Geneva Basin: Guanella Pass Road

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

A long, gradual climb to an old abandoned ski area, Geneva Basin. The Guanella Pass Rd (closed to traffic in winter, but there may be snowmobiles) is paved so it can melt out on low snow years and sunny days. The climb can be long but its usually relatively quiet for the Front Range. This route takes the road the whole way for extra mileage. The climb tops out at the old ski patrol hut (maintained by volunteers).

There are chairs, table, beds and old paraphernalia in the hut. On nice days there is a nice deck to sit outside and take in the view. The hut is a great spot to spend the night or have a snack/lunch. However, the ski patrol shack is said to be haunted!

From the hut there are a lot of great skiing options. Be careful going north from the hut toward Square Top Mountain; there are a lot of slopes that slide and have killed people in the past.