Camper submitted image from Guanella Pass Scenic Byway - 1

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Roads

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Water

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Facilities

Established Camping

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

8 Reviews

About

USDA Forest Service

The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, can be accessed from either Grant or Georgetown. The south side of the Byway is located on the Pike National Forest/South Platte Ranger District and provides access to several hiking trails: Geneva Creek Trail (#697), Whiteside Trail (#697.A), Threemile Trail (#635), Burning Bear Trail (#601), Abyss Lake Trail (#602) South Park Trail (#600), Rosalie Trail (#603) and Bierstadt Trail (#711). There is also a short interpretive trail with a good viewpoint at the Guanella Pass summit. This is accessed from the west end of the upper/west parking area. Developed campgrounds include Burning Bear and Geneva Park. The north side of the byway is located on the Arapaho National Forest/Clear Creek Ranger District and provides access to hiking trails including Silver Dale Townsite Historic District, and Silver Dollar Lake Trail (#79). Developed campgrounds include Clear Lake and Guanella Pass.

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Location

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is located in Colorado

Directions

1) Drive west from Denver on US Hwy 285 for approximately 40 miles to Grant. Turn right on to Park County Route 62. Drive north 13.5 miles to Guanella Pass. 2) Drive west from Denver on Interstate 70. Exit at Georgetown. Follow Clear Creek County Route 381 south 11 miles to Guanella Pass.

Coordinates

39.59495538 N
105.71098075 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

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Magambi ..

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2023

Guannella Pass Campground North Of Here

The map shows the Guanella Pass Campground north of here, but it is not listed on The Dyrt as a campground. Nice campground with several First Come First Served sites. Cost is ~$15 I think. Limited facilities with manual water pump.

Month of VisitJuly

Christina M.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2021

Closed

Currently closed, as of when we checked on Sept. 25, 2021.

Month of VisitOctober

Ian W.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2021

Dispersed Camping

Sept 2020 - I read multiple reviews that there were dispersed camping all along this stretch of road. Although this is true, there were no camping signs just about everywhere it looked like there was a good spot to pull off the road and camp. Ultimately I was able to back my SUV into a spot and make due for a couple of nights. Unfortunately there was a statewide fire ban which sucked so be sure to check on that before you go or be ok without. I was about a 1/4 of mile or so north of the Silver dollar Lake and Murray Lake trail (5/5👍). Right around that point is where I started to loose cell service. Overall this was a fairly good spot due to how close and easy it was to pop into Georgetown for supplies and the closeness to both the Mt Bierstadt Trail and the one mentioned above.

(4) View All

Holly K.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2019

Dispersed Camping Ban

Guanella pass was built with various dispersed camping sites. However, this past winter, city officials banned all dispersed camping.

There are two campgrounds you can use, but if you’re looking for dispersed camping this place is no longer an option.

So sad to see this change. This was my favorite location.

Anna R.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

One of my favorite spots we camped at during our Colorado trip!

Limited number of tent sites, which is wonderful, for privacy and enjoying peace and nature! Camp hosts were wonderful.

Site10

Month of VisitSeptember

(6) View All

Erika M.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

Great, but get there early!

The perfect spot to camp before climbing Mt Bierstadt! The main two campgrounds by the trailhead, one you hit coming up from Georgetown, the other closer to the trailhead fill up fast.

This year we noticed new signs not allowing car camping that were not there in 2017. It's all good if you hike in 1/4 mile though, there are a couple you can do that, but a lot back up to water. Overall beautiful place and easy drive.

SiteBackpacked in 1/4th mile off the pass.

Month of VisitJuly

Dave H.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2018

Great pass eat side of the dvide good 4 w

Heeling . Plenty of spots also abandoned mine at the top.

Month of VisitAugust

Mackenzie B.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

Dispersed camping right off the road

Easily one of my top favorite areas to camp for the scenery, hiking, and it’s free! There are tons of spots on the right and left side of the road to park and walk your campsite in. It does get a little windy through the Pass and afternoon storm clouds are common: I always bring a tarp for this place just in case. It is very shaded and full of trees wherever you end up. There is also a creek running through some of the sites if you can find them. Get up early and hike Mt Bierstadt or Silver Dollar Lake! Recommendation for dinner would be over the fire or back into town -The margaritas in Georgetown at Lucha are so tasty and the 7 different salsas are a must have app!

Month of VisitSeptember