Unearth The Voyage
Tucked into the Rockies just an hour west of Denver, Georgetown offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This historic mining town sits at over 8,500 feet elevation, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and Victorian-era buildings that transport you back to the 1800s. Whether you’re craving mountain scenery, fascinating history, or a peaceful retreat without the crowds of major ski resorts, Georgetown delivers an authentic Colorado experience that feels worlds away from the everyday grind.
1. Ride the Historic Rail at the Georgetown Loop Railroad
Step aboard a piece of Colorado history when you climb into the vintage passenger cars of this narrow-gauge heritage railroad. The journey winds from Georgetown toward Silver Plume, cutting through dramatic mountain terrain that will have you snapping photos at every turn.
Built in the 1880s during the mining boom, this engineering marvel navigates steep grades and tight curves that seem impossible. The train crosses the famous Devil’s Gate High Bridge, giving riders breathtaking views of the canyon below and peaks above.
Winter rides offer especially magical scenery as snow blankets the surrounding forest and mountains. Check georgetownlooprr.com for seasonal schedules and special events throughout the year.
2. Tour the Capital Prize Gold Mine
Venture more than 1,000 feet into authentic mining tunnels where fortune-seekers once toiled in search of silver and gold. Your guide will share stories of the hardships miners faced and the techniques they used to extract precious metals from solid rock.
The temperature inside stays cool year-round, so bring a jacket even on summer days. You’ll see original equipment, learn about blasting techniques, and gain real appreciation for the dangerous work that built Colorado’s economy.
This hands-on experience brings history textbooks to life in ways classroom lessons never could. Kids and adults alike find themselves fascinated by the cramped conditions and ingenious solutions miners developed deep underground.
3. Stroll Through the Historic Downtown with Its Victorian-Era Architecture
Walking Georgetown’s main streets feels like stepping onto a movie set, except everything here is authentically preserved from the 1800s. The entire town is part of the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District, protecting its 19th-century mining-town character.
Ornate Victorian buildings line the streets, their colorful facades and detailed woodwork showing the pride and prosperity of the silver boom era. Many structures have been carefully restored, maintaining original features while housing modern shops and restaurants.
Grab a hot chocolate and wander at your own pace, admiring the architectural details that make each building unique. The compact downtown makes it easy to explore everything on foot without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
4. Visit the Hotel de Paris Museum
Built in 1875, this elegant hotel once served wealthy mine owners and sophisticated travelers passing through the Rockies. Today it operates as a museum that retains most of its original furnishings, giving visitors an intimate glimpse into boom-era luxury.
French immigrant Louis Dupuy created a refined establishment that seemed impossibly fancy for a rough mining town. Crystal chandeliers, fine china, imported wines, and gourmet meals made the Hotel de Paris legendary throughout Colorado.
Room by room, you’ll discover how the wealthy lived during Georgetown’s golden age. Period furniture, personal belongings, and detailed exhibits tell the story of ambition, culture, and elegance in an unlikely mountain setting.
5. Drive or Take in the Views on the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Just outside Georgetown, this spectacular scenic byway climbs through some of Colorado’s most stunning alpine terrain. The road winds past mountain lakes, through aspen groves, and up to an 11,669-foot summit that offers panoramic views in every direction.
Wildlife sightings are common along this route, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk frequently spotted near the roadway. Wildflowers carpet the meadows in summer, while autumn brings golden aspen displays that draw photographers from across the state.
Winter transforms the byway into a snowy wonderland, though the road may close during heavy storms. Pack layers, bring your camera, and allow plenty of time for spontaneous stops at the countless scenic overlooks.
6. Go Hiking, Snowshoeing or Nature-Watching in the Surrounding Mountains
Georgetown’s high-elevation setting gives you immediate access to incredible outdoor adventures without long drives to trailheads. Dozens of trails wind through the surrounding mountains, offering everything from easy nature walks to challenging summit hikes.
Winter opens up fantastic snowshoeing opportunities when trails transform into quiet, snow-covered paths perfect for peaceful exploration. The thin mountain air and stunning scenery make every outing feel like a special occasion, whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out.
Wildlife thrives in these mountains, so keep your eyes open for deer, elk, marmots, and various bird species. The changing seasons bring different experiences, making this an area worth visiting multiple times throughout the year.
7. Browse the Local Galleries, Shops and Historic Museums
Georgetown may be small, but its shops and galleries pack plenty of character into a compact downtown area. Art galleries showcase work by local and regional artists, much of it inspired by the surrounding mountain landscape and mining heritage.
Specialty museums beyond the main attractions offer focused looks at specific aspects of town history, from firefighting equipment to mining tools. Gift shops carry everything from handmade crafts to vintage-inspired items that reflect Georgetown’s old-fashioned charm.
Shopping here supports local businesses and gives you a chance to find unique souvenirs you won’t see in big-city stores. Many shop owners are happy to chat about the town’s history and share recommendations for your visit.
8. Visit the Hamill House Museum
This grand mansion tells the story of William Hamill, a successful silver mine owner who built one of Georgetown’s most impressive homes during the boom years. The house showcases the wealth and sophistication that mining fortunes could buy in 1870s Colorado.
Guided tours take you through beautifully preserved rooms filled with period furniture, elegant wallpaper, and decorative details that demonstrate Victorian-era taste. The architecture itself is fascinating, with features designed both for comfort and to impress visitors.
Compared to simpler mining-era buildings, the Hamill House reveals the dramatic gap between working miners and successful mine owners. It’s a beautiful example of how quickly fortunes could be made in Colorado’s silver rush.
9. Escape the Major Resort Crowds and Relax in a Quieter Mountain-Town Atmosphere
Unlike packed ski resort towns where traffic jams and crowded restaurants can be frustrating, Georgetown offers a more laid-back mountain getaway. You can actually find parking, get a table at restaurants without long waits, and explore attractions without fighting through masses of tourists.
The slower pace lets you truly relax and soak in the mountain atmosphere rather than rushing from activity to activity. Local businesses maintain a friendly, welcoming vibe that feels genuine rather than overly commercialized.
Being accessible yet uncrowded makes Georgetown perfect for people who love mountains but dislike the chaos of major resort towns. You get authentic Colorado charm without the stress that sometimes comes with popular destinations.
10. Enjoy Winter Scenery and Snow-Based Recreation
Sitting at over 8,500 feet elevation, Georgetown transforms into a winter wonderland when snow blankets the town and surrounding peaks. The Victorian buildings look especially magical dusted with white, creating postcard-perfect scenes around every corner.
Beyond just admiring the scenery, the area offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter photography. The crisp mountain air and bright sunshine that Colorado winters are famous for make cold-weather activities surprisingly pleasant.
Even if you’re not into active winter sports, simply being surrounded by snowy peaks and historic architecture creates a cozy, festive atmosphere. Hot chocolate tastes better, fireplaces feel warmer, and everything seems a bit more magical when Georgetown is dressed in winter white.
11. Start Your Visit at the Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center
Before wandering off to explore, stop by the visitor center to get oriented and gather helpful information. Staff members can answer questions, suggest activities based on your interests, and provide updated information about seasonal attractions and road conditions.
Historical exhibits give you context about Georgetown’s mining heritage and development as a mountain town. Local maps help you navigate the area efficiently, ensuring you don’t miss hidden gems that aren’t always obvious to first-time visitors.
Picking up brochures and recommendations here helps you make the most of your limited time in town. The center itself is interesting, with displays that begin telling Georgetown’s story before you even step outside to experience it firsthand.
12. Walk the Streets, Absorb the Charm and Take Photos
Sometimes the best activity requires no ticket, reservation, or special equipment. Simply wandering Georgetown’s streets with no particular agenda lets you discover the town’s character at your own pace.
Every block offers new photo opportunities, from architectural details on historic buildings to mountain vistas framed between structures. The relaxed atmosphere encourages you to pause, look around, and notice small details that rushed visitors often miss.
Locals are often happy to chat if you’re curious about a building’s history or looking for recommendations. This unhurried exploration often becomes visitors’ favorite part of their Georgetown experience, creating memories that guided tours and structured activities can’t quite match.
