Counties on both sides of Guanella Pass are taking steps to prevent traffic gridlock from engulfing the popular leaf-peeping hotspot as fall foliage season beckons this month.

Citing two rescue operations that were impeded by slow-moving traffic and illegal parking on the pass last fall, officials of Clear Creek and Park counties say there will be extra sheriff’s patrols to enforce no-parking ordinances. Vehicles illegally parked along the roadway will be towed.

“During this time of year, the number of visitors to the Guanella Pass area increases by tens of thousands,” said Park County undersheriff Steve Spodyak. “Last year, on one of the peak weekends, we experienced 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles on Guanella Pass. On one of the peak days, between 1 and 4 p.m., we had over 10,000 vehicles tr

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