Guanella Pass closes for winter, but recreation remains nearby
Clear Creek County/Courtesy photo
Guanella Pass Road and Scenic Byway is closed for the winter, and dispersed camping along the road is now prohibited.
Reopening will likely take place on Friday, May 26, ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
Camping is only allowed in areas formally designated by the U.S. Forest Service.
A large parking lot is open where the road intersects Naylor Lake Road on the Georgetown side of the pass, located about 0.8 miles from the summit and the Mount Bierstadt trailhead. On the Park County side of the pass, the gate is 6.5 miles from those areas.
Recreation is still available in the area, including Silver Dale Recreation Area, about 1.5 miles from Georgetown, which includes loops of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Leavenworth Creed Road, about 2 miles from Georgetown, offers the same sports, but it requires a high-clearance vehicle to reach.
For camping questions on the Georgetown side of the pass, call 303-567-4382, and for the Park County side of the pass, call 303-275-5610.
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