Georgia Pass Route Description
The ride begins at the parking area at the top of Kenosha Pass, a large
stand of Aspen can be seen on the hillside across the highway...
(53k)
Ride west from your vehicle into the campground, and follow the signs to
the Colorado Trail entrance. From here, the trail climbs for a mile or so to
the top of a hill. As you begin the descent, wide views of South Park and
the mountains beyond will open up on your left...
(53k)
The trail leaves the forest as it drops all the way down to south park
after about 3 miles. It crosses an irrigation
channel, and then briefly re-enters the trees...
(85k)
The trail darts in and out of the aspens as it crosses the northern tip
of South Park...
(67k)
Between about 3 and 6 miles, the trail rolls over several small rises,
and crosses
several streams and small roads. At 6 miles, the trail crosses a wide,
well-maintained gravel road that leads to a campground. This could be used as
an alternate starting location for the ride. Cross the gravel road and follow
the trail a short distance until it joins and old jeep trail. Follow the
jeep trail briefly until the Colorado Trail diverges again to the left. This
is where the serious climbing begins! The trail winds through a dense
evergreen forest as it switchbacks up the side of the mountain...
(94k)
At about 9 miles, you reach a rock formation commonly known as "Lunch
Rock", which makes for a good resting place and offers some wonderful views.
You may be visited by a family of Gray Jays which lives in the area, and
seems to have developed a taste for PowerBars...
(76k)
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(68k)
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After about 11 miles, the trees give way to tundra, as you catch a glimpse
of the peaks that surround Georgia Pass...
(61k)
The trail climbs to 11880 ft. Georgia Pass after about 12 miles.
(Note: the "true"
summit of Georgia Pass lies out of view 0.3 miles to the south, where a jeep
trail crosses the mountains...) Enjoy the view of Summit County to the west
and nearby Mt. Guyot (13370 ft.)
(74k)
Here's where you get your reward! Return back down the way you came, and
enjoy the ride! Don't forget - after crossing the tip of South Park, you
still have to climb back up to Kenosha Pass, so save some of your
strength...
(63k)
Back To Georgia Pass
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