Guanella Pass Parking

Guanella Pass has beautiful fall colors that attract many visitors to the area. In recent years, however, Guanella Pass Rd has become overcrowded on weekends during peak leaf-peeping season. Overcrowding on the pass can be a problem during emergencies. If visitors park illegally on the shoulder of the road or park on the roadway, then ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles cannot respond to emergencies on the pass as quickly.

Visitors PEEP Responsibly by: 

• Parking in designated parking areas only. This includes parking lots, places with green “Parking” signs, or in pull-offs that are not marked “No Parking.” Parking is NOT allowed on the side of the roadway within 1/2 mile of the summit. Parking is also not allowed on the roadway itself. Vehicles parked in a pull-off must be completely off the roadway. No part of the vehicle can be on or in the roadway when parked.
• Expecting heavy traffic. Know Before You Go by checking cotrip.org for traffic delays on I-70 (Hwy 285). Cell phone map apps should also show traffic delays along routes to Guanella Pass.
• Exercising patience. Heavy traffic and delays can cause frustration, impatience, and aggression. Take a break by visiting a nearby park, shopping in town, or dining at a local restaurant. 
• Planning ahead. Consider visiting on a weekday (Monday – Thursday). Weekends have about 2.5x more visitors than weekdays. In the event of heavy traffic, bring plenty of water, food, and other necessary supplies. 

Clear Creek County is doing things differently this year to help keep visitors safe by making sure emergency vehicles can get through at all times.

Visitors can expect:

• No Parking signs. Parking is NOT allowed on the shoulder of the roadway within 1/2 mile of the summit. Do not park in a “No Parking” zone. 
• Extra enforcement. The fine for vehicles parked in a “No Parking” zone is $87.50. Vehicles parked on the shoulder where parking is allowed must be completely off the roadway. If any part of the vehicle is on or in the roadway, the fine is $87.50. 
• Towing. Vehicles parked in the lane of traffic are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense. Owners will be responsible for their own transportation to the tow location. These vehicles may also be ticketed.

Note: If the large number of vehicles on and along Guanella Pass Rd threatens to limit or delay emergency vehicle access, it is possible the road will be temporarily closed to additional traffic during leaf-peeping season. These closures would be short and periodic – just until enough vehicles have left Guanella Pass to make room for additional traffic. Visitors who experience a temporary closure are encouraged to take a break by visiting local businesses while waiting out the closure.

Let’s work together to keep Guanella Pass safe and beautiful for our residents and visitors.