Guanella Pass Road
Guanella Pass Summit, CO

Guanella Pass Summit is a recreational playground along the byway. Hiking trails take you up great mountains, and climbers and cross-country skiers enjoy the area as well. Square Top Mountain or Mount Bierstadt may be ascended in one day and the Scott Gomer trail takes backcountry explorers into the Mount Evans Wilderness Area. At Guanella Pass Summit, there are many natural wonders. The alpine life at the top of the summit includes populations of ptarmigan. The ptarmigan is a bird whose feathers change color depending on the season. In the summer they are brown and in the winter they change to white. This ensures that they can hide in their surroundings. Duke Lake is just below the summit, and this area offers additional recreational opportunities.