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Established Camping

Guanella Pass

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Guanella Pass, near Georgetown, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some nestled right by a serene creek, providing a soothing backdrop for your stay.

Visitors rave about the well-maintained pit toilets and the availability of drinking water, making it a comfortable choice for campers. The area is known for its stunning forest setting, with plenty of aspen trees and beautiful mountain views that create a picturesque environment. One camper noted, “The creek gives off a beautiful white noise for those that are close to it,” which adds to the tranquil atmosphere.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Guanella Pass is a gateway to adventure. It’s conveniently located near the Bierstadt trail, perfect for those looking to tackle one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. Plus, the road biking route along Guanella Pass is a hit with cyclists. Just a short drive down the hill, Georgetown offers additional amenities and supplies, making it easy to stock up before heading back to your campsite.

While weekends can get busy, many campers find that weekdays offer a quieter experience. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, Guanella Pass provides a beautiful setting to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Guanella Pass is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-25 in Denver, take I-70 West to Georgetown Exit 228. Go south on County Road 381 (Guanella Pass Scenic Byway) for 9 miles. From Denver take Highway 285 to Grant. Turn right (north) on to Park County Road 62. Drive approx. 14.5 miles to the campground.

Coordinates

39.6127778 N
105.7161111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

19 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2021

Favorite Campground on the Pass

I absolutely love this campground. There are two loops on either side of the main road and I recommend the one by the creek. There are 4 sites that are down by the creek in the trees that are walk-in only but have the most space between them and are right on the creek. They are my favorite spots on site.

There are pit toilets available that are well maintained and there is water access. There is also a dumpster for trash. This site is better for large rigs too. There are multiple sites where you can easily back right in.

It is really quiet at night and the creek gives off a beautiful white noise for those that are close to it. This campground is very busy during the weekends in Colorado but you can most likely find a spot any day during the week.

This area is an absolutely gorgeous forest setting and is totally what you might have imagined for a Colorado camping experience. Easy access to the Bierstadt trail if you are a 14er hiker and a really fun road bike route up and down Guanella Pass. You are also less than 20 mins from Georgetown so it is also a good spot for you to have a basecamp.

Site15
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Hayley K., November 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Hayley K., November 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Hayley K., November 22, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2021

Guanella

We parked our sprinter here for a couple of weeks while Climbing in the alpine Great campground for All types .

Sitecampgrounds
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

Aspen Trees galore!!

Very lovely area to camp. Camping areas are not so far out that you feel lost in the woods, camping amongst others at a good enough distance to feel safe in the area you are in. Just a short hike either way and you're by the river.

  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Sarah M., June 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Sarah M., June 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Sarah M., June 17, 2019
Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Beautiful, next to river, dispersed camping.

Many dispersed camping sites. So No facilities. Lots of trees. Some spots right by river! Absolutely beautiful! Can sometimes be crowded. Road can be treacherous and hurt my car. Lots of construction going on Guanella pass and Clear Lake Campground this year. Clear Creek closed for 2019.

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

CLOSED

This site has been officially closed due to overuse and understaffing. Great campsite when it isn't closed and one of my favorites in Colorado.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 14, 2018

beautiful

we did some dispersed camping. it was quiet, serene, and gorgeous. The temperature dropped a bit more than we anticipated but stuck it out. I can't wait for it to warm up some more to try it again.

  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Erica S., May 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Erica S., May 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Erica S., May 14, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2018

Gorgeous but rotted road

Guanella pass was my families favorite place to camp for years. We finally had to stop going due to the road through the campground was rotted out due to water and drainage. You almost needed a four wheel drive just to drive through the campground. We stayed in our trailer in site 17 and then in tent sites 11 and 12 which were down by the river. If they ever fix the road we will be back.

Site11,12,17
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Jim W., January 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Jim W., January 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Jim W., January 7, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2017

Dispersed camping

I would definitely recommend camping here if you're looking to camp somewhat close to Denver. There are a lot of dispersed sites to choose from while driving Guanella Pass that I was able to be picky. I found an excellent spot right along the creek with a mountain view. Everything about the campsite was serene and it was the perfect setting to throw back some beers and build a fire. The only reason I did not give this area 5 stars is because the sites are close to the road. There wasn't much traffic that I could hear, I just enjoy letting my dog off-leash and was too nervous to do so. Most of the dispersed areas start after the first actual "campsite" and have little pull-offs for your car. I saw sites with 4 cars and multiple tents and others with just one car and one tent, this area has a site for all. Hope this helps someone decide to camp here, enjoy!!!!

SiteBy mile marker 17
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Paige S., August 24, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Paige S., August 24, 2017
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2017

Guanella Pass - Dispersed

Guanella pass has great dispersed camping near Denver. There's a few sites beside the road but those fill up quickly. If you've got a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, turn onto Leavenworth Creek Rd (352) from Guanella Pass. Drive about 3 miles and you'll be in a valley. There's a road you can turn left on in the valley that goes through the creek. After you drive through the creek the road goes up and there are some switchbacks. There are multiple dispersed campsites back there with fire rings. Overall, awesome dispersed camping and 4x4 roads. We saw a moose!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Karl G., August 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Karl G., August 11, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2017

A campground that will take your breath away...and your blood!

We LOVED Guanella Pass Campground! It was surrounded by beauty that was breathtaking! But make sure you bring bug spray. The mosquitoes are out in full force and they're huge!

Other than the mosquitoes, we have no complaints. Our site was near a creek that was fun to explore and the woods all around also held adventure. The campground was very clean and well-kept. The byway is pretty close but you couldn't see or hear much from it because of all the trees and brush and the creek. The wildflowers were gorgeous and the views just stunning.

We have this on our list of places to camp again!

Site16
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Cynthia W., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Cynthia W., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Cynthia W., July 29, 2017
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2017

Dispersed site

Turned off Guanella Pass and did dispersed camping. Found a great spot near the stream. Saw a moose run along the stream. Loved camping up there! So peaceful and beautiful!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Laura J., July 3, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Laura J., July 3, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Laura J., July 3, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2017

Beautiful Area with 14er Access

Camp here to hike one of Colorado's most climbed 14ers, Mt. BIERSTADT. This pass can get CROWDED so plan to leave Denver early on a Friday.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Mikaela R., July 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Mikaela R., July 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Mikaela R., July 1, 2017
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2017

Good spots right on the road

Guanella Pass is a great place to pull over and set up your tent if you're hiking off of the pass (Mt. Bierstadt, etc) or are heading through Georgetown and looking for a place to camp for free! In the late summer nights most easily accessible sites will be snagged but you can always park and walk up or down the hill to find a spot. Looking in the dark is tough, try to arrive before nightfall!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Madison G., June 22, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Madison G., June 22, 2017
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Madison G., June 22, 2017
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 28, 2017

Classic Colorado beauty close to Denver

There are some excellent trails starting very close to the campground, many going along the continental divide. This is a small campground that will fill up nearly every day since it’s so beautiful here all year. You can reserve in advance; do so if possible. Water and vault toilets are provided, you can buy firewood, and the site is nice and basic. Sites are pretty private thanks to underbrush and the little creek adds a lot to the charm of this campsite.

Reviewed Mar. 21, 2017

Great roadside stops to suit your camping needs!

Whether you've got a 2-person tent or a whole corral, plenty of options here and all with great views. Watch for drainage flow paths during spring so that you don't wake up in a temporary river or mud bog. Other than that enjoy the short drive from denver, fantastic hikes at all skills levels nearby and of course chilling in Georgetown!

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2016

Great spot for Hiking

I camped here for the night and hiked square top lakes early the next morning. Absolutely beautiful. Highly suggest going around wild flower season.

  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Tarah W., June 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Guanella Pass by Tarah W., June 13, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots on Guanella Pass?

Guanella Pass offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Many prime spots are located directly beside the road as you drive along the pass, though these fill up quickly, especially on weekends. For more secluded options, look for sites along the creek that offer mountain views and peaceful settings. Some campers prefer the valley area off Leavenworth Creek Road where you'll find more dispersed sites. During high season, consider arriving early on Friday to secure a good location, as the most accessible spots are typically claimed first. The areas with streams running beside them are particularly desirable for their natural beauty and ambient sound.

What amenities are available at Guanella Pass Campground?

Guanella Pass Campground offers basic amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. The campground provides vault toilets and potable water for campers. Sites vary in size, accommodating everything from small tents to larger camping setups. Many spots feature fire rings for campfires, though always check current fire restrictions. The campground is situated near a creek, providing both scenic value and a water feature for exploration. No electrical hookups or shower facilities are available. The natural setting is the main amenity, with beautiful surroundings and access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

What are the regulations for camping on Guanella Pass?

Camping regulations at Guanella Pass include staying within designated dispersed areas or the established campground. The official campground requires reservations during peak season, so booking in advance is highly recommended. For dispersed camping, follow standard Forest Service rules: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and respect fire restrictions which vary seasonally. Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Pack out all trash and use existing fire rings when allowed. Be aware that the area has experienced closures due to overuse, so always check current status before planning your trip.

Is 4WD required for Leavenworth Creek Road camping near Guanella Pass?

Yes, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is definitely required for accessing the dispersed camping areas along Leavenworth Creek Road. This road branches off from Guanella Pass and extends about 3 miles to a valley with numerous camping opportunities. The terrain is rough with potentially challenging conditions that standard passenger vehicles cannot safely navigate. For the best camping spots, you'll need to turn left at the valley and continue on rougher forest roads. If you don't have 4WD capabilities, stick to the dispersed sites directly along Guanella Pass Road instead.

What's the elevation and weather like at Guanella Pass Campground?

Guanella Pass sits at high elevation in the Colorado mountains, contributing to its distinct alpine weather patterns. Summer days are typically pleasant, but nights can be surprisingly cold even in peak season. Weather changes rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Prepare for temperature drops, especially at night when camping gear for colder conditions is essential. Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions from snowmelt, so watch for drainage paths when selecting your site. Mosquitoes can be abundant during warmer months, particularly near water, so bring repellent. The wildflower season (typically July) offers spectacular scenery but coincides with peak insect activity.

What hiking trails are accessible from Guanella Pass camping areas?

Guanella Pass offers excellent access to diverse hiking trails. The most popular is the Mount Bierstadt trail, one of Colorado's most frequently climbed 14ers and perfect for peak-bagging enthusiasts. Square Top Lakes trail provides a beautiful high-alpine experience, especially stunning during wildflower season. Several trails follow the Continental Divide, offering varying difficulty levels suitable for different hiking abilities. The area also features shorter woodland paths around the campground that are great for casual exploration. For a full day adventure, hike to the nearby alpine lakes or connect to the extensive trail network throughout the surrounding national forest.