Where many I-70 towns were bulldozed or modernized, Georgetown kept its 19th-century self intact. Its compact grid of brightly painted Victorian storefronts and homes — once one of Colorado’s richest silver towns — makes it a genuine step back in time, and an easy, rewarding detour on the way to (or from) the high country.
| Type | Historic silver-mining town (National Historic District) |
|---|---|
| From Denver | ~45 miles west on I-70 (Exit 228) |
| Elevation | ~8,530 ft |
| Known for | Georgetown Loop Railroad, Victorian Main Street, bighorn sheep, Guanella Pass |
| Best for | A scenic history stop, families, an affordable ski-trip base |
Things to do
- Georgetown Loop Railroad — a restored narrow-gauge steam train that spirals over the dramatic Devil’s Gate High Bridge between Georgetown and Silver Plume. It’s a highlight of our Colorado scenic train rides guide.
- Historic Main Street — walkable blocks of Victorian shops, cafes, and museums (the Hamill House and Hotel de Paris among them).
- Bighorn sheep — a dedicated viewing area near town is one of the most reliable places in Colorado to spot wild bighorns, especially in winter.
- Georgetown Lake — a scenic reservoir for a walk, a paddle, or ice fishing in winter.
Guanella Pass & the 14er
From Georgetown, the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway climbs south into gorgeous high country — spectacular in fall colors — and reaches the trailhead for Mount Bierstadt, one of the more accessible 14ers. In summer and fall it’s one of the best drives near Denver.
Skiing near Georgetown
There’s no ski resort in Georgetown itself, but it’s a well-placed, budget-friendly base: Loveland is about 15 minutes up I-70, and Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and the rest of Summit County are just over the pass. See our Colorado skiing guide.
Where to stay in Georgetown
Georgetown and the surrounding valley have lodging across the range, from slopeside condos to budget rooms down the road. Direct “check availability” booking links for Georgetown are coming as we finalize our booking partner. For how we think about choosing a base for a Colorado trip, see our where to stay guide.
Getting there
Georgetown is right on I-70 at Exit 228, about 45 miles and under an hour from Denver in good conditions — an easy day trip or a natural stop on any high-country drive. See our I-70 guide for winter timing.
Georgetown FAQ
Is Georgetown, Colorado worth visiting?
Yes — it’s one of the best-preserved Victorian mining towns in the state, with a walkable historic Main Street, the Georgetown Loop Railroad, reliable bighorn-sheep viewing, and easy access to Guanella Pass. It makes a great day trip or high-country stop.
What is the Georgetown Loop Railroad?
A restored narrow-gauge steam train that loops over the Devil’s Gate High Bridge between Georgetown and Silver Plume — a scenic ride and a nod to the area’s mining history. More in our scenic train rides guide.
Can you ski in Georgetown?
There’s no resort in town, but Georgetown is a handy, affordable base — Loveland is about 15 minutes away, and Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Summit County are just over the hill.
What is Guanella Pass?
A scenic byway climbing south from Georgetown into high alpine country — stunning in fall — that also reaches the trailhead for Mount Bierstadt, an accessible 14er. The upper road is seasonal.
How far is Georgetown from Denver?
About 45 miles west on I-70 (Exit 228), typically under an hour in good conditions — one of the closest historic mountain towns to the city.
Book the Georgetown Loop & Colorado tours on Viator →
More Colorado destinations: Vail · Beaver Creek · Aspen · Snowmass · Winter Park · Loveland · Georgetown · Idaho Springs · Eldora · all destinations