Geneva Lake | Pike National Forest
Grant, CO | 06/20/20 | 1.56 miles | 72′ gain
We had some friends visiting for the weekend and we decided to take them to one of our favorite 4-wheeling spots in the mountains. My brother-in-law Klay brought his Tacoma as my Crosstrek just wouldn’t do the trick this time.
FS 119 is a dirt road off Guanella Pass that leads to Geneva City, a ghost town and mining area from the early 1900s. Along the road is a ton of dispersed camping and hiking. This is a very popular area in the summer. Although the road is 4wd, it starts out as easy dirt and most cars can reach at least some of the campsites.
Since it was still early in the year there weren’t too many people around. We took our time driving up the road, stopping at various overlooks and ponds. A lingering snowfield blocked the last 1/2 mile so we parked and walked the rest of the way.
It was a short road-walk to reach the first cabins. Most of Geneva City’s structures are lost to time but there is plenty remaining to explore. We didn’t go too far as our friends weren’t acclimated and we were almost at 12,000′.
My map showed a small lake called Geneva Lake just off the main road. We followed overgrown side roads all the way to the lake. It was definitely small but well worth the extra 1/4 mile walk to get there.
The Geneva Creek area remains one of our favorites – now I’m daydreaming of going back in 2021 to see what else we can find.
Chelsea
Colorado Chelsea 
Great photos and beautiful sights!
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Thank you!
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Good intel on the dispersed camping! A beautiful hike also!
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It’s busy but a pretty spot to camp. Thanks for reading!
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Looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Thanks Allan!
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Cool UFO cloud!
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Haha! I didn’t even notice that!
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This sounds like it was a fantastic day!
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It’s a cool spot to visit, that’s for sure!
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So pretty! This one is on my list but we haven’t made it up there due to the road. Sounds like we could at least make it part way though, and then walk the rest.
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Yeah! Your Forester could get within a few miles at least. That wouldn’t be too bad of a hike!
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Beautiful pictures! I am adding this to my list of to-do-hikes for my next family visit to CO
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Thank you! Glad you found something new to add to your list 🙂
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Looks like a beautiful hike.
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It’s definitely a beautiful area, thanks!
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It looks like a lovely place to be. Great photos too and thanks for sharing Chelsea.
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Thank you!
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Can’t believe I haven’t done this hike. Thought I’ve covered just about everything on Guanella pass. Thx!
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It’s definitely one of the lesser known options up there! Lots to explore along this road.
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Looks great! I would love this!!! My list keeps getting longer for places to go when I’m in Colorado!!
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I know right!? I wish I had time to see everything!
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This cabin must have been a lovely place to live! What a place!
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Right!? I always imagine what it’d be like to live in a place like this…wonderful all summer but perhaps a bit snowy in the winter 🙂
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