Guanella Pass, a popular scenic byway in Colorado, is set to open weeks early this year due to historically low snow levels.

According to Clear Creek County, Guanella Pass will officially open for the summer season at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 16. This early opening comes after a historically low snow season allowed the route to be cleared faster.

The early opening is a result of a coordinated effort between Clear Creek County Road and Bridge, Park County Road and Bridge, and the United States Forest Service.

Guanella Pass typically opens on Memorial Day Weekend. That makes this year’s opening over a month early.

The announcement from Clear Creek County also said that although current conditions allow for travel, visitors should remember that the pas still may be temporarily closed if spring snowstorms cause dangerous driving conditions.

Guanella Pass features 24 miles of stunning views, including the peaks of Mount Bierstadt, Mount Blue Sky, and Argentine Pass. The pass is usually open from Memorial Day Weekend to the week of Thanksgiving.

“This early opening is a testament to the seamless partnership between Clear Creek County, Park County, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service,” Clear Creek County Public Works Director Stoy Streepey said in the announcement. “We hope visitors enjoy this rare, early access to the pass, and we ask that everyone helps us keep the route safe and accessible by following parking regulations and staying prepared for changing mountain weather.”

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