Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the Fall - Stunning Colorado Fall Foliage Near Denver

Gah! Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall is pure magic! You’re gonna love this perfect-size road trip. Here’s what to expect for trip down this winding road in the fall.

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall view of beautiful mountain pass with yellow and green trees — Guanella Pass Scenic Byway😍

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This scenic drive in Colorado is going to blow your mind. Fall is the absolute best time to go, I’m sure of it.

Here’s what you can expect!

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway details

With spectacular views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt, plus a whole lot more, here’s what you can expect on your scenic drive…

This scenic byway connects Georgetown to Grant, Colorado (I-70 to Highway 285).
It’s 22 miles long.
The highest point on the scenic drive is 11,669-foot.
The trip takes about an hour with a few short stops. Longer with hikes or for photography.

Okay, so I spent about 1/2 a day doing this scenic byway. Butttt it’s because I run a travel business and I needed to thoroughly do all the research for you.

view of Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall with zig zag road with green and yellow trees — Drone view of switchbacks along the Guanella Pass

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How to get to there

One of the best things about this Colorado scenic drive in the fall is the proximity to Denver. It’s only about an hour away (depending on traffic), but it feels lightyears away because it’s in the heart of the mountains and oh so beautiful!

You can start the scenic drive in Grant or Georgetown, but the trip back to Denver is about the same distance (to downtown, anyway!)

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall view of green and yellow trees from above — These fall views😍

Must-see stops along Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall

If you asked a dozen people the best things to see on the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, you’d probably get a dozen different answers. But, after a thorough review of the scenic drive, here’s what I recommend.

By the way, for the purposes of this guide, I’m going to start in Georgetown and work to Grant…

Georgetown

view of train through mountains in Colorado — Georgetown, Colorado

view of old buildings and signs in town with flowers — Georgetown, Colorado

Start your trip in this picture-perfect mountain town. Grab breakfast here before hitting the road. The Victorian buildings and mountain backdrop are worth a little wander.

Or, if you’re starting the drive later in the day, do the Georgetown Train – a favorite for my family in this area of Colorado!

Switchbacks

view along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall — View from the switchbacks near Georgetown

Okay, this area doesn’t have a specific name, but just pass the Silver Dale Interpretive Site, you’ll go through a couple of switchbacks with a small parking area.

There’s an overlook perfect for photos. Walk a bit further and you’ll see a small waterfall from the top of it!

This is just a few miles south of Georgetown, and the perfect stop on the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall.

Clear Lake

yellow and green trees with lake in distance — Fall at Clear Lake

Located near the Grant side of the pass, this peaceful lake is a great picnic spot. In fall, the reflections of yellow aspens in the water are stunning.

Nearest the lake is the accessible parking, and up the hill a bit is the main parking area.

Clear Lake is also great for paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing, if you have the time!

Guanella Pass Summit

The next major area to see is the summit! This is where you’re above tree line with 360 degree views of the Rockies. On a clear day, you can see peaks stretching forever.

So while you won’t see a lot of colorful trees during the fall in this area, it’s a spot to get out, catch your breath and soak in the sights.

There is a small interpretive trail at the top parking lot, less than 1/4 mile, and a restroom too. Remember you’re at 11,669 feet in elevation, so don’t outdo yourself.

Note: it can be quite chilly up here in the fall, so layers will be handy!

Geneva Creek & Trail

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall with view of bridge and stream and trees — Picturesque creek along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

My last recommendation for stopping along this scenic drive in the fall in Colorado is Geneva Creek. Technically it’s a full hiking trail (see below), but you can also see the pretty bridge and clear water running underneath.

The scenery is spectacular and the fall foliage and rushing water is so peaceful.

Note: this is the last stop from north to south as there’s not really a whole lot going on in Grant, Colorado.

Best hikes along Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

silver dale trail with yellow orange and green trees — Silver Dale Trail

If you’re looking for hikes along the Guanella Pass in the fall, here are some great options for you with plenty of fall foliage views!

Silver Dale Trail, located in the Silver Dale Interpretive Site near Georgetown. This 1.5 mile trail is flat and relatively easy, with stunning aspen trees along the trail!
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake. Rated as moderate with 1,085 feet elevation gain, this trail is a stunner if you have the time!
Abyss Lake Trail is a hard trail at 16.6 miles and elevation gain of 3,389 feet. But you’ll see incredible mountain views and two lakes during this long hike.
Geneva Creek Trail is a moderate trail, coming in at 14 miles with 2,171 elevation gain.

More tips for this fall scenic drive in Colorado

view of the road through green and yellow trees Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall — More views of this gorgeous scenic drive

Mornings can be cold, so start with layers and bring plenty of water. Higher-elevation trails can be windy, and storms roll in fast so always check the forecast before you go. I started with a hat and gloves and tore away clothing as the day went on!
At the summit, it can be 20 degrees colder than in Grant or Georgetown. Layers are your friend.
Go early in the morning or on a weekday if possible to avoid crowds. By the time mid-day hits, the parking lots are full. Bring your patience!
Peak aspen colors usually hit mid- to late-September. By mid October, the leaves are dropped, especially at higher elevations.
Bring layers. A light jacket or medium coat could be helpful for this scenic drive.
Pack snacks and plenty of water. You might take longer than you think for this fun trip!
Pull over safely. Parking is limited and some shoulders are narrow, so make sure you’re not blocking traffic when you stop.

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in the fall – that’s a wrap!

view of fall in Colorado with green and yellow trees and mountains — One last look at these views!

Are you so ready?! This is one of my favorite fall adventures in Colorado, and a spectacular road trip with great views, especially when those aspens are showing off!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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