SCENIC DRIVESTake the scenic route. Leave room for the stops.
What to ExpectCoffee in the cup holder. Someone in charge of the playlist. A mountain road with a few good reasons to pull over.
Guanella PassFrom Main Street to mountain air.
Start in Georgetown, then follow the curves through forest and past mountain lakes toward the open country above treeline. Summer brings wildflowers. Fall brings golden aspens and plenty of reasons to pause. Continue over the pass toward Grant, or return to Georgetown for a meal and a walk around town.
The route: Georgetown to Grant on paved Guanella Pass Road.
Echo LakePack lunch. Make the lake your destination.
Follow Highway 103 from Idaho Springs as the road climbs into the forest toward Echo Lake. Bring something good to eat, stop where parking is permitted, and give yourself time to enjoy the mountain setting. It’s a day that pairs nicely with coffee before the drive and a little wandering through town afterward.
Leave room for dinner.
After the overlooks, find a table. Share the photos, order something warm and spend a little time in the towns along the way. Stay the night, and tomorrow’s drive can begin with breakfast.