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.

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

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

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

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!

Dispersed camping right off the road

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.

Great, but get there early!

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. 