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Short hike showcasing Georgetown nature and history.


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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.5

KM

Loop

9,300' 2,835 m

High

8,912' 2,716 m

Low

369' 113 m

Up

390' 119 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Great overlook of the Georgetown Loop railway including the trestle, sweeping views of the valley and mine tailings/tunnels, flowers, wild berries and mushrooms.

Need to Know

I would not recommend this trail for small children or anyone with difficulty maintaining balance. There are several areas where a stumble off the trail could have serious consequences. There is parking near trailhead. Approach by going into shoulder at apex of switch back, now you can see traffic approaching the switchback in both directions. When clear, turn towards Georgetown and there is a large parking area ( suitable for 5 or 6 cars ) on the right. This is also how you should approach your car on the hike back. Go to the trail sign and look up both directions of the switch back before you cross.

Description

The beginning of this loop is on the outside of a switchback going up Guanella Pass from Georgetown. Well designed and maintained singletrack trail through pine trees brings you nearby ledges and cliffs with the Georgetown Loop railway directly below. Many opportunities for unobstructed views of the Valley as well.

The return trip is down an old doubletrack mining road, very steep. There are mine adits and vertical shafts which are open, take care to observe from a safe distance.

Last 100 yards you must hike on the left side of road against traffic for about 100 yards, pay attention!

Mushrooms, various wildlife including bighorn sheep, wild strawberries and flowers can all be encountered on this trail.

Between the train, the old mines, views of Georgetown and Silveplume, the plants and animals, this is an excellent quick experience of Georgetown history and nature.

Flora & Fauna

Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, birds, wild flowers, mushrooms and wild strawberries.

History & Background

Old mining trails and roads showcasing Georgetown's industrial history.

Contacts

Shared By:

Rick Blair

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#7

in Georgetown

#5339

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Georgetown

#713

in Colorado

#5,339

Overall
6 Views Last Month
405 Since Jul 20, 2021
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Photos

Switchback where trail starts looking back toward traffic in both directions.
Jul 20, 2021 near Georgetown, CO
Looking West, smoke from Georgetown Loop steam locamotive.
Jul 20, 2021 near Georgetown, CO
Looking down at Georgetown Loop Trestle
Jul 20, 2021 near Georgetown, CO
Looking East toward Georgetown, train trestle below.
Jul 20, 2021 near Georgetown, CO
Parking pull out.
Jul 20, 2021 near Georgetown, CO

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Check-Ins

Aug 28, 2022
Matt Culpepper
Lollipop from Mountain Street parking (4.2/450/+1500) 4.2mi — 3h 50m
Aug 28, 2022
Beth Culpepper
Did this trail along with the Notch Trail and it was a ton of up and downs and I didn't have my poles so I was super slow going. Beautiful though! 4.3mi — 4h 26m
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