Georgetown Day Trip at a Glance
Thinking of a quick mountain escape from Denver? Here’s everything you need to know at a glance before you dive into the details of your Georgetown adventure.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Denver | ~45 miles (72 km) |
| Drive Time | 1 to 2+ hours (highly variable due to I-70 traffic) |
| Estimated Cost | $50 – $150 per person |
| Best Time to Visit in 2025 | Summer (June-Aug), Fall (late Sep), Holidays (Dec) |
Why Take a Day Trip to Georgetown, Colorado?
Ready to trade the city skyline for the soaring peaks of the Rockies? Escape the hustle of Denver and step back in time with a day trip to Georgetown, the “Silver Queen of Colorado.” Nestled in a stunning mountain valley, this perfectly preserved Victorian town offers a delightful mix of history, scenic beauty, and family-friendly adventure. So, is Georgetown, Colorado worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s the perfect easy mountain getaway for history buffs, train enthusiasts, and anyone seeking breathtaking scenery without a marathon drive. Home to the world-famous Georgetown Loop Railroad®, this charming town delivers an unforgettable taste of Colorado’s rich mining past.
How to Get to Georgetown from Denver
Located just 45 miles west of Denver, getting to Georgetown is straightforward, but the journey time can be unpredictable. The key to a stress-free trip is understanding and planning for the infamous I-70 mountain traffic.
Driving to Georgetown
The most common way to reach Georgetown is by taking I-70 West directly from Denver. In ideal conditions, the drive takes about an hour. However, this is rarely the case on weekends. Crucially, you must plan for traffic. To avoid sitting in long queues, aim to leave Denver before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 AM on Friday and Saturday mornings. When returning on a Sunday, try to leave Georgetown before 2:00 PM or wait until after 7:00 PM. Always check cotrip.org for real-time road conditions before you depart.
Public Transportation
Want to relax and let someone else do the driving? You have a couple of great options. The CDOT Bustang (West Line) is an affordable coach service that runs along the I-70 corridor, with a stop in nearby Idaho Springs. From there, you can take a short Uber/Lyft to Georgetown. For a more direct and faster option, the Pegasus shuttle van offers a premium service with fewer stops, getting you closer to the action without the hassle of driving and parking.
| Option | Travel Time | Approx. Round-Trip Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 1 – 2+ hours | ~$15 – $25 (Gas) | Total flexibility | Subject to heavy traffic & stress |
| Pegasus Shuttle | ~1 hour | ~$40 – $50 | Fast, direct, relaxing | Less flexible schedule, higher cost |
Top 5 Things to Do on Your Georgetown Day Trip
Georgetown is packed with unique attractions that celebrate its mining heritage. Here are the top five experiences you won’t want to miss.
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Ride the Historic Georgetown Loop Railroad®
This is the quintessential Georgetown experience. Hop aboard a vintage, narrow-gauge steam train for a journey through a breathtaking steep canyon. The highlight is crossing the iconic Devil’s Gate High Bridge, a 95-foot-tall trestle that was an engineering marvel of its time. The ride offers stunning views and a fascinating narration of the area’s history. Pro Tip: The entire round-trip ride lasts approximately 75 minutes. Book your tickets online in advance, especially for the popular fall colors or holiday-themed trains!
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Go Underground on a Mine Tour
Get a firsthand look at Colorado’s silver boom by descending into a historic mine. You can add the Lebanon Silver Mine Tour directly to your railroad ticket, where you’ll walk 900 feet into the mountain and see rich silver veins. Alternatively, the Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour offers another fascinating underground adventure. It’s a cool, dark, and exciting way to connect with the town’s gritty past.
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Explore Historic Downtown Georgetown
With over 200 preserved Victorian buildings, downtown Georgetown is a living museum. Take a leisurely stroll down 6th Street to admire the intricate architecture, pop into unique antique shops, and browse the charming local boutiques. For a deeper dive, visit the Hamill House Museum or the Hotel de Paris Museum to see lavishly restored 19th-century interiors. Entry for each museum is around $10-$15.
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Drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
If you have time and the season is right, don’t miss this stunning drive. Winding its way from Georgetown up towards the high alpine, the byway offers jaw-dropping panoramic views. It is world-famous for its golden aspen groves in late September, making it one of Colorado’s premier fall drives. Crucially, note that the upper portion of the pass is seasonally closed, typically from late November to late May due to snow. The pass is also the starting point for hiking the popular “14er,” Mount Bierstadt.
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Relax by Georgetown Lake
For a quick and easy dose of nature, head to Georgetown Lake. A simple walking path loops around the water, offering beautiful reflections of the surrounding peaks. It’s a popular spot for fishing and a fantastic place to look for bighorn sheep, which are often seen clambering on the steep cliffs of the “Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area” right off the highway.
A Sample One-Day Georgetown Itinerary
Feeling overwhelmed with options? Here’s a sample schedule to help you craft the perfect day trip from Denver.
- Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Leave Denver no later than 8:00 AM to beat the worst of the I-70 traffic. Upon arrival in Georgetown, park at the Devil’s Gate train depot and embark on your pre-booked 10:00 AM Georgetown Loop Railroad ride.
- Mid-Day (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): After your train adventure, head into town for lunch. Grab a table on the patio at Cooper’s on the Creek. Spend the afternoon strolling through the historic downtown, browsing the antique shops and candy stores on 6th Street.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): If it’s summer or fall, take a scenic drive part-way up the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway for some incredible photos. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing walk around Georgetown Lake. Before you leave, grab a delicious coffee and pastry from The Happy Cooker.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Depart Georgetown to miss the peak eastbound traffic. For a bonus stop, consider dinner or a soak at the hot springs in the neighboring town of Idaho Springs on your way back to Denver.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Georgetown
From historic saloons to modern breweries, Georgetown has some excellent dining options to refuel during your day trip.
- For a Historic Vibe: The Alpine Restaurant & Bar ($$) – Step into a classic Old West saloon for hearty American food and a lively atmosphere.
- For Craft Beer Lovers: Guanella Pass Brewery ($) – A local favorite with a rotating tap list and regular food trucks parked outside. The perfect casual stop.
- For a Hearty Breakfast: The Happy Cooker Restaurant ($$) – Famous for its brunch and breakfast, this cozy spot is a must-visit to start your day right.
- For Casual Dining with a View: Cooper’s on the Creek ($$) – Enjoy classic American fare on their beautiful patio right next to Clear Creek.
- For Modern Mexican: Lucha Cantina ($$) – Serving up delicious, contemporary Mexican dishes and great margaritas.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Info
Opening Hours & Seasons
Georgetown’s attractions are highly seasonal. The Georgetown Loop Railroad and associated mine tours typically run from late May to early January, with the most frequent departures in summer (May-Sept). The popular holiday trains run in November and December. Guanella Pass is only fully open from roughly Memorial Day to Thanksgiving. Always check official websites before your trip!
Parking & Accessibility
Free street parking is available throughout the town, but it can be very competitive on busy weekends. Your best bet is to use the dedicated parking lots at the Devil’s Gate and Silver Plume train depots. In terms of accessibility, the railroad has an ADA-accessible coach (call ahead to book), but many of the 19th-century historic buildings have steps and may be challenging for wheelchair users.
Insider Tips for a Perfect Trip
- Book in Advance: This is a must! Train tickets, especially for the enclosed parlor cars or special events like the Santa’s Lighted Forest train, sell out weeks or even months ahead.
- Beat the Traffic: We can’t say it enough. The I-70 mountain corridor is notorious for traffic. Your travel times will define your day. Leave early, return late, or travel on a weekday for a much more pleasant experience.
- Dress in Layers: At 8,530 feet, the weather is unpredictable. A sunny 70-degree day can feel like 50 degrees in the shade or when a cloud passes. A fleece and a light rain jacket are always smart to have on hand.
- Stay Hydrated: Altitude sickness is real, and the easiest way to combat it is by drinking plenty of water. Bring a reusable bottle and sip it throughout the day to avoid headaches and fatigue.
- Check for Closures: Before you leave, do a quick check of the CDOT website for I-70 road conditions and the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway status.
What to Pack for Your Georgetown Day Trip
A little preparation goes a long way for a comfortable day in the mountains. Here’s a quick checklist:
- [ ] Layers (a fleece or light jacket is essential, even in summer)
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the town
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Sunscreen and sunglasses (the sun is much stronger at high altitude)
- [ ] A camera or smartphone for all the photo ops
- [ ] Cash for small shops or parking meters
- [ ] (For Winter Trips) A warm coat, hat, gloves, and proper footwear
Georgetown Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Your day trip can be done on a tight budget or turned into a more lavish outing. Here’s a sample cost breakdown per person.
| Item | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | ~$20 (Gas share) | ~$40 (Pegasus Shuttle) |
| Attractions | ~$34 (Coach Train Ticket) | ~$59 (Train + Mine Tour) |
| Food & Drink | ~$25 (Brewery + Coffee) | ~$50 (Sit-down lunch + drink) |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$79 | ~$149 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Georgetown, Colorado worth visiting?
Absolutely. If you love history, charming Victorian architecture, scenic train rides, and an easy mountain escape from Denver, Georgetown is well worth a day trip. It offers a unique and accessible glimpse into Colorado’s fascinating silver mining past.
How long is the Georgetown Loop train ride in Colorado?
The round-trip train ride on the Georgetown Loop lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes), not including any time spent at the depots or on an add-on mine tour.
Is the Georgetown Loop train ride worth it?
For most visitors, yes, it’s definitely worth it. The views from the Devil’s Gate High Bridge are spectacular, and the historical context is fascinating, especially for families and first-time visitors to Colorado. It’s a signature experience. It might not be the best value for those on a very tight budget or travelers who prefer rugged hiking over more structured tourist attractions.
What mountain town is 2 hours from Denver?
Georgetown is a perfect example of a mountain town that can be about two hours from Denver, especially when factoring in typical weekend traffic on I-70. Without traffic, the drive is closer to one hour. Other popular mountain towns that can fall into the 1-2 hour drive range include Idaho Springs, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge.
TL;DR: Your Perfect Georgetown Day Trip
Too long; didn’t read? Here’s the short version. Go on a weekday to avoid I-70 traffic. Pre-book your tickets for the Georgetown Loop Railroad—it’s the main event. After the train, walk down 6th Street to see the Victorian buildings and grab lunch at Cooper’s on the Creek. If it’s summer or fall, drive up Guanella Pass for amazing views. Dress in layers, drink lots of water, and have an amazing trip back in time!
