Guanella Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guanella Pass |
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Guanella Pass from Mount Bierstadt
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| Elevation | 11,669 ft (3,557 m) |
| Traversed by | Guanella Pass Scenic Byway |
| Location | Clear Creek County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | Front Range |
| Coordinates | 39°35′42″N 105°42′40″W / 39.59500°N 105.71111°W |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Evans |
Guanella Pass is a high mountain pass located in the middle of Colorado, USA. It's part of the amazing Rocky Mountains. This pass reaches a high point of about 11,669 feet (3,557 meters) above sea level. It offers incredible views and connects different parts of the mountains.
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What is Guanella Pass?
Guanella Pass is a special road that goes over a high part of the Front Range mountains. This mountain range is a part of the larger Rocky Mountains. The pass is found in the southwestern part of Clear Creek County. It is west of the big city of Denver and south of the historic town of Georgetown.
How Guanella Pass Got Its Name
The pass was named in 1953 to honor Byron Guanella. He was a road supervisor and commissioner in Clear Creek County. He worked in this area for almost 50 years, helping to build and maintain roads.
Driving the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
The Guanella Pass provides a route between two valleys. To the north, it connects to Georgetown, which is in the valley of Clear Creek. To the south, it leads to Grant, located in the valley of Geneva Creek. Geneva Creek is a smaller river that flows into the North Fork South Platte River.
The road that goes over the pass is called the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. This byway is a link between two major highways. In the north, it connects to Interstate 70. In the south, it connects to U.S. Highway 285. The entire road from Georgetown to U.S. Highway 285 is paved, making it easy to drive.
Winter Road Closures
The Guanella Pass road is not kept open during the winter months. It usually closes after the first heavy snowfall of the season. There is a parking area on the Georgetown side of the pass where the road closes. This allows people to park and then explore the pass on foot or by snowmobile during winter.
Hiking and Outdoor Fun
At the very top of Guanella Pass, you'll find several hiking trails. One popular trail leads east to Mount Bierstadt. This mountain is very tall, reaching an elevation of about 14,060 feet (4,285 meters). Many people enjoy hiking here for the amazing views and fresh mountain air.
History of Geneva Basin Ski Area
Just a few miles south of Guanella Pass, there used to be a place called the Geneva Basin Ski Area. This ski resort was open from 1963 until 1984. It was a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding for many years.
