Jun
27
Rosalie Trail - Great Family Hike up Guanella Pass
Beautiful mountains, and tundra surroundings! From the parking lot the Rosalie trail (Tr 603) heads south. You will hike a short distance - about 15-20 minutes until you reach the top of the small hill. From that point, you have a 360 degree view of the valley below. This is a short hike, but a good one just to wander around the area, take photographs, picnic, take-in the scenery and relax at an elevation of 11,700 ft. above sea level! If you have binoculars, you may see Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep and/or mountain goats grazing on the side of Mt. Bierstadt!!There is another trail that you might like to try that goes east (toward the valley). You may just want to wander down the path a short way until you reach the small pond or creek. This will take you about 20 minutes as well.
The mountains that you will see include Mt. Bierstadt (14,060ft.), Mt. Evans (14,264 ft.), Geneva Mtn. (12,335 ft.) and others to the northwest. Straight ahead to the east is Mt. Bierstadt a very popular, “easy” fourteener. Many hikers, expert and beginner alike love this area.
At the top of the hill on the Rosalie trail there sits a huge rock - this is your picnic overlook. We prefer to snack here and eat in Georgetown below.
Georgetown offers an old historic main street with shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit the town - walk around and notice the beautiful flowers and tourists.
If you are hungry for lunch and want to dine outside, try The Happy Cooker Restaurant. You can eat outside in the fenced garden. The food is good and the prices are reasonable too.
If you want a sweet treat, be sure to try the ice cream at the Georgetown Valley Candy Factory (500 Sixth St.). You’ll be sure to find something to suit your tastes. We love their homemade ice cream!!
It’s a good idea to plan to spend at least 30 minutes walking through town.
If you want another activity that you and your kids will love, try the steam locomotive that travels from Georgetown to Silver Plum and back again. Get tickets in town or at the depot.
Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hiking Trails