As the vibrant fall foliage season approaches, authorities are ramping up parking enforcement at Guanella Pass to prevent traffic congestion and ensure public safety. Clear Creek and Park counties have announced additional sheriff patrols to enforce no-parking rules along the popular mountain pass, responding to incidents from last year that hindered emergency services.
Both counties noted that last fall, traffic congestion and illegal parking significantly delayed rescue operations. In one instance, response times for emergency services more than doubled due to the volume of vehicles. Park County undersheriff Steve Spodyak highlighted that on peak weekends, as many as 30,000 vehicles could be on the pass, creating unsafe conditions for drivers and emergency responders alike.
Traffic Management Measures in Place
Large no-parking signs have been strategically placed every 50 yards along the road, particularly near the summit, which stands at 11,670 feet. Spodyak emphasized the dangers of parking on the roadside, stating, “It makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to respond to emergencies. It essentially turns a two-lane road into a one-lane road for both directions of traffic.”
Last September, a rollover accident on the Park County side of the pass illustrated these challenges. A Park County deputy faced a response time of 41 minutes, compared to the usual 15-20 minutes, while an ambulance took even longer to reach the site. “Seconds can be the difference between life and death,” Spodyak noted, underscoring the necessity for proactive measures this year.
Similarly, Clear Creek County Sheriff Matthew Harris reported a cardiac arrest incident that was also impacted by illegally parked vehicles. “Emergency response was significantly delayed due to illegally parked vehicles,” Harris stated. In that case, life flight was necessary, but the individual ultimately survived.
Community Impact and Visitor Guidance
With the anticipated influx of visitors, both counties are urging the public to enjoy the scenery responsibly. Harris suggested that visitors consider attending on weekdays to avoid the busiest times.
“Guanella Pass is a treasure,” said Rebecca Lloyd, a commissioner in Clear Creek County. “But as the number of visitors increases, we face challenges with overcrowding and illegal parking.” Last year, Lloyd experienced a two-hour delay on Interstate 70 during peak leaf-peeping weekends.
Additionally, the town of Georgetown, which serves as the northern gateway to the pass, has announced a traffic management plan for the weekends of September 20-21 and September 27-28. The plan aims to minimize disruptions in a town with a year-round population of only 1,200 while accommodating an expected daily visitation of over 20,000 during these weekends.
“Visitors who would like to stop and support our local businesses are welcome, and at the same time, traffic will be guided safely and efficiently,” said Dennis Durham, Georgetown’s town administrator.
By implementing these measures, authorities hope to ensure that safety is prioritized while allowing everyone to experience the beauty of Guanella Pass during this vibrant season.
