US 285 South

South Park from Georgia Pass
South Park from Georgia Pass

Highlights:

  • Fall ColorsGuanella Pass | Kenosha Pass | Weston Pass
  • FlowersTrain RelicsBoreas Pass
  • WildlifeGeorgia Pass
  • Scenic vistasAll of these passes have terrific vistas!

Guanella Pass | Grant

A Scenic and National Forest Byway Scenic BywayNational Forest Byway

Fall foliage along the Guanella Pass road.

How to get there:

US-285 south to the small town of Grant.

  • From C470/US 285 to CR 62
  • 39 miles 50 mins
  • GPS
  • Guanella Pass Rd
  • 39.4598 -105.6632

In General: CampgroundHikingFishing Available Seasonal Closure

  • Length: 22 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour

This route travels over Guanella Pass (11,700 ft) and ends at I-70 in Georgetown and is suitable for 2wd vehicles. Much of it is paved. There is a short and easy hike at the overlook that goes to the pass itself.

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Kenosha Pass

Well known for fall color.

Aspen grove on Kenosha Pass

How to get there:

The pass is on US 285 southwest of Denver.

  • From C470/US 285 to the rest area
  • 47 miles 1 hr
  • GPS
  • Parking Area
  • 39.4039 -105.7548

In General:Campground

Scenic/Rest Area on US285. Kenosha CG nearby.

Photo Ops:VistasFall ColorsHiking4wd vehicle with low range required

Aspen covered hillsides and great vistas overlooking South Park. There are trails and some roads in the area to explore.

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Georgia Pass

Moose may be found on the eastern slope.

Moose and yearling on Georgia Pass.

How to get there:

US-285 south to the small town of Jefferson.

  • From C470/US285 to Jefferson
  • 51 miles 1 hr 5 mins
  • GPS
  • Parking Area
  • 39.3106 -105.8865

In General:4wd high clearance vehicle required4wd vehicle with low range required

  • Length: 12 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 45 mins

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Boreas Pass

From Como to Breckenridge

Snowy mountain vista from the Boreas Pass road.

How to get there:

US-285 south to the small town of Como. Ends in Breckenridge.

  • From C470/US285 to Como
  • 57 miles 1 hr 10 mins
  • GPS
  • US285/CR33
  • 39.3104 -105.8864

In General:4wd high clearance vehicle required

  • Length: 21 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour 15 mins

Follows the former Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad route from Como to Breckenridge. In good conditions, a passenger car can travel this road without any issues.

This scenic and mellow road connects Como and Breckenridge, effectively connecting SH 285 and I-70. The trail climbs to the Continental Divide and the remnants of the collection of buildings at Boreas Pass. This is also where you cross from Summit County into Park County.

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Weston Pass

Nice vistas and good fall foliage.

Aspens near the atart of the Weston Pass road, Colorado.

How to get there:

US 285 south to CR 5, 4.7 miles south of SH 9 in Fairplay.

  • From C470/US 285 to CR 5
  • 71 miles 1 hr 30 mins
  • GPS
  • US285/CR5
  • 39.1537 -105.9992

In General:4wd high clearance vehicle required

  • Length: 27 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour 30 mins

The road to Weston Pass (11,921 ft) in good conditions, is generally passable to 2wd vehicles, although there are a few rocks which make high clearance desirable.

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