Georgetown Colorado Travel Guide: Exploring This Epic Mountain Town
Welcome to Georgetown, a historic mining town located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Home to a classic candy store, a delightful Christmas shoppe, and a vintage railroad experience, this is one small town with lots of classic American charm! I had the pleasure of visiting Georgetown with my friend, Kate, during one long weekend in April and happily recommend it to anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path small town getaway. So coming along with me as I reveal the hidden gems and exciting details in this Georgetown Colorado Travel Guide:
Timing
Time of Year
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Georgetown, Colorado, is a charming town that offers distinct experiences across all four seasons:
Spring in Georgetown, from March to May, is a time of transition. The snow begins to melt, and the town slowly awakens from its winter slumber. Temperatures during this time of year can be unpredictable – I visited in April and enjoyed the warm sun one day and a snowy blizzard the next. However, if you’re willing to roll the dice, this season can be ideal for those who enjoy quieter trails and the early bloom of wildflowers. Just be prepared for muddy conditions and the possibility of snow – especially on higher elevation trails!
Summer (June to August) is undoubtedly peak season in Georgetown. With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to 80s Fahrenheit, the weather is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, and scenic drives along the Guanella Pass are popular things to do during these months. The town also offers various summer events like AstroTours Stargazing and various 4th of July celebrations. However, with the increase in visitors, expect more crowded attractions and higher accommodation prices.
Fall (September to November) is the most magical time to visit Georgetown! With temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, it’s perfect for exploring the outdoors. The trees turn golden, creating a stunning backdrop for hikes and drives. This is also the season for the famous Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, where you can spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Winter (December to February) in Georgetown is a picturesque, but challenging time to visit. Temperatures often dip below freezing, and snow blankets the town. While this is perfect for those interested in skiing and holiday events, the harsh conditions can make travel difficult. The town’s historic buildings look especially charming under a layer of snow, but unless you’re an avid winter sports enthusiast, it might be best to plan your visit for another season.
Trip Length
Georgetown is quite small and can be easily explored in 1-2 days, depending on the weather and what your trip priorities are.
Transportation
How To Get There
Just a 1 hour drive from Denver** and 45 minutes from Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre, Georgetown can be visited on a quick weekend roadtrip.
However, as Georgetown is located off I-70, an interstate that’s notorious among Colorado residents for fires, accidents and snow, it’s important to make sure your car is well-equipped for the journey.
Traveling in a high-clearance vehicle like an SUV is recommended due to the potential mountain snowfall. I’d also advise against trucks, as they typically aren’t heavy enough to avoid spinning out in the ice and snow.
Additional vehicle safety gear for your trip may include:
- All-Season Tires (Snow Tires) are required from September 1 – May 31 every year
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Ice Scraper (Colorado law requires drivers to uncover license plates, headlights, taillights and the roof of their vehicle to prevent flying debris)
- Emergency Kit with Flares
- Charged Cell Phone (coverage not guaranteed everywhere)
**Traffic-dependent!
How To Get Around
Georgetown is quite small, making the transportation and parking options throughout town much more limited, but still quite easy to tackle.
Walking: Georgetown is well-equipped for pedestrian traffic, with well-maintained sidewalks and a large park throughout the main part of town. Most of Georgetown’s shops and restaurants are all located within a few blocks of each other as well, making it easy to walk from one to another.
Driving: If you’re planning to visit the Georgetown Loop Railroad or any restaurants and hotels off of Georgetown’s main strip of shops, you’ll want to have a car to get around. Street parking is generally not difficult to find and available for little-to-no-cost. Just make sure to read street signs carefully before parking – in case of restricted hours or street sweeping. There are also a few parking lots throughout town for more crowded weekends and holidays.
Accommodations
Being a small mountain town, Georgetown has a few hotel options and rental properties available:
Hotels
Rose Street B&B– $$
Microtel Inn and Suites – $$$
Rental Homes
The Cricket – $$
Sights
Georgetown Loop Railroad
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic railroad, winding through the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Dating as far back as 1884, this narrow-gauge railroad offers a unique way to explore the area’s idyllic landscape and mining heritage. As you ride the beautifully restored train, you’ll be able to cross towering trestles, pass by remnants of old silver mines, and soak in breathtaking views of Clear Creek Valley.
Furthermore, Georgetown Loop Railroad offers multiple ticket types and seasonal experiences yearly! Visiting near the end of winter, I opted for their seasonal Parlor Class and loved the onboard snack offerings and optional beverage purchases! Every step of the journey felt smooth, thoughtful and memorable – definitely an adventure that I’d love to have again.
Entry Costs: Varies by ticket/experience type; the base rate for adults is $35*
Hours: Varies by day of the week and season, but tours generally depart between 10AM – 4PM.
Check the Georgetown Loop Railroad Schedule for the latest details.
Loveland Ski Area
Known for its stunning panoramic views and abundant snowfall, Loveland Ski Area provides a classic Colorado skiing adventure without the frills of larger resorts. And with over 1,800 acres of diverse terrain, Loveland caters to all skill levels, from gentle bunny slopes to challenging black diamonds. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking an authentic, no-nonsense mountain experience during the winter months.
Lift Tickets: $50-150/adult depending on which lifts and time you visit*
Seasonal Hours: 9AM to 4PM Mondays – Fridays. 8:30AM – 4PM on weekends and designated holidays.
Loveland typically opens in Late October-Early November and closes in April – early May, depending on yearly snowfall.
Georgetown Firefighting Museum
The Georgetown Firefighting Museum is a two-story building dedicated to the town’s former firefighters. Housed in the historic Alpine Hose No. 2 firefighting station, the exterior is certainly a beauty and walking by, you’ll likely hear the bell toll from its tower while strolling around Georgetown.
The interior of the museum itself is definitely worth a visit too! You can hear a few noteworthy stories from a docent and glean insights into what it was like for the local volunteers to protect the town’s wood structures from fires.
Entry Costs: Small fee to see the 2nd floor; visitor donations are encouraged*
Hours: 12PM most weekends during the summer season.
Hamill House Museum
Orignally built in 1867, the Hamill House is a modern Country Gothic house in the heart of Georgetown. Today, it acts as a museum with displays, furniture and tools depicting life in 1800’s Colorado.
What’s more, if you’re visiting during December, you may consider Christmas at the Hamill House where you can enjoy a Yule Log procession, Christmas Tree Lighting and a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas while dressed up in cocktail or 1800’s period attire.
Entry Costs: Free, but donations are appreciated*
Hours: 12PM most weekends, but advanced reservations are suggested.
Reservations can be made at (303) 569-2840 or [email protected].
Capital Prize Gold Mine
The Capital Prize Gold Mine dates back to 1860, a year after gold was first discovered in the Georgetown Valley. This historic and fully operational gold mine is several miles long and invites visitors to explore the underground workings of a real gold mine, where you’ll walk through narrow tunnels, see historic mining equipment, and even try your hand at panning for gold.
With knowledgeable guides sharing tales of the mine’s rich history and the challenges faced by early miners, this hands-on adventure is a perfect way to connect with Colorado’s gold rush past while surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Rockies.
Entry Costs: $30/adult, $20/child (4-16)*
Museum Hours: 11AM – 4PM Most Days.
Hotel De Paris Museum
Originally built in 1875, the Hotel De Paris Museum is a a former French inn with an English style decor that was built by Chinese laborers – a prime example of how the promise of reinvention shaped the Western United States. Today, it stands as an early Colorado history museum, allowing visitors a glimpse into the hotel’s architecture, famous visitors and renown French chef, Louis Dupuy.
In addition to regular tour options, Hotel De Paris Museum offers wine, food and holiday tours during select times of the year. See their website for more information and their current tour schedule.
Entry Costs: $10/adult.*
Hours: Tours take place at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM on most days. Allow 1 hour. Advanced tickets required.
Guanella Pass
If you’re visiting Georgetown in the summer or fall, Guanella Pass provides excellent access to hiking, biking, camping and scenic viewpoints in the Rocky Mountains just outside Georgetown.
The drive will be especially splendid in September and October, as changing leaves light up the path. Numerous trails are accessible off the byway and summit, including a 3-mile hike to the top of Mount Bierstadt, one of the state’s most-popular fourteeners***.
Interested in an overnight visit? Approximately 10 first-come, first serve camping spots are available at Leavenworth Creek Road (2 miles from Georgetown) and a high-clearance vehicle is required to access them.
Entry Costs: Free*
Hours: 24/7 from Memorial Day to Thanksgiving, weather and conditions dependent**
Guanella Pass Road Information Line: 303-679-2422, Extension 2
Secret Tips on Colorado Fourteeners:
***Summiting Mount Bierstadt? Start early so you can arrive back at the trailhead before summer thunderstorms roll in. I’d recommend starting around 6AM to be back at your car around 11AM.
***Never summited a fourteener? Please read Colorado Tourism’s Know Before You Go guide for safety tips and useful information.
Historic Building Tour
Georgetown may be small, but that makes it perfect for strolling along and enjoying the historic buildings throughout town, many of which are still in use today. While most of these buildings are not currently accessible to the public, they can still be seen on a self-guided walking tour.
A few of my favorite buildings to visit around town include:
- Georgetown Energy Museum (1900) – 600 Griffith St
- The Bowman-White House (1892) – 901 Rose St
- The Old School (1874) – 809 Taos St
- First Presbyterian Church of Georgetown (1869) – 812 Taos St
- The Centennial Mill (1929) – 416 Third St
Entry Costs: Free*
Hours: N/A
Restaurants & Shopping
Restaurants
511 Rose – Upscale American with Vegan Options
Cabin Creek – Brewery with Bar Food and Pizzas
Cooper’s on the Creek – American Food with the option of Creekside Dining
Happy Cooker Restaurant – Waffles and other Breakfast Items
Pho Bay Georgetown – Vietnamese
Shops
Georgetown Jerky & Emporium – Shop selling a large range of jerkies from traditional to vegan varieties!
Georgetown Valley Candy Co – Chocolates, Ice Cream, Popcorn and Candies
Grizzly Creek Gallery – Fine Art Photography
Kneisel & Anderson – Historic Grocery Store with lots of takeaway picnic supplies!
Shoppe Internationale – Christmas Decorations and European Novelty Goods
Trading Post – Gift Shop
Day Trips
Idaho Springs
Another landmark place known for its gold mining history is Idaho Springs, just a 20 minute drive from Georgetown. This charming town offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Here, you can explore underground at the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, or relax in the geothermal waters of Indian Hot Springs.
The town also features a vibrant main street with unique shops, local restaurants, and breweries, making Idaho Springs a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s certainly on my bucketlist for my next visit to Colorado!
Distance from Georgetown: 20 Minutes
St. Mary’s Glacier
If hiking, photography and snowshoeing sound like your idea of a good time, a trip to St. Mary’s Glacier will probably be your ideal Georgetown day trip. This semi-permanent snowfield, nestled in the mountains, is accessible via a short but rewarding hike that takes you through picturesque forests and up to breathtaking alpine views! Whether you’re hiking in the summer to enjoy the cool mountain air or visiting in winter for the seasonal activities, the glacier and its surrounding scenery provide a perfect outdoors escape.
Distance from Georgetown: 30 Minutes
Golden
For a delightful mix of Old West charm and modern-day adventure, head to Golden, Colorado. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Golden is famous as the home of Coors Brewery, where you can take a tour and sample some of Colorado’s most famous brews. Beyond the brewery, Golden’s vibrant downtown is perfect for strolling, with unique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. For outdoor enthusiasts, Clear Creek offers a scenic spot for kayaking, tubing, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the water.
Secret Tip:
If you’re planning any outdoor activities in Clear Creek, make sure to read up on current safety information – including what to wear – on the city’s website.
Distance from Georgetown: 45 Minutes
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
During my recent Georgetown trip, I stopped by the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and let me tell you—it was everything I hoped for and more.
The towering red sandstone formations felt like something out of a movie, and walking alongside them offered one breathtaking view after another. But the real magic? Standing in the amphitheater itself, imagining the countless legends who’ve performed there with the stars as their backdrop. Even without a concert, you can feel the energy of the place, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the area. Whether you’re a music lover, a hiker, or just someone who appreciates epic landscapes, Red Rocks delivers on every front. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Georgetown, making it the perfect addition to any Colorado adventure!
Distance from Georgetown: 50 Minutes
