Sun Sep 28 02:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Guanella Pass in Colorado, a popular spot for viewing fall foliage, experienced extreme traffic congestion on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office had to temporarily block access to the pass in Georgetown for over an hour to manage the overwhelming number of vehicles. Local residents were given priority access. Officials had warned of potential traffic issues and encouraged visitors to consider alternative routes, while also reminding them to be considerate of Georgetown residents.
**News Article:**
**Guanella Pass Overwhelmed by Fall Foliage Seekers, Traffic Blockade Implemented**
**GEORGETOWN, CO (CBS Colorado) -** Colorado’s picturesque Guanella Pass became a victim of its own popularity on Saturday, September 27, 2025, as the sheer volume of visitors seeking to admire the autumn colors led to a temporary blockade in Georgetown.
The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office was forced to take the unprecedented step of turning cars away from Guanella Pass, blocking access at the entry point in Georgetown for more than an hour. The blockade, implemented early in the afternoon, aimed to alleviate the gridlock that was impacting both the pass itself and the town of Georgetown. By 3:30 PM, traffic had eased enough to lift the restrictions.
“The Pass is pretty right now!” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook earlier in the day, foreshadowing the influx of visitors. “We’re expecting a lot of visitors and heavy traffic to Guanella Pass again this weekend.” The previous Sunday saw an astonishing 15,000 vehicles descend upon Georgetown, a town with a population of just 1,200.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) had warned drivers to anticipate heavy traffic in the mountains, specifically advising against visiting Guanella Pass during peak hours. CDOT also cautioned against using local roads as alternatives, noting that “local roads such as Guanella Pass cannot accommodate interstate-level traffic.”
Beyond traffic concerns, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of respecting the needs of Georgetown residents, asking visitors to “make just a tad bit more space to allow them in and out of their driveways so they can get on with their weekend activities.”
While Guanella Pass remains a favorite for its easy access from Denver and stunning aspen groves, officials are urging visitors to consider alternative locations for fall color viewing to avoid contributing to similar congestion issues in the future.
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