Guanella Pass
Currently closed for the season. The campground operates seasonally at 10,900 feet elevation, with opening typically dependent on snow conditions. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov; some first-come, first-served sites are also available. A forest order through December 31, 2028 restricts camping to designated campgrounds along Guanella Pass Scenic Byway.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Thursday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Guanella Pass Campground is a high-elevation destination on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, perched at 10,900 feet along the historic Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. The byway follows an old wagon route that once connected the mining towns of Georgetown and Grant. The campground is divided into two loops by the county road and South Clear Creek, with most sites in open terrain and some tent sites nestled among spruce trees. Cold nights are common at this elevation. The 18 campsites include 11 suitable for RVs with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 45 feet, and 7 tent-only sites. Large RVs are not recommended due to the winding byway. Each site features a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill. Amenities include potable water from hand pumps, vault toilets, and trash dumpsters. There are no hookups, showers, or dump station. Visitors can fish for trout in the South Fork of Clear Creek or hike to Silver Dollar Lake via a trail that climbs above treeline. Historic Georgetown, a former mining town, and nearby ghost towns offer additional exploration. A forest order restricts camping to designated campgrounds along the byway and prohibits fires outside designated rings.
Directions
From I-70 in Denver, take Exit 228 at Georgetown. Go south on County Road 381 (Guanella Pass Scenic Byway) for 9 miles. Alternatively, from Denver take Highway 285 to Grant, turn north onto Park County Road 62, and drive approximately 14.5 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| VisitARP@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (801) 226-3564 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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