Granby Rodeo and High Country Stampede Bring Wild West Charm to Grand County All Summer Long
Summer in Grand County means endless mountain biking and hiking trails, soaking in the sunshine on our mountain lakes, floating the Upper Colorado River, fishing, live outdoor music, festivals, and enjoying that cool mountain air when the rest of the world is sweltering. And, just to add to the fun, summer is also rodeo season!
While some mountain towns only get one rodeo a year, we're lucky enough to have two that run most of the summer: one in Fraser and one in Granby. So bust out that western wear because our quintessential mountain rodeos are calling your name. Rain or shine (and legitimate fun for the whole family), the Granby Rodeo at Flying Heels Arena and the High Country Stampede Rodeo in Fraser bring that good old-fashioned western fun that just feels right in the mountains of Colorado.
GRANBY RODEO 
The Granby Rodeo has been a summer staple in Grand County since 1943, making it the longest-running rodeo series in the county. Whether you've had a chance to enjoy one or not, you've likely seen the trailers and horses staged outside Flying Heels Arena in Granby every weekend this summer. Just off Highway 40 on your right after you pass City Market coming from Winter Park, Flying Heels has been home to the Granby Rodeo since 1969.
Beyond the standard rodeo lineup (think bronc riding, roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer wrestling), the Granby Rodeo brings some extra fun throughout the season. Mutton bustin' is a crowd favorite for the littlest riders (60-pound weight limit), and if you've never won a buckle, you can even enter events like Chute Doggin' just to give rodeo a try. Depending on the night, you might catch the world-famous Westernaires, the Shockwave Trick and Fancy Riding Team, mounted shooting, mini broncs, or the arena's signature motorcycle barrel race, a unique event they've been running since the eighties! The atmosphere is what really makes it though: think string lights, dusty boots, and the sun setting behind the mountains over the arena. It's small-town, family-friendly, and about as western as it gets. 
It runs on Saturday nights through June and July, and they go big for Independence Day weekend. To celebrate the 4th, they pack in four straight days of rodeo, each ending with an epic fireworks show (fire restrictions permitting) - a community favorite way to celebrate each year.
There's covered seating, but keep in mind that it's first-come, first-served general admission, so show up early to snag the best spot! Gates open at 4:30, and this year they offer some shopping and even a mechanical bull to keep you entertained until the rodeo starts. Bring a layer, since it gets chilly once the sun drops behind the peaks. Food, soda, beer, and wine are sold on-site through the Rotary and other vendors. Parking is free, and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome (though between the noise and fireworks, most people choose to leave pups at home or in the car).
Tickets are available online or at the gate, but I’d recommend buying them in advance just to keep it easy and make sure you get a ticket (especially for 4th of July weekend)! Adults run $20, kids 6–12 are $15, and seniors 65+ pay $10. Kids under 6 and military (with an ID) get in free.
HIGH COUNTRY STAMPEDE RODEO 
Every Saturday, the "Rodeo Tonight, Rain or Shine" sign gets propped up by the stoplight in Fraser by Safeway, and you might have wondered what all the hype is about. Head north at the light, veering right as you pass the two tubing hills, take a left on County Road 73, and you'll find the arena tucked away on your right at the top of the hill, just off the Givelo Trail that climbs up into the Fraser Experimental Forest trail system. So if you're feeling ambitious, you can actually bike to the rodeo straight from town on a quick little single track along the creek!
The High Country Stampede runs Saturday nights from the 4th of July through mid-August, with the junior rodeo at 3, main gates opening at 4, and the main show kicking off at 7 and running until about 9 or 9:30 (so bring those blankets and layers!). This one's Colorado Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA)-sanctioned, so you're getting genuine professional rodeo action alongside a themed night nearly every Saturday, from Old West Night to Sponsor Appreciation Night's country western dance. Between events, keep an eye out for the Octagon Trick Riders, the Pikes Peak Rangerettes, and the Rocky Mountain Renegades, and be sure to say hi to Bennie Bob Patrick, our rodeo's beloved clown, who's been bringing the comedy and entertainment to the High Country Stampede for over 21 years! 
And for sure bring the kids! The Fraser rodeo is built for them, right down to the old-school play structures (think straight-out-of-the-90s playground) that keep little ones busy between events. There are a couple of just-for-kids competitions worth planning around, too: the Sheep Scramble is open to ages 6–12, with sign-ups closing at 5pm, and mutton bustin' is even more limited, with only 20 spots split into two sign-up windows (10 kids between 5–6pm, 10 more between 6–7pm) and a 50-pound weight limit for riders. One thing to note: dogs aren't allowed at High Country Stampede, so plan to leave pups at home.
Hungry? Wild Horse Catering has you covered from 4 to 9pm every rodeo night, serving up hearty BBQ like hand-carved brisket, pulled pork and grilled chicken sandwiches, and a green chili Frito pie that is hard not to love. And even better: hang onto your receipt and swing by Solstice Bistro in Fraser afterward for a free dessert. Thirsty? The Watering Hole pours beer from Fraser's own Fraser River Beer Company, and if you're saving room for something sweet, The Ice Box scoops up treats from local-favorite Charlie's Frozen Treat Shop in Winter Park.
Want to bring home a little something to remember the night by or just some good ol' authentic western wear? Swing by the Buckin' Shoot Trading Post for t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and western tokens, or browse Cowboy Corner (that features hats from Tabernash Hat Company) for more western gear and gifts.
Tickets can be bought online ahead of time through the rodeo's website, with general seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard pricing runs $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6–12, military, and seniors 62+, with kids 5 and under getting in free (though themed nights sometimes shift pricing slightly, so it's worth double-checking the date you're planning to attend). Heads up: the July 4th rodeo is always the most popular of the season, so if that's your night, grab tickets early. Traveling with a crowd? Groups of 10+ get a free ticket, and groups of 50+ get 25% off - just note that group and special-priced tickets need to be purchased at the gate rather than online. And if you forget to buy ahead, no worries! Additional tickets are available at the ticket booth the day of. 
The John Work Arena grounds don't just come alive for rodeo nights, either. Every spring around Memorial Day, the same rodeo grounds host Cow Pie Bingo, a beloved (and beautifully quirky) community fundraiser for the Fraser Valley Elementary Parent Advisory Committee, where a meandering cow determines the winners simply by doing its business on a numbered grid. The grounds are also home to the Bob Temple Pavilion, available to rent for weddings, family reunions, and other private gatherings if you're looking for a scenic mountain setting for your next event!
READY TO RODEO ON THE REGULAR?
West and Main proudly supports the Grand Foundation, and we have Grand Passes on hand to borrow, each one good for a free rodeo entry! Reach out anytime to see if the passes are available for your next rodeo night. I love that we support our local community AND give our clients the opportunity to easily experience all Grand County has to offer at the same time.
If the hometown feel of our local rodeos has you ready to call this place home, let’s connect. After decades of living and raising a family right here in Winter Park, I’ve learned the ins and outs of all things local, including Grand County real estate. I've built the connections and industry knowledge to help you navigate your search for the perfect mountain home, every step of the way, rain or shine. So saddle up! Schedule your free buyer’s consultation to start your journey toward mountain living at its best.
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