Attractions and Places To See around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, a census-designated place in Clear Creek County, Colorado, located along the I-70 corridor. This area encompasses the communities of Downieville, Lawson, and Dumont. The region is characterized by its natural features, including Clear Creek and accessible portions of Arapaho National Forest, alongside a rich history tied to mining. It offers a variety of sites that highlight both natural beauty and historical significance.
Best attractions and places to see around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont
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Last updated: July 8, 2026
Saint Mary's Snowfield
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Idaho Springs
Highlight • Settlement
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Town of Georgetown
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Guanella Pass Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Mount Flora
Highlight • Summit
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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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Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a small former mining town just off of I-70. This is a great place for hikers, cyclists, and trail runners to start or end an outdoor adventure; with its blend of history, local shops and restaurants, and natural beauty this is a must-stop for anyone visiting Colorado.
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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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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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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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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 in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
The region offers several natural highlights. You can visit Saint Mary's Lake, an alpine lake fed by the melting Saint Mary's Glacier, known for its stunning scenery. Clear Creek runs through the communities, providing opportunities for water activities. Portions of the Arapaho National Forest are also accessible near Dumont for a wilderness experience, and Mount Flora offers expansive views of the surrounding peaks.
Where can I find historical sites and learn about the region's past?
Downieville-Lawson-Dumont has a rich mining history. You can explore the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, which offers a blend of history, local shops, and restaurants. The Town of Georgetown, founded during the Colorado Gold Rush, also provides a nice atmosphere and offers rides with an old steam train. In Dumont, historical buildings like the Mill City House (built in 1860) and the original Dumont School (built in 1909) stand as testaments to the area's heritage.
Are there family-friendly activities in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both Idaho Springs and the Town of Georgetown are considered family-friendly, offering historical exploration and local charm. For outdoor fun, Lawson Whitewater Park provides public access points for water activities, and Base Camp Lodging Company in Lawson offers cabins and yurts with seasonal activities.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy whitewater rafting or kayaking on Clear Creek, with outfitters like MAD Adventures in Dumont providing guided trips. Fishing is popular in Clear Creek and Georgetown Lake. For hiking and running, explore the trails around Saint Mary's Lake or Mount Flora. You can find more detailed routes for various sports on the running, cycling, and road cycling guide pages.
Where can I go whitewater rafting or kayaking?
Clear Creek is a prime location for whitewater rafting and kayaking, offering beginner and intermediate trips. Lawson Whitewater Park in Lawson is specifically designed for these activities, featuring trails, terracing, and public access points. MAD Adventures in Dumont also provides guided whitewater rafting trips on Clear Creek for various skill levels.
Are there good fishing spots in the Downieville-Lawson-Dumont area?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity here. Clear Creek is known for various trout species. Georgetown Lake, just southwest of Dumont, is a year-round destination excellent for fly fishing, with rainbow and brook trout, and occasional kokanee salmon. Lawson Whitewater Park also offers public access for fishing.
What are some scenic drives or viewpoints in the region?
The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, near Dumont, offers impeccable vistas of iconic Colorado landscapes and leads to the highest paved road in North America. Please note it may be closed for improvements through 2025. Additionally, the Guanella Pass Climb provides a spectacular journey through forests and high-alpine tundra with views of towering peaks, and Mount Flora offers unobstructed views from its summit.
Are there camping options available near Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
Yes, several campgrounds are available in the vicinity for both RV and tent camping. Options include Cottonwood RV (near Idaho Springs), West Chicago Creek campground, and Robbers Roost campground.
What is the best time to visit Downieville-Lawson-Dumont for outdoor activities?
The warmer months, typically late spring through early fall, are ideal for hiking, rafting, and exploring the scenic byways. However, fishing at Georgetown Lake is a year-round activity. Always check road conditions and specific attraction operating hours, especially for high-altitude areas like the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which can have seasonal closures.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The stunning scenery around Saint Mary's Lake and the historical charm of towns like Idaho Springs and Georgetown are frequently highlighted. The opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and water sports on Clear Creek also receive high praise.
Is there anything for cycling enthusiasts in the area?
Absolutely. The region offers challenging and scenic cycling routes. The Guanella Pass Climb, starting from Georgetown, is a spectacular and challenging ride. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway also provides an incredible cycling experience when open. You can find more detailed routes on the cycling and road cycling guide pages, including routes to Echo Lake and Guanella Pass Summit.
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