This well-settled road leap-frogs the steep divide between the South Platte and Clear Creek watersheds, passing through a succession of distinct environments. The lower elevations are green and wet, with thick stands of spruce, fir, aspen, and pine rising along cascading creeks. Higher up, the streams snake through broad meadows, succoring thirsty mammals, nesting birds, and the industrious beaver, The road crests well above the timberline, where every spring the grasses and flowers stubbornly renew, and the fragile tundra thaws and blossoms.

The Guanella Pass Road known to visitors today was once an old wagon trail used by miners traveling between Georgetown and Grant. Gold lured miners and others to the area, but it was silver that brought prosperity to the valley. Well-preserved Victorian structures in Georgetown remind visitors of a day when the town was known as “Silver Queen of the Rockies.” Silver brought Cornish, Irish, English, Italian, German, and Scandinavian miners to the area, adding to the already existing culture.

Before the automobile and sightseeing trips, mountain men traveled through this area in search of the prized beaver. Today, visitors can explore the Rocky Mountains along well-established trails. Hiking, horseback riding, biking, and backcountry exploring are all popular activities along the trails. Numerous camp spots, fishing holes, and four-wheel drive roads also hold adventure for the traveler.

Navigating the Byway:

Take I-70 west of Denver to Exit 228 in Georgetown. Follow the signs from the Gateway Visitors Center. The byway follows first NM 381 and then NM 62 for 23 miles and ends in Grant.