passes. The drive takes under an hour in normal conditions.
From Denver
Distance: 45 miles. Time: 45-55 minutes in normal traffic.
Route: Take I-70 West from Denver. Pass through the Genesee and Floyd Hill curves, then continue past Idaho Springs. Exit 228 leads directly into Georgetown.
What to expect: The drive follows Clear Creek Canyon through increasingly dramatic scenery. Elevation climbs from 5,280 feet in Denver to 8,530 feet in Georgetown. Most vehicles handle this easily.
Traffic Considerations
Weekend ski traffic: I-70 West backs up on winter Saturday mornings as skiers head to the resorts. Georgetown is before the tunnel, so you'll hit some traffic but avoid the worst. Eastbound Sunday afternoons are brutal—the backup from the tunnel can extend past Georgetown.
Summer weekends: Less severe than ski season but still busy. Fall color weekends (late September) bring crowds to Georgetown specifically.
Best timing: Weekdays or early weekend mornings offer smooth drives. Avoid Sunday afternoon eastbound if possible.
From Denver International Airport
Distance: 70 miles. Time: 1.5 hours.
Route: Take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West. Follow I-70 through Denver and into the mountains to Exit 228.
Rental cars: Available at DEN. Any vehicle handles the interstate drive—no 4WD required for Georgetown itself.
From Ski Areas
From Loveland Ski Area
Distance: 12 miles. Time: 15 minutes.
Just east of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Quick drive down I-70 East to Georgetown.
From Breckenridge/Keystone
Distance: 35 miles. Time: 45 minutes.
Take I-70 East through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Exit 228.
From Winter Park
Distance: 45 miles. Time: 1 hour.
US-40 over Berthoud Pass to Empire, then I-70 East to Georgetown. Scenic but mountain pass required.
To Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass Road begins in Georgetown and crosses to Grant. From downtown, head south on Rose Street, which becomes the pass road.
Road conditions: Paved throughout. Passenger cars handle it in dry conditions. The pass closes in winter (typically November-May). See our Guanella Pass guide.
Tips
Georgetown is before the tunnel. You avoid the worst I-70 traffic by not going through Eisenhower Tunnel. This makes Georgetown notably easier to reach than destinations further west.
Check traffic before Sunday return. The CDOT app shows current conditions. Consider leaving Georgetown before 2pm or after 7pm to avoid the worst backup.
Gas up before leaving Denver. Georgetown has limited fuel options. Fill up in the metro area or Idaho Springs.
The drive is scenic. I-70 through Clear Creek Canyon features dramatic rock cuts and mountain views. It's a pleasant drive, not just a commute.
No chain requirements. Under normal conditions, the drive to Georgetown doesn't require chains or winter tires—though they're wise for Colorado winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
Not to reach Georgetown via I-70. Any car handles the interstate. For Guanella Pass in dry conditions, also fine. Winter mountain driving anywhere in Colorado benefits from AWD and good tires.
Is Georgetown a good day trip from Denver?
Excellent. Under an hour each way leaves plenty of time for the Loop Railroad, downtown exploration, and a meal. One of the easiest mountain day trips available.
How bad is I-70 traffic?
Variable. Winter ski weekends are worst. Georgetown's advantage is being before the Eisenhower Tunnel, so you miss the most severe backup. Sunday eastbound is always challenging.
Is there public transportation?
Limited. Bustang runs from Denver's Union Station to ski areas but doesn't stop in Georgetown. A car is effectively required.
What about the express lane?
I-70 Mountain Express Lane operates westbound on busy mornings and eastbound on busy afternoons. It can save significant time but has tolls. Georgetown exit is accessible from the express lane.