Latest news with #GuanellaPass
CBS News
31-07-2025
- CBS News
No Parking signs installed along one of Colorado's most popular roads for fall colors viewing
Law enforcement officials in Colorado's Clear Creek County say they are stepping up enforcement of illegal parking on Guanella Pass Road. The county recently installed new No Parking signs along the roadway. In the fall, motorists flock to the pass because it's one of the hottest spots for fall colors viewing and it's relatively close to the Denver metro area. It runs from Georgetown in Clear Creek County to Grant in Park County, and it's filled with all of the Colorado views you could want: rocky forests, sweeping landscapes and maybe even bighorn sheep. It's also a way to get up to Mount Bierstadt and the back side of Mount Blue Sky. But it gets so busy that some drivers choose to park on the side of the road and the vehicles don't always wind up completely off the roadway. They often cut off part of the sides of the road, making it hard for emergency vehicles to get through. Sgt. Nick Aab of the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said illegal parking created a problem last year after someone had a heart attack in one of the parking lots. "We had to land the (medical) helicopter on the road. Unfortunately, where a lot of people were parked we had to ask people 'You have got to move now because we are landing a bird.' I mean, no ifs, ands or buts." "Fire trucks and ambulances are very wide. You know, a police car can make it through okay. But there are times it's a little tight," Aab said. While parking is still free in parking lots on the pass, drivers should be prepared for the possibility of them filling quickly. "It'll be tough on the weekends. So if people want to get a spot they should probably get here early," said Nicole Adamson, who enjoys hiking in the area. People who are caught parking illegally will face a $87.50 citation or they might get their car towed. Aab says there may be times during peak leaf peeping season that drivers might not even make it up to the pass. "If we have too much traffic, we're going to shut it down on both ends. When we get a bit of a little bit of relief, then we can reopen the pass and let more people up," he said. Drivers should know that while it's going to be a little bit harder to enjoy one of the prettiest places in Colorado, there's a good reason why.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Mountain passes in Colorado: Find out which high country roads are open to drivers and which remain closed
Two mountain passes in Colorado are now open for the summer travel season Two mountain passes in Colorado are now open for the summer travel season Two mountain passes in Colorado are now open for the summer travel season If you're looking to take a road trip in Colorado's mountains this holiday weekend, there are several popular mountain passes that are now open where you can experience the beauty of the Rockies up Pass, which connects Twin Lakes in Park County with Aspen in Pitkin County, opened on Thursday to drivers. Guanella Pass also opened on Thursday. It connects Grant in Park County with Georgetown in Clear Creek County. Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park remains closed. Snow clearing efforts are underway on the road which runs from Estes Park in Larimer County to Grand Lake in Grand County. The road to the top of Mount Blue Sky will not be opening this year due to construction. Drivers should consider making special plans when driving in the mountains, particularly when some snowy conditions still remain in some areas. Visit CBS Colorado's Road Trip Ready page for recommendations. Heavy traffic is also something to consider over Memorial Day Weekend. Planning ahead and giving yourself extra time are keys to a successful trip.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Guanella Pass closes hours after opening in Colorado mountains due to snow
Just hours after it opened for the season, Guanella Pass closed once again due to winter conditions. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the pass was closed between I-70 and County Road 62 on Friday morning. After an extensive snow-clearing effort on Thursday, Guanella Pass Road opened. CDOT said that it snowed again Thursday night, leading to the pass closure. Crews open up Guanella Pass Scenic Byway on Friday. Clear Creek County The scenic byway runs 24 miles from Georgetown in Clear Creek County to Grant in Park County. It winds its way above treeline to the top of Guanella Pass, and it has great views of Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky. During the summer months, the area is popular with hikers and people interested in fishing. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is also a very popular destination during the fall, when the aspen trees can be seen changing colors. It closes during the winter months. Trail Ridge Road is not anticipated to open over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. According to Rocky Mountain National Park, snowplow operators faced setbacks over the past week from previous progress. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Later in the day on Thursday, Independence Pass opened for the 2025 summer season. The road to the top of Mount Blue Sky is closed for maintenance and will not be open until next year.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Guanella Pass opens in Colorado mountains, just in time for holiday weekend road trips
A Colorado mountain pass has opened to drivers for the summer season. After an extensive snow clearing effort, Guanella Pass Road opened on Friday. Crews open up Guanella Pass Scenic Byway on Friday. Clear Creek County The opening is just in time for Memorial Day Weekend road trippers who are looking to observe the beauty of the Rocky Mountains up close. The scenic byway runs 24 miles from Georgetown in Clear Creek County to Grant in Park County. It winds its way above treeline to the top of Guanella Pass, and it has great views of Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky. "It took our Road and Bridge team about six days to clear the leftover snow. At the tallest point, the snow was about 5 feet in height," Clear Creek County wrote in a post on social media. During the summer months, the area is popular with hikers and people interested in fishing. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is also a very popular destination during the fall, when the aspen trees can be seen changing colors. It closes during the winter months.
