How to Visit Colorado's Guanella Pass

I f you're looking for views, Colorado's mountains offer some of the world's most breathtaking panoramas, some of which you can enjoy without breaking a sweat. Colorado has 26 official picturesque and historic Byways and the Guanella Pass is one of the best byways to explore. The Pass offers views of Mount Bierstadt-one of Colorado's renowned fourteeners (mountains that are 14,000ft above sea level or taller) and cuts through the historic Georgetown. You'll also discover the road includes scenic views of both architecture and nature. Here's what you need to know about the Pass if you're planning a visit. Getting There The Guanella Pass is off Route 285 in Clear Creek County (on the west side of Denver). While it's a bit of a detour off the highway, it's worth it. It links the popular Interstate 70 to Highway 285, making it a useful ride. It's approximately 22 miles long and takes about an hour's drive though you might want to spare some time to stop and explore the area it passes through. Road Conditions You'll find a paved road that doesn't need four-wheel drive. However, the pass doesn't undergo maintenance during winter, so it might be closed after a huge snow. Ensure you examine road conditions before heading out. The Journey The Pass will bring you between two watersheds: Clear Creek and South Platte. You'll travel through aspen and spruce groves, along creeks until you reach timberline (where trees stop growing because of altitude). Here, you'll be in a position to see valuable tundra (don't walk on the tundra because it takes long to grow and needs protection. You can expect some wildlife along the way, including beavers, bobcats, and falcons. Keep in mind that wild animals can be unpredictable, so be smart around them. The Guanella Pass is an excellent introduction to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. If you're planning a visit, the ideal times are September and early October when there's stunning fall foliage.