Guanella Pass is in central Colorado, 45 miles west of Denver. The byway’s northern access is in Georgetown and its southern in Grant. It is 22 miles long and follows Guanella Pass Road. The first ten miles from Georgetown is paved; the remaining is gravel. Large RVs or vehicles pulling trailers are not recommended on the byway. Guanella Pass is usually maintained year-round except for days following heavy snow. Caution should be exercised if traveling the byway in winter.
From an elevation of 8,500 feet in Grant, Guanella Pass climbs through Geneva Creek Canyon, passes Scott Gomer Creek Falls, and enters the large mountain meadow of Geneva Park. The park is surrounded by mountains exceeding 13,000 feet. Just beyond the park is a side trip worth taking. A rough road (recommended only for high-clearance vehicles) leads to the townsite of Geneva City. The remains lie in a basin near the headwaters of Geneva Creek where cabins and mills dot the landscape. The townsite is on private property; take only pictures. Also, the road to the townsite is popular with mountain bikers; please use caution!
Perhaps the highlight of the byway is the summit of Guanella Pass where travelers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Hiking enthusiasts gather here to begin their exploration of nearby Mount Evans Wilderness. It also attracts cross-country skiers in winter. Once beyond the summit, the byway descends into Georgetown with South Clear Creek flowing alongside.
Gold mining lured prospectors to Georgetown in 1859, but silver became the town’s claim to fame. Georgetown was known as the “Silver Queen” and once boasted of more than 5,000 residents. Over 200 Victorian structures were built during the silver mining boom. The Georgetown Silver Plume Mining District is a National Historic Landmark.