Grand County Life - Explore Grand County

Hit the Slopes: Grand County Ski Area Opening Days!

Lifts Start Turning: Winter Park & Granby Ranch Opening Days

With temperatures dropping and the snow starting to fly, it's time to trade out our bike racks for ski racks. As we dust off our skis, boards, and boots and dig around for our gloves and helmets, snow builds up on the snow stake. Grand County's two downhill ski resorts, Winter Park  and Granby Ranch, have been prepping for months to welcome skiers and riders for their respective opening days. The energy and enthusiasm in town is palpable-we're all excited to spend more days on the snow and are grateful to live in a place where we can hop on a lift and take few runs on any given day. It never gets old, and we never take it for granted. 

WINTER PARK RESORT: OPENED OCTOBER 31st 

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Gear Up for Winter!

Ski Season is Coming: It's Time to Gear Up!

Be ready to hit the mountain on opening day! Winter Park Resort  announced that thier opening day has been moved up to Halloween, and Granby Ranch is set to start running its lifts December 10th. Whether you have a quiver of one or ten, now is the time to dust off your gear and get it tuned. If you're in need of skis or a snowboard or are just ready to upgrade, you can find everything you need right here on this side of Berthoud Pass!

EPIC MOUNTAIN SPORTS

Located in downtown Winter Park and locally-owned, Epic Mountain Sports has been a local go-to for getting set up for winter since 2008. Nestled in the Park Plaza Shopping Center along with Rudi's Deli and Pepe Osaka's Fish Taco Tequila Bar &…

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Skiing in Grand County: Then & Now

Putting the "Park" in Winter Park: Grand County, the Birthplace of Colorado's Ski Industry

The name says it all: Winter Park is well-known for the abundant outdoor recreation opportunities it holds in the snowy winter months. The deep powder days and “winter wonderland” vibes are woven into the community’s identity. Whether it be cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, or backcountry skiing, there is no shortage of fun to be had in the giant “park” we call home. 

Typically, when people hear “Colorado,” they picture the world-class skiing offered at resorts across the state. Skiing and riding throughout the Seven Territories at Winter Park Resort or teaching a family to ski at Granby Ranch is the norm these…

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Fall Fishing in Grand County

Fishing the Fall: Quiet Waters, Cooler Temps, and Hungry Fish Will Likely Make You Fall in Love with Fishing this Time of Year

We love hiking and biking as the aspens change, but fall is also the perfect time to grab your fishing gear and explore the waters in our neck of the Rockies: access Grand County's 1,000 miles of streams and rivers, almost 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, 11,000 acres of reservoirs, and various well stocked ponds as you enjoy the vibrant fall foliage set against the backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. 

WHY FALL FISHING IS A FAVORITE

Whether you're wading, floating, boating, or fishing from shore, fall can be the perfect time to fish. The season brings a welcome reprieve from the summer heat as cool mornings and…

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Our Favorite Fall Hikes & Rides

Soak in the Color on Our Go-to Fall Hikes & Rides!

When we see the first golden yellow leaves of the season, we can't help but get excited. Though the transformation can feel fleeting, we do our best to take full advantage of enjoying the colors that seem to burst across the valley each September. We've put together a few of our favorite spots to get out and enjoy the fall foliage. 

JIM CREEK HIKE

Just across from the entrance to Winter Park Resort, the Jim Creek Trail is a top pick for leaf peeping in Grand County. The bottom section of the hike can actually be a hike in and of itself--the Discovery Loop Trail is wide, relatively flat, and well-maintained, complete with a boardwalk that can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. It's a great…

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Sounds of the Season: Elk Bugling at Rocky Mountain National Park

A Fall Favorite: Enjoy the Call of the Elk at Rocky Mountain National Park 

As the air cools off and the leaves burst with color, there's a certain magic in the air. Adding to the beauty of the season and our natural surroundings is the opportunity to experience wildlife in a unique way--one that only comes around once a year. From mid-September through mid-October (and sometimes even into November), elk gather in groups of tens and even hundreds in Grand County's corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. Against the breathtaking backdrop of vibrant golden leaves and mountain peaks, bull bugles are abundant during this elk mating season. We think "listening to an elk bugle" should be a serious contender for your personal bucket list!

BEST TIME TO…

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Dive into Headwaters River Journey!

Headwaters River Journey: An Immersive Water & Wildlife Experience

We love walking along the Fraser River Trail, listening to its waters alternate between a rush and a trickle as birds chirp, the sun shines, butterflies dance around, and people enjoy fishing its waters. Having the Fraser River in our backyard is a gift that we do not take for granted. One of the many tributaries of the Colorado River, the Fraser River gets its start from the snowmelt on Berthoud Pass and winds through the valley, eventually joining up with the "mighty" Colorado in Granby.

Sitting at elevations over 13,000 feet, Grand County has the privilege of being the source of water for a large percentage of the American West. With that privilege comes responsibility. The…

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Discover Grand County's Dude & Guest Ranches

Saddle Up at One of Grand County's Beautiful Guest Ranches

Long before paved roads and ski lifts made their way to the valley, pioneers, explorers, and ranchers were venturing "out west" to settle in what is today Grand County. Ranching is still a way of life for many who call this place home. But for those that it isn't, there are plenty of opportunities to get a taste of the old west lifestyle at one of our county's world-class guest ranches. 

DEVIL'S THUMB RANCH RESORT & SPA

Just 10 minutes from Winter Park, Devil's Thumb Ranch spans 6,500 acres nestled at the foot of the Continental Divide. Named after a rocky outcropping perched above the ranch, the resort makes it easy to "get away from it all" and really connect with the natural beauty…

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Enjoy Summer at YMCA's Snow Mountain Ranch

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

If…

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Check Out Our Favorite Mountain Biking Trails!

Put Some Mountains in Your Biking! 

Summer days equate to summer rides for us! We honestly aren't sure if life can get any better than a good ride on a summer day. It's no question that Grand County offers some of the best mountain biking around. With over 600 miles of cross-country trails in the Fraser Valley alone and world-class downhill trails at both Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch, it's easy to find the perfect route for anything from your epic 30-mile adventure or a quick loop on your lunch break. 

While we both love exploring the extensive trail system, we each have our favorite "go-to" rides. Leah makes getting out on the Tipperary Creek trail a habit as she can easily ride to the trailhead from right out her back door. This…

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