Guanella is now completely paved from Georgetown, all the way to the pass summit, and down to Geneva Park on the south side. If Jim Gordon, owner of the Tumbling River dude ranch stops protesting the paving work, the Grant side may eventually be paved as well. At this time, he is vocal with fears the wilderness "charm" of his ranch will be harmed by the presence of pavement. What's curious, is the Sierra Club sued to get the pass paved because of the dust/silt settling into Geneva Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the South Platte, a main source of Denver drinking water. Thus the paving project began years ago... but the Geneva Creek area near Gordon's ranch is what remains unpaved!

And yes Cottonwood Pass, on both sides, is stunningly scenic, and superb to ride. A sport bike ridden easily and smoothly, can handle the west, or dirt side of the pass. Bring the camera! Can preview the conditions (August) here...

http://rmridervideo.com/?cat=40