Quick Info
Route: Georgetown to Grant, 22 miles. Summit: 11,669 feet. Status: Paved, passenger cars OK. Closed: Winter (typically November-May). Best for: Scenic drives, fall colors, 14er access.
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway connects Georgetown on I-70 to Grant on US-285, crossing the Continental Divide at 11,669 feet. The road is fully paved and accessible to regular vehicles—one of Colorado's most rewarding mountain drives without requiring a Jeep.
The pass offers easy access to Mount Bierstadt, one of Colorado's most popular 14ers, plus alpine lakes, fall colors, and views that justify the drive even without hiking.
The Drive
From Georgetown: Head south on Rose Street, which becomes Guanella Pass Road. The road climbs steadily through aspen groves and spruce forest before emerging above treeline near the summit.
Distance: 22 miles end-to-end. Allow 45-60 minutes for the drive without stops—longer if you're photographing or hiking.
Road conditions: Paved throughout. Some sections are narrow with pullouts. Passenger cars handle it fine in dry conditions. Watch for cyclists on summer weekends.
The summit: The pass tops out in alpine tundra with panoramic views. A parking area at the summit allows for short walks and photography.
Mount Bierstadt
The Guanella Pass trailhead provides access to Mount Bierstadt (14,060 feet), one of Colorado's most-climbed 14ers. The trail is relatively short and non-technical, making it popular with first-time peak-baggers.
Distance: 7 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 2,850 feet.
Difficulty: Class 1 hiking—no scrambling required. The altitude and distance still make it challenging for those unacclimated.
Parking: The Bierstadt trailhead lot fills early on summer weekends. Arrive by 5-6am to secure a spot. Overflow parking along the road adds walking distance.
Fall Colors
Guanella Pass is one of Front Range's premier fall color destinations. Massive aspen groves turn brilliant gold in late September, visible from the road and especially striking against dark evergreens.
Peak timing: Usually late September to early October. Conditions vary by year.
Best sections: The Georgetown side features the densest aspen stands. The stretch from town to treeline is spectacular at peak color.
Expect crowds: Fall weekends bring heavy traffic. The road is narrow with limited pullouts. Patience required.
Other Hiking
Square Top Lakes
Alpine lakes accessible from the summit area. Shorter than Bierstadt but above treeline throughout. Beautiful tundra scenery.
Silver Dollar Lake
Moderate hike to a picturesque alpine lake. Trailhead on the Georgetown side below the summit.
Mount Evans Wilderness
The pass borders wilderness with additional trail options for those seeking solitude beyond the popular routes.
Tips
Check road status before going. The pass closes for winter, typically November through May. CDOT provides current conditions.
Start early for Bierstadt. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Plan to summit by noon and be below treeline by early afternoon.
Bring layers. The summit is 11,600+ feet. Temperature drops significantly from Georgetown.
Watch for wildlife. Mountain goats frequent the Bierstadt area. Bighorn sheep occasionally appear near the road.
Make it a loop. Drive up from Georgetown, descend to Grant, and return via US-285 and I-70 for a scenic circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No. The road is paved and suitable for regular cars in dry conditions. Use caution in rain or if snow lingers on the edges.
When does the road close for winter?
Usually early November, reopening in late May. Exact dates depend on snowfall. Check CDOT for current status.
Is Mount Bierstadt good for beginners?
It's one of the easier 14ers—no scrambling, well-marked trail. But it's still a serious hike at altitude. Be prepared and start early.
How crowded is it?
Very crowded on summer weekends and during fall colors. Weekdays are quieter. The Bierstadt trailhead is especially busy—arrive before dawn for parking.
Can I camp along the road?
Dispersed camping is available in some areas. Established campgrounds exist near Georgetown. Check current regulations and restrictions.