Hi there—Rockie here! On our recent roadtrip to Beaver Creek, we took the scenic route and drove the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. And let me tell you—it was a highlight.
Guanella Pass is a stunning 22mile mountain road connecting Georgetown to Grant, topping out at about 11,669 feet. It’s a winding mix of forest, alpine tundra, and wideopen views that stretch straight into the heart of the Rockies. We drove through golden aspen groves, past clear mountain creeks, and up into that crisp, quiet high country. Rosie sniffed every wildflower patch like she was training for a botanical detective agency, and—true to form—made it her mission to splash in every creek we passed (hydration is key!).
There are plenty of places to pull off and soak in the views, but we picked two fantastic hikes:
Silver Dollar Lake & Murray Lake Trail:
This trail is a moderate 4.2mile outandback with a gentle climb and a big reward at the top. Silver Dollar Lake sits just above treeline, with sparkling water and wildflowers galore. Rosie spotted a marmot and stared like it owed her rent. If you have the energy, continue on to Murray Lake for even more quiet alpine beauty. It’s a popular spot, so earlier is better.
Burning Bear Trail
This quieter trail winds about 7.5 miles outandback through forest and meadow. It follows a peaceful creek and has that “secret trail” feeling—less crowded, more serene. We even passed an old log cabin that Peaches was convinced was hiding snacks.
Bonus for the Brave: Climb to the Top of Mount Bierstadt
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous—and I mean really adventurous—there’s a trail from Guanella Pass that leads all the way up to the summit of Mount Bierstadt, a Colorado fourteener. It’s about 7 miles round-trip with a climb of over 2,400 feet to reach the 14,065-foot summit. Definitely not a casual stroll—but if you’ve got good boots and strong legs, it’s one epic way to earn those mountain views.
I didn’t tackle it this time—Rosie and Peaches prefer wildflowers and snack breaks to steep rock scrambles—but it’s officially on my list for a solo return. Just me, my pack, and the summit winds.
The drive wasn’t just beautiful—it was a deep dive into Rocky Mountain magic. From forested creeks to high alpine blooms and historic mountain towns, every corner of Guanella Pass felt alive. Whether you’re chasing an easy stroll by a lake or a mellow trek through wildflower meadows, this pass has something for everyone.
I highly recommend it for a fun, scenic escape—Six paws up!
NOTE: A few sample pages – not in reading order.
