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
Charming old mining town along Clear Creek with restored 19th-century storefronts — a quick, worthwhile pause en route.
💡 Park along Miner Street for a 20-minute stroll.
2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Iconic narrow-gauge steam train looping through the Rockies over a soaring trestle bridge — the signature reason to visit Georgetown.
💡 Buy tickets online in advance; trains sell out on summer weekends.
646 Loop Dr, Georgetown
Georgetown–Silver Plume Historic District
Beautifully preserved Victorian mining town with original 1870s-1890s buildings lining the streets.
💡 Walking the whole district takes under an hour.
M7XP+CM, Silver Plume
Inga's Alpine Tavern
Longstanding local spot for a hearty mountain lunch in a historic building.
5151 Leetsdale Dr, Denver
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway: Georgetown Entrance
A short drive up from Georgetown into alpine tundra with sweeping views of Mount Bierstadt — one of Colorado's most rewarding quick detours.
💡 Drive just the lower stretch for the best overlook if short on time; road can be rough higher up.
Georgetown
- I-70 through Idaho Springs/Georgetown has no low-emission zone restrictions, easy to drive.
- Park for free in Georgetown's public lots near 6th Street.
- Book Georgetown Loop Railroad tickets ahead, especially for weekend departures.
- Sunday/holiday afternoons see heavy eastbound I-70 traffic back to Denver — leave with buffer time.
- Argo Gold Mine & Mill+1 mi
Guided underground mine tour in Idaho Springs, good hands-on mining history stop.
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Summit Lake)+16 mi
Higher extension off Guanella Pass area roads reaching over 14,000 ft with incredible alpine views, if road is open.
- St. Mary's Glacier+9 mi
Short hike to a permanent snowfield and alpine lake, popular easy detour off I-70.
Make this trip your own
Plan your own road trip →This route was drafted with AI. Please double-check roads, opening hours and local conditions before you go.
Made with Roadanza