Exploring the Backcountry: A Scenic Drive to Breckenridge via Georgia Pass and American Gulch
Exploring the Backcountry: A Scenic Drive to Breckenridge via Georgia Pass and American Gulch
Welcome to an adventure that takes you off the beaten path and into the stunning landscapes of Colorado. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into a scenic drive that leads to Breckenridge, exploring Georgia Pass and American Gulch along the way. This journey is perfect for those who crave dirt roads, breathtaking views, and a little escape from the city heat. Let’s hit the road!
Trailhead: Georgia Pass
Weather
Setting the Scene
Hey, my name is Rodney and I’m passionate about exploring the roads less traveled. Today, I'm taking a backcountry route filled with amazing views and plenty of dirt to Breckenridge, Colorado. It’s going to be a beautiful day, especially since the city is sweltering at around 98 degrees, while up here, the weather is refreshingly cool.
One thing to note about my start: there wasn’t a clear trailhead for Georgia Pass, which made finding a good spot to pull over and air down a bit tricky. I ended up finding a place where the road widens slightly, allowing me to air down my tires for a more comfortable ride on the bumpy terrain.
Choosing the Right Route
The standard route to Breckenridge involves taking I-70 to Frisco or 285 to Highway 9. However, this channel is all about finding more dirt and more distance, so I opted for 285 and quickly abandoned the pavement to take Georgia Pass.
Georgia Pass is over 11 miles long and typically takes about 2 hours to complete one way. It’s classified as a moderate trail on Trails Off-Road, making it accessible for most vehicles from 285 to the summit. However, the difficulty increases on the north side, where a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the descent into Breckenridge.
Exploring Georgia Pass
As you navigate through Georgia Pass, you’re surrounded by trees for most of the climb. Once you reach the summit, the trees clear, revealing incredible views to the north and south. It’s a rewarding sight after the climb, perfect for a quick break before continuing the descent to Breckenridge.
The descent isn’t overly difficult, but clearance is key due to rocky and uneven sections. The trail is narrow for most of the way down, so it’s important to stay alert.
Encountering Other Adventurers
Unlike the bustling 285 side, I encountered very few vehicles on the descent, aside from the occasional dirt biker. I even spotted some mountain bikers making their way up the trail, which was quite impressive given the terrain.
Connecting to American Gulch
The trail flattens out as you approach the end, revealing several dispersed campsites, most of which were empty, likely due to the trail's increased difficulty. Georgia Pass connects to County Road 355, leading to Highway 9 between Frisco and Breckenridge. For those wanting more trail time, a left turn will take you up American Gulch.
American Gulch: A New Adventure
American Gulch is 4 miles long and rated as moderate. While there are no major obstacles, the road is narrow and features a few sections with exposure. It’s a thrilling ride that keeps you engaged and rewarded with stunning views.
As I descended from Georgia Pass, I expected the road to be easier, but it turned out to be quite rough. The views, however, made it all worthwhile. At one lookout point, I stopped to take in the scenery before continuing down towards Breckenridge.
Finding Campsites Along the Way
The descent continues toward Breckenridge, with a few campsites scattered along the route. While there are fewer options compared to Georgia Pass, this area offers some lovely spots to set up camp.
One notable site I came across had a vast view, likely cleared due to a past fire or beetle infestation. It’s a large, flat campsite that would make for a great overnight stop.
Conclusion: The Journey to Breckenridge
As I approached Breckenridge, I took the connector down to French Gulch Road, leading me right into the heart of the town. This short section of the trail is narrow and has a steep drop-off, but it’s a fitting end to an adventurous drive.
I hope you enjoyed this journey through Georgia Pass and American Gulch! For more incredible trails and adventures, stay tuned to the channel. Remember, there are always new paths to explore and stories to tell. Happy travels!
FAQs
1. How far is Georgia Pass from Denver?
Starting from the Highway 285 side of the pass it takes about an hour and a half.
2. How long is the Georgia Pass Road?
It is 11.25 miles long.
3. How long is American Gulch Road?
It is 4.02 miles long.
4. How long does it take to complete Georgia Pass?
It takes about 2 to 3 hours one-way.
5. How long does it take to complete American Gulch?
It takes about 45 minutes one-way.
6. Are there other offroad trails in the area?
Yes! There are several trails in the area.
6. Is dispersed camping allowed on Georgia Pass?
Yes. There are several dispersed camp spots along the entire route.
7. Is dispersed camping allowed on American Gulch?
Yes, but only in a limited section of the trail.
8. Is there a campground in the area?
The Michigan Creek Campground is located on the Highway 285 side of the pass.
9. Is Georgia Pass open during the winter?
No. It is closed during the winter, but it is open for winter activities.
10. Are they hotels close to Georgia Pass?
If you're looking a place to stay I recommend going to Breckenridge there are limited options on the Highway 285 side of the pass.