Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic mountain town in Clear Creek County, Colorado, located at one end of the scenic Guanella Pass. Situated about 45 miles northwest of Denver along Interstate 70, Georgetown was founded during the silver mining boom of the 1860s and retains its Victorian-era character. The town is a popular day-trip destination from Denver, offering a glimpse into Colorado's mining heritage amid stunning mountain scenery.

The Georgetown Visitors Center is conveniently located right off I-70. With over 200 historic buildings, the town's well-preserved architecture includes notable structures like the Bowman-White House and Hamill House. The area sits at approximately 8,500 feet elevation in a narrow canyon along Clear Creek, surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest.

Georgetown's charm lies in its compact, walkable historic district combined with easy access to outdoor recreation. The famous Georgetown Loop Railroad, a restored narrow-gauge heritage railway, is one of the town's signature attractions. The surrounding mountains offer hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, particularly along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway.

By Plane

Denver International Airport (DEN), commonly referred to as DIA, is located about 20 miles east of downtown Denver. It is the closest major airport, with Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines maintaining hubs in Concourses A, B, and C respectively. From the airport, Georgetown is approximately 60 miles west on I-70.

By Car / Road

Georgetown is easily accessible via Interstate 70, located about 45 miles northwest of Denver (approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic). From Vail, it is approximately 50 miles east-southeast. I-70 runs right by Georgetown, with the Visitors Center located directly off the interstate. Mountain driving conditions can be challenging in winter; carry tire chains when required.

Georgetown is a small town, and once you have arrived there is little need to drive within the historic district. Parking conditions can be sub-optimal during peak times, so walking is the preferred option. The compact downtown area is easily explored on foot, with shops, restaurants, and attractions clustered along Main Street and the surrounding blocks.

• Georgetown Energy Museum, 600 Main St, ☏ +1 303 569-3557 — Check website for hours and prices

• Historic Georgetown, 305 Argentine St, ☏ +1 303-569-2840, [email protected] — Over 200 historic buildings including the Bowman-White House and Hamill House

• Hotel De Paris Museum, 409 6th St, ☏ +1 303 569-2311 — A National Trust Historic Site

• Georgetown Lake — Stocked with trout (browns, rainbows, and brookies). Non-motorized boating is allowed

• Georgetown Loop Railroad — Ride the historic narrow-gauge railway through beautiful mountain scenery with trees close to the tracks. The roundtrip is about 45 minutes with a stop at a silver mine. Board at Devil's Gate in Georgetown or in Silver Plume

• Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad through scenic mountain terrain

• Canyon Wind Cellars, 1500 Argentine St, ☏ +1 303 569-3152 — Family-owned winery with wine tasting room

• Hiking — Several trails accessible from the area:

  • Silverdale Trail — Access via Guanella Pass Road, Silverdale Reservoir trailhead
  • Georgetown Express to Silver Plume — Paved path between the two historic towns
  • Silver Dollar Lake Trail — Off Guanella Pass Road past the campground
  • Rosalie Trail #3 — Accessed via Guanella Pass Road

• Drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway for spectacular mountain views

• Fishing at Georgetown Lake

• Mountainbuzz Cafe, 1200 Argentine St, ☏ +1 303 569-2020 — Good pizza, sandwiches, and coffee
• Silver Plume Saloon, 510 Main St, Silver Plume, ☏ +1 303 569-2533 — Great American-style food, everything made fresh. Located in nearby Silver Plume

• Guanella Pass Brewery, 501 Rose St, ☏ +1 303 569-5167, 1PM-9:30PM — Local craft brewery
• Mother's Saloon, 601 14th St, ☏ +1 303 569-2479 — Classic saloon atmosphere

• Budget: Georgetown Mountain Inn, 1100 Rose St, ☏ +1 303 569-3201 — Affordable mountain lodging
• Mid-range: Rose Street Bed and Breakfast, 200 Rose St, ☏ +1 303 578-7844, [email protected], check-in 3PM, check-out 11AM — Charming B&B in a historic building
• Mid-range: Georgetown Lodge, 1600 Argentine, ☏ +1 303 569-3211 — Comfortable mountain lodge

Georgetown's Main Street features a variety of antique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores. The historic character of the town extends to its shopping, with many stores housed in Victorian-era buildings. Local artisans offer jewelry, pottery, and artwork inspired by the mountain setting.

• Idaho Springs (10 miles east via I-70, ~15 min) — Gold mining town with the Argo Mine and hot springs
• Dillon/Silverthorne (30 miles west via I-70, ~30 min) — Outlet shopping and access to Lake Dillon
• Keystone (35 miles west via I-70, ~35 min) — Ski resort with year-round activities
• Denver (45 miles east via I-70, ~50 min) — Colorado's capital city
• Central City (via "Oh My Gawd" Road or I-70, ~20 min) — Historic mining town and casino district
• Guanella Pass (directly accessible) — Scenic mountain pass with wildflower meadows in summer