Attractions and Places To See around Empire - Top 12
Best attractions and places to see around Empire, Colorado, include a range of historical sites and natural features in Clear Creek County. This historic mining town provides access to high mountain passes, alpine lakes, and challenging mountain summits. The area is characterized by its mountainous terrain, offering opportunities for exploring its mining heritage and diverse outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Empire
- The most popular attractions is Saint Mary's Lake, a lake that is fed by the melting Saint Mary's Glacier. This alpine lake is set in scenery just half a mile from the parking area.
- Another must-see spot is Berthoud Pass, a mountain pass along the Continental Divide at 11,307 feet in elevation. The pass offers trail access, bathrooms, and parking at the summit.
- Visitors also love Town of Georgetown, a settlement founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, the town maintains its historic atmosphere and offers an old steam train ride.
- Empire is known for its historic settlements, mountain passes, and natural lakes. Visitors can explore the region's mining history, ascend challenging mountain climbs, and discover scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Empire are appreciated by the komoot community, with 9 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Berthoud Pass
Highlight โข Mountain Pass
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Saint Mary's Snowfield
Highlight โข Natural Monument
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Town of Georgetown
Highlight โข Settlement
Today, the town has a really nice atmosphere and you can still take a ride with the old steam train. There is also a very nice brewery at the north end of the town.
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Guanella Pass Climb
Highlight (Segment) โข Climb
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Mount Flora
Highlight โข Summit
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Tips from the Community
Starting from the historic mining town of Georgetown, the Guanella Pass climb offers you a spectacular journey through dense forests opening into breathtaking high-alpine tundra with views of towering peaks like Mount Bierstadt. You'll ascend approximately 10.5-11 miles, gaining over 3,100ft to reach the lofty 11,669ft summit. Be prepared for a challenging profile: after a steep initial section of 6-7% on average, the gradient eases through the middle before a very tough final 2.3 miles featuring steep switchbacks averaging over 7% with ramps hitting 10-12% or more, made significantly harder by the extreme altitude. The pass is seasonally closed so be sure to check before attempting this climb.
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Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush by George and David Griffith, two prospectors from Kentucky. After 1864, gold and silver ore was mined in countless mines around Georgetown. The town was not a mining camp, but a center for the ore miners and prospectors. Today, the town has a really nice atmosphere and you can still take a ride with the old steam train. There is also a very nice brewery at the north end of the town
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Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush by George and David Griffith, two prospectors from Kentucky. After 1864, gold and silver ore was mined in countless mines around Georgetown. The town was not a mining camp, but a center for the ore miners and prospectors. Today, the town has a really nice atmosphere and you can still take a ride with the old steam train. There is also a very nice brewery at the north end of the town.
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At an elevation of 11,307 feet, Berthoud Pass is a high mountain pass in central Colorado. The route going over the pass used to be an old wagon route (the path was deemed unsuitable for a railroad). There is trail access, bathrooms, and lots of parking at the pass summit.
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Mount Flora rises to 13,146 feet and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and forests. The summit can be reached from multiple angles, but it is most often approached from the Berthoud Pass side.
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Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush by George and David Griffith, two prospectors from Kentucky. After 1864, gold and silver ore was mined in countless mines around Georgetown. The town itself was not a mining camp, but a center for the ore miners and prospectors. Today, the town has a really nice atmosphere and you can still take a ride with the old steam train. There is also a very nice brewery at the north end of the town.
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Berthoud Pass is a mountain pass along the Continental Divide at 11,307 feet in elevation. There is a warming hut at the summit that offers restrooms, picnic areas, as well as interpretive signs regarding avalanches, bark beetle and other forest messages.
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Saint Mary's Glacier actually isn't a glacier at all; it's simply a snowfield that doesn't completely melt in the warmer months. The persistence of snow throughout the year caused people to start referring to the snow mass as a glacier, but it isn't actually moving down the valley (which is the distinguishing feature of a glacier). This is still a cool feature to come check out any time of year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Empire, Colorado?
You can discover several stunning natural features. Visit Saint Mary's Lake, an alpine lake fed by the melting Saint Mary's Glacier, just half a mile from the parking area. Berthoud Pass offers breathtaking views and trail access along the Continental Divide. You can also explore the vast Arapaho National Forest, which provides numerous trails and scenic spots for nature enthusiasts.
Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions in the Empire area?
Yes, Empire and its surroundings are rich in history. The Town of Georgetown, founded during the Colorado Gold Rush, maintains its historic atmosphere and offers an old steam train ride. In Empire itself, you can visit the Empire Schoolhouse and the Hard Rock Mining Museum to learn about the town's past. Historic Park Avenue also features unique shopping and dining opportunities.
What kind of outdoor activities are available near Empire?
The Empire area is a hub for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the Arapaho National Forest. Whitewater rafting on Clear Creek is also available through local outfitters. For those seeking a challenge, the Guanella Pass Climb offers a spectacular journey through forests to high-alpine tundra.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Empire, Colorado?
Absolutely! The Town of Georgetown is considered family-friendly, offering a historic atmosphere and an old steam train ride that children often enjoy. Minton Park in Empire features a playground, picnic shelter, and open space, perfect for families.
What are some popular hiking trails near Empire?
The region offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find easy trails like Rutherford Trail and Tom Bennhoff Lake Trail, or more moderate options such as Kingston Peak Trail and Loch Lomond Trail. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Hiking around Empire guide.
Can I go cycling around Empire, Colorado?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity here, with options for both road cycling and touring. Challenging routes include the Guanella Pass Summit from Georgetown and the Georgetown to Loveland Pass. You can find detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Empire and Cycling around Empire guides.
What is special about Berthoud Pass?
Berthoud Pass is a significant mountain pass along the Continental Divide at 11,307 feet in elevation. It offers trail access, bathrooms, and parking at the summit. In winter, it's known for backcountry skiing, and during warmer seasons, it's popular for hiking and biking.
Where can I find panoramic views near Empire?
For spectacular views, head to Berthoud Pass, which provides expansive vistas from the Continental Divide. The Guanella Pass Climb also offers breathtaking high-alpine tundra views of towering peaks. Additionally, Mount Flora, rising to 13,146 feet, provides unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and forests.
Is there an accessible trail for visitors with mobility challenges?
Yes, the Education Research Trail (PERT) is an ADA-accessible interpretive trail. It details the history of wagon-road travel over Berthoud Pass during the Gold Rush, offering an inclusive way to experience the region's heritage.
What is the significance of the Town of Georgetown?
Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush and served as a center for ore miners and prospectors. Today, it maintains a charming historic atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its preserved buildings and the opportunity to ride an old steam train.
What are some of the highest peaks I can see or climb near Empire?
The region is home to several impressive peaks. Mount Flora rises to 13,146 feet, offering challenging climbs and panoramic views. Nearby, you can also find Grays and Torreys Peaks, two of Colorado's
Where can I learn more about the history of Empire, Colorado?
To delve deeper into Empire's history, visit the Empire Schoolhouse and the Hard Rock Mining Museum. These sites offer insights into the town's past as a gold and silver mining hub. For broader historical context of the region, you can also visit Wikipedia's page on Empire, Colorado or the Visit Clear Creek website.
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