Georgetown & Guanella Pass Day Trip from Denver
A silver-mining town, a narrow-gauge railway and a switchback pass
A one-day drive from Denver to Georgetown & Guanella Pass — 92 mi round trip, about 1h 56m behind the wheel, with stops, timings and where to eat already worked out.
Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel
Iconic red mill building on the hillside, the classic postcard image of Idaho Springs' mining past.
💡 Guided mill tours run on the hour in season — arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot.
2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs
Georgetown–Silver Plume Historic District
Beautifully preserved Victorian mining town with colorful 1870s storefronts and homes, easy to wander on foot.
💡 Park once near the visitor center — the whole historic core is walkable from there.
M7XP+CM, Silver Plume
Georgetown Lake
Calm alpine lake right beside town with the Georgetown Loop trestle bridge visible across the water.
💡 Best light for photos is midday when the peaks reflect clearly on the water.
Co Rd 306, Georgetown
Inga's Alpine Tavern
Comfortable, locally loved spot for a relaxed lunch in a historic downtown building.
💡 Casual walk-in dining, no reservation typically needed on weekdays.
5151 Leetsdale Dr, Denver
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway: Georgetown Entrance
Drive-up viewpoint just south of Georgetown with sweeping views of the Continental Divide, no hiking required.
💡 Pull off at the marked overlook a few miles up — no need to drive the full pass.
Georgetown
- I-70 through the canyon can back up on weekends — leave Georgetown by mid-afternoon to avoid return traffic.
- Georgetown's historic district has free public parking lots near the visitor center.
- No low-emission zone concerns here — it's a straightforward mountain drive both ways.
- Guanella Pass Road is paved and passable by any car in summer/fall; check conditions in snow season.
- Georgetown Loop Railroad+0 mi
Narrow-gauge train looping over a high trestle between Georgetown and Silver Plume — a beloved scenic ride if you have extra time.
- Silver Plume+2 mi
Tiny, quieter sister mining town just up the canyon with its own historic charm and fewer crowds.
- Loveland Pass Overlook+16 mi
Dramatic Continental Divide viewpoint reachable by car, slightly further west along the corridor.
Make this trip your own
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