Quick Info
14ers nearby: Grays, Torreys, and Bierstadt. Access: Guanella Pass and Stevens Gulch trailheads. Season: June-October for most trails. Difficulty range: Easy lake hikes to challenging peak climbs.
Georgetown sits at the gateway to some of Colorado's most accessible high-country hiking. Three 14ers—Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, and Mount Bierstadt—are reachable from nearby trailheads. Alpine lakes, scenic passes, and wilderness await less than an hour from Denver.
The proximity to the Front Range makes this area popular. Expect crowds on summer weekends, especially on the 14ers. Start early for parking, weather, and solitude.
14ers Near Georgetown
Mount Bierstadt (14,060 ft)
Trailhead: Guanella Pass summit. Distance: 7 miles round trip. Gain: 2,850 feet.
One of Colorado's most popular 14ers due to relatively moderate difficulty and accessible trailhead. The trail is well-defined with no scrambling required. Crowds are significant on summer weekends—arrive before dawn for parking. See our Guanella Pass guide for access details.
Grays Peak (14,270 ft)
Trailhead: Stevens Gulch. Distance: 8 miles round trip. Gain: 3,000 feet.
The highest point on the Continental Divide. Class 1 trail with steady climbing. Often combined with Torreys Peak for a two-fer. The trailhead is accessible via a dirt road from Bakerville (just west of Georgetown on I-70).
Torreys Peak (14,267 ft)
From Grays: Add 1 mile and 700 feet. Direct: 8 miles round trip.
Connected to Grays by a scenic saddle. Most hikers summit both on the same day. The direct Kelso Ridge route adds Class 3 exposure—experienced climbers only.
Alpine Lake Hikes
Silver Dollar Lake
Trailhead: Guanella Pass Road. Distance: 4.6 miles round trip. Gain: 1,430 feet.
Beautiful alpine lake beneath the peaks. Moderate difficulty with rewarding scenery. Less crowded than the 14er trails.
Square Top Lakes
Trailhead: Guanella Pass summit. Distance: 5 miles round trip. Gain: 1,200 feet.
Alpine lakes in a dramatic cirque. The trail stays above treeline throughout. Can be combined with Bierstadt for ambitious hikers.
Clear Lake
Access: Via forest roads near Georgetown. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
A quieter option for those seeking alpine scenery without the 14er crowds. Research current road conditions before attempting.
Easier Options
Georgetown Lake Trail
Easy walk around the reservoir on the edge of town. Flat, family-friendly, with mountain views. Good for acclimatization before bigger hikes.
Lower Cabin Creek Trail
Moderate trail through forest with creek views. Less alpine grandeur but quieter than Guanella Pass area.
Tips
Start early—very early. 14er trailhead parking fills by 5-6am on summer weekends. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline. Plan to summit before noon.
Acclimate first. Georgetown is at 8,500 feet; trailheads are higher. If you're from sea level, give yourself a day to adjust before attempting a 14er.
Check conditions. Guanella Pass closes in winter. Snow lingers on high trails into June. Verify road and trail conditions before heading out.
Bring layers and water. Weather changes rapidly above treeline. Pack rain gear even on clear mornings. Carry more water than you think you need.
Respect the altitude. 14,000 feet affects everyone. Pace yourself, watch for symptoms of altitude sickness, and don't push through warning signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 14er is easiest near Georgetown?
Bierstadt is generally considered the most straightforward—good trail, no scrambling. Grays and Torreys are similar difficulty but slightly longer.
Can I hike Grays and Torreys in one day?
Yes, most hikers do both. The saddle between them is less than a mile. Expect 9-10 miles total with about 3,700 feet of gain.
When do trails open?
Lower trails open in May. Higher trails and Guanella Pass typically open in late May or early June. Snow can linger on north-facing slopes into July.
How crowded are these trails?
Very crowded on summer weekends. Weekdays and early/late season offer more solitude. The 14ers are among Colorado's busiest.
Is there parking at trailheads?
Limited lots fill early. Guanella Pass (Bierstadt) and Stevens Gulch (Grays/Torreys) both have parking, but arrive before dawn on weekends.