Take Advantage of Snow Mountain Ranch this Summer!

While covered in snow for almost 10 months of the year, the name Snow Mountain Ranch might be a misnomer--summer season is prime at the ranch, offering opportunities for all ages to enjoy the splendor of the outdoors in our neck of the Rocky Mountains. Nestled between downtown Granby and Tabernash just off Highway 40, Grand County's branch of the YMCA of the Rockies is definitely worth exploring this summer!

Snow Mountain Ranch is what some refer to as "one of the best kept secrets" in the county.  With rustic charm and over 5,000 acres to explore, it's easy to get outside and take advantage of our short but sweet summer in Grand County at their expansive property. 

HIKING & BIKING

Waterfall Hike Snow Mountain RanchIf soaking in the mountains while working up your heart rate is your love language, miles of trails are ready to explore. Most trails are open to mountain biking, aside from a few marked "hiking only." The 2.2-mile round trip Waterfall Hike is one of their most popular, family-friendly trails. Surrounded by trees and wildflowers, the trail is generally wide with a gentle incline and follows a stream up to its start at the waterfall. More intermediate, the 9-Mile Mountain Trail is an out and back that rises for 2.5 miles up to a lookout point, and the 6-mile round trip Snow Mountain Ranch Trail provides a little more challenge for the  intermediate/advanced hiker as it climbs over five hilltops.

YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch summer trail mapThe winter Nordic trail system easily converts to bike trails in the summer, with seemingly endless opportunities to pedal. They even have a bike skills park with 37 features to help get you ready for the trail. Bring your own gear or rent a mountain bike or e-bike on site at the Program Building! 

SUMMER TUBING HILL

Missing the thrill of sliding down the snow in the winter? They've replicated it in their summer tubing hill--the only one in Colorado! An incredible technology called Snowflex® simulating a snowy turf surface covers the rolling hill. After getting misted with water, tubes fly down it just like they would the snow! Easily ride back up the conveyor belt to hop back on the hill. Lodging guests are provided complimentary sessions, and members get one complimentary session per year (and pay a small additional fee after that). Be sure to call the activities department to reserve your spot as this popular activity can fill up quickly! 

HORSEBACK RIDING

Snow Mountain Ranch horseback ridesRocky Mountain Stables is based at Snow Mountain Ranch and offers trail and pony rides to lodging guests, members, and the public. Riders 8 years old and up (and at least 42 inches tall) can enjoy a scenic hour-long trail ride, and 3-8 year olds can get in on the action with wrangler-led pony rides around the stables. Book your trail ride here. Pony rides are walk-up only, so head on over when your little one is ready to saddle up! 

ZIP LINING 

Sail through the pine forest on over 600 feet of zip line! The views of the mountains are amazing on one of few zip lines in the county. Sign up for a session (which typically includes one zip) here. While many activities are complimentary for guests and members, zip lining is an additional $12/person. Participants must be at least 8 years old. 

ARCHERY

With both an indoor and outdoor archery range, Snow Mountain Ranch offers this unique opportunity for both kids (5+) and adults. With provided equipment and staff that can teach proper technique, they make it easy to try something new.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Whether you just need a break from the high-mountain sun or are waiting out a thunderstorm, there is plenty to do indoors as well! The roller rink, swimming pool, gymnasium, game room, and craft shop make it easy to continue the fun inside. 

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Those are just some of the highlights! Frisbee golf, mini golf, fishing, tennis, climbing, and sand volleyball give even more opportunity to enjoy your time at the YMCA of the Rockies. And they have one of the best playgrounds in the county, the Spruce Saddle Adventure Park, complete with a bouldering wall, slide, zip line, pendulum swing, ropes course, climbing features and more. Honestly, a day isn't enough to enjoy all of the activities Snow Mountain Ranch has to offer!

MEMBERSHIP/DAY PASSES

All lodging guests can take advantage of the property, with several complimentary activities as well as those that require a small fee (such as zip lining and the climbing wall). Sign up and pay for those activities here. Yearly memberships are $250/family (or $600 for three years). They are currently not selling day passes (but might continue to in the future!); however, free passes can be reserved using the Grand County Library's Access Grand program. You just need a library card! West + Main is also a corporate sponsor of The Grand Foundation, giving us the opportunity to provide clients with one or two "Grand Passes" that grant free access to Snow Mountain Ranch for the day. Just reach out to one of us if you're interested in reserving them for a day! 

Posted by Leah Bishop on

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