As leaf-peeping season in Colorado’s mountains winds down, some startling facts and figures from one town’s efforts to ease congestion along the popular roadway Guanella Pass, have emerged.

Officials with the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office released data regarding how many parking tickets were issued including fine totals, and how many vehicles were towed after a crack down on illegal parking along Guanella Pass Road started on July 25.

Between July 24 and Oct. 5, the CCCSO issued 127 parking tickets on Guanella Pass Road, totaling more than $11,000. Each ticket issued was $87.50, totaling $11,112.50, with a few vehicles being issued multiple tickets.

The break down from the two busiest weekends along Guanella Pass showed from Sept. 19-21, seven tickets were issued, totaling $612.50.

During the weekend of Sept. 27-28, the Clear Creek County Community Officer wrote 18 “No Parking” violation citations, equating to $1,575 in fines.

Sheriff’s Communication Manager Jennifer Fulton said the “No Parking” signs were installed along the roadway on July 23 in anticipation of the significant increase of visitors for leaf-viewing season.

Clear Creek County has two ordinances in place prohibiting parking on roadways and was issuing tickets all summer.

Regarding vehicle tows, Clear Creek County had 12 vehicles towed on Aug. 31, however, did not have any vehicles towed during the weekends of Sept. 6-7 and Sept. 13-14. Park County towed 18 vehicles during the three-day period from between Sept. 19-21.

Total fees collected from towing vehicles during the time frame were not disclosed as the towing companies did not provide any information.

Fulton said on Sept. 24 in an email to The Denver Gazette: “we were expecting this weekend to be busy on the pass, (and) for the most part, visitors have been observant and respectful of the the ‘no parking’ areas and we are very appreciative of that.”

Fulton also said the no parking policy is important because incidents where search and rescue crews are needed in areas along Guanella Pass Road and near the summit arise from time to time.

“At 3:55 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, we got a report for two overdue male hikers, who were expected back at Guanella Pass about 12 – 1 p.m.,” Fulton said in an email. “They had last been contacted between 12:30 and 1 p.m., and at that time were past the ridge of Mt. Bierstadt.”

Fulton said Alpine Rescue Team was called to assist due to the length of time the hikers were missing, and one had a minor medical issue, but no reported injuries.

“Alpine arrived at the Guanella Pass Summit at 4:15 p.m. At 5:23 p.m., Alpine made contact with the hikers, and by 5:35 p.m., all Alpine members and the hikers were back,” she said.

The Town of Georgetown had to shut down access to the town itself on Saturday, Sept. 28 due to too many people trying to access Guanella Pass to see the aspen leaves changing.

For about 90 minutes, CCCSO deputies turned away traffic from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 285 heading into Georgetown. Only residents with valid identification were allowed to enter the town during the closure.

Denver Gazette news partner 9News reporter Marc Sallinger reported in early October on social media platform Instagram Georgetown saw nearly 30,000 vehicles drive through town during the weekend of Sept. 28-29.

Leaf-peeping season in Colorado’s high country typically happens from early-September to mid-October, with the peak color change from between mid-September to early-October, but can vary from season to season depending on various weather patterns and conditions.