Colorado’s high country has a lot of territory to cover. But just 67 miles from the Denver metropolitan area, in Grand County, a four-day summer or fall getaway can introduce you to the best of the Rockies.
Day 1: Arrival at Altitude
If you’ve arrived from the lowlands, be smart and take a day to acclimate while getting an introduction to the area.
• Daytime – Take a drive on the Colorado Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway
| - Begin on U.S. Highway 34 in Grand Lake |
| - Follow the Colorado River south for 80 miles, through the towns of Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall and Kremmling. |
| - Along the way, you'll get a preview of the fun to come, passing Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Lake Granby. |
| - End with a spectacular view of the rugged Upper Gore Canyon. |
• Evening – Relax.
| - Hot Sulphur Springs Resort – Kick back with a relaxing soak in the waters. |
| - Dinner – Choose from restaurants offering everything from casual family style to upscale resort dining. |
Day 2: The Western Experience
First settled in the 1880s as a ranching, farming and lumber center, Grand County has maintained many of its original buildings and sites as museums.
• Grand County Museum (Hot Sulphur Springs) – On the site, see the town's original courthouse, a blacksmith shop, a 150-year-old ranch house, and several antique rail cars. Other local historical sites and museums are open for visitors in Fraser, Grand Lake, and Kremmling.
• Horseback ride – For a true hands-on western experience, contact one of the local outfitters who offer half- and full-day horseback rides.
• Rodeo – On Saturdays during the summer, the traditional cowboy skills of roping, barrel racing, and bull riding come alive at Fraser’s High-Country Stampede Rodeo and Granby’s Flying Heels Arena.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
You’ve got some choices to make!
• More than 600 miles of trails for hikers and bikers of all abilities and interests. Think about:
| - Easy hike to Adams Falls near Grand Lake |
| - Longer hike into the Indian Peaks Wilderness |
| - High-adrenaline rush of biking the slopes of one of the ski resorts |
• Hit the water – Book a half- or full-day rafting trip on the Colorado River, or bring a kayak and make your own fun.
Day 4: Rocky Mountain Memories
The Rockies are what it’s all about up here! Although Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States, its western side is less visited, less crowded, and much quieter.
• Kawuneeche Visitor Center – Just a short drive from the town of Grand Lake, enter the Park at the center for an unforgettable drive through pine meadows, up rugged slopes, and out into the open alpine highlands.
• Hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and wildlife
• Grand Lake – End the day back in town with a stroll along the boardwalk for some last-minute shopping and a leisurely lunch or dinner.
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