Your comprehensive getaway guide for where to play, stay, dine and live in Grand County and Steamboat Springs...

 

 

Where to Play 

Grand County

Grand Elk Ranch and Club


Designed by Tripp Davis and Champions Tour star and Colorado native Craig Stadler, Grand Elk Ranch and Club rests on a valley floor surrounded by stunning views of the Continental Divide. Measuring 7,144 yards and carrying a rating of 72.5, the heathland-style layout features tall grasses, rolling terrain and is reminiscent of Britain’s inland courses. Rates range from $49 to $99, May through October. 1375 Ten Mile Dr., Granby; 866-866-3557; grandelk.com

Pole Creek Golf Course

With three very distinct nine-hole courses, Pole Creek Golf Course consistently rates as one of Colorado’s foremost mountain golf retreats. Any combination of the Ranch, Meadow and Ridge nines will provide a scenic and challenging experience. While the Meadow and Ranch courses wind through wildflowers and open meadows in the Fraser Valley, the Ridge scales a hillside presenting breathtaking views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and Never Summer Mountains. Rates for the 2008 season range from $73 to $99. Plus, there’s a twilight special starting at $48. 6827 County Road 51, Tabernash; 800-511-5076; polecreekgolf.com

Headwaters Golf Course at Granby Ranch

Recently revamped by Nicklaus Design, Headwaters Golf Course at Granby Ranch stretches to more than 7,200 yards and is laden with strategically placed bunkers, lakes and small ponds. The back nine is especially challenging, with far more elevation changes and wetlands than the outgoing side. 2579 County Road 894, Granby; 970-887-2709; granbyranch.com

Grand Lake Golf Course 


Crafted by Dick Phelps, the oldest course in Grand County borders Rocky Mountain National Park at a skyscraping altitude of more than 8,400 feet. Wildlife and thick stands of pine abound on the 44-year-old classic, which plays to a relatively short 6,542 yards. 1415 County Road 48, Grand Lake; 970-627-8008; grandlakegolf.com 

 

Steamboat Springs

Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club


Formerly Sheraton Steamboat Golf Course, this 30-year-old Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout measures 6,882 yards and plays along the foothills of Mt. Werner at a relatively low elevation of 7,000 feet. Since only 17 holes will be open at a time during 2008, the club is offering a 10 percent discount throughout the season. 2200 Village Inn Court, Steamboat Springs; 970-879-1391; rollingstoneranchgolf.com

Haymaker Golf Course

One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, this Keith Foster design spans more than 7,300 yards on a scenic 233-acre plot. The course was built for golf, not real estate, so no homes surround the holes. Instead, thick native grasses, wetlands and awesome mountain views capture the senses and errant golf balls. 34855 US Highway 40 E., Steamboat Springs; 970-870-1846; haymakergolf.com


 

Where to Live

Grand County

Grand Park

Secure your piece of Grand Park, one of Colorado’s newest mountain neighborhood developments. Your backyard is millions of untouched acres of the Arapaho National Forest and the Continental Divide. There’s also the Village at Grand Park, which, once completed, will include a variety of shops and restaurants. Custom homes range in price from the high $600,000s to $1.3 million, while newly released townhomes start at $500,000. 970-726-8700; grandparkco.com 

Granby Ranch

Few places in Colorado offer the same amenities and home options as Granby Ranch. Purchase a home in one of the development’s six neighborhoods and you’ll have access to the Jack Nicklaus designed Headwaters Golf Club, SolVista Ski Basin, hiking and biking throughout the Fraser River Valley and unparalleled fishing along the Fraser River. There’s also Base Camp One at the bottom of SolVista Ski Basin, which offers residences starting in the low $300,000s and a lodge, pool, fitness facility and pub. granbyranch.com or basecampliving.com 


Grand Elk Ranch and Club 


With the Craig Stadler-designed golf course serving as the community centerpiece, the homes at Grand Elk Ranch and Club are spread throughout 11 different villages. Along with golf, homeowners can take advantage of an alpine club, located at the base of Winter Park and a marina and beach club on the shores of Lake Granby. The community is considerably less expensive than those at Keystone, Breckenridge and Aspen, and offers similar activities and amenities. 866-866-3557; grandelk.com 


Rendezvous

Koelbel and Company’s newest mountain community, Rendevous offers cabins, townhomes and custom homes and home sites on 750 acres, just one hour outside of Denver near Winter Park, Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. 866-726-5177; rendevouscolorado.com 

    

Steamboat Springs

Alpine Mountain Ranch and Club 
With only 63 homes covering more than 1,200 acres just outside Steamboat Springs, Alpine Mountain Ranch guarantees a serene mountain lifestyle. Plans for the community include a pool and fitness center, lodge, barn, guest cabins and secluded hermitage. There are currently 43 sites for sale with home prices starting around $1.5 million. alpinemountainranchsteamboat.com 

The Porches


Both fractional and whole ownership are available at The Porches, a luxurious 83-home development in the heart of Steamboat Springs. Each residence is constructed with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship, giving owners a sense of warmth and refinement. A full-service concierge is available, offering housekeeping and maintenance, ski valet, private shuttle and vacation planning. There’s also the 7,000-square-foot Barn, which features a fitness center, heated pool and spa, outdoor BBQ and fire pit, k ids’ game room and a members lounge. 866-500-6673; theporches.com 

Wildhorse Meadows

The first 41-homesite offering at Wildhorse Meadows nearly sold out in less than four hours. Don’t wait to grab your piece of Steamboat Springs’ premier master-planned community. Future plans include the Steamboat Country Store, Wildhorse Barn and Wildhorse Athletic Club. Trailhead Lodge will be the heart of the development with a variety of condominium offerings. 877-886-7772; wildhorsemeadows.com 
 


 

Where to Stay 

Grand County

Winter Park Mountain Lodge


Only minutes from golf courses like Pole Creek, Grand Elk and Headwaters, Winter Park Mountain Lodge is the perfect lodging option for the spring, summer and fall. There are 110 brand new rooms and 52 renovated rooms, each offering cozy accommodations and views of the area’s mountains and forests. Take to the town of Winter Park for dinner or just head downstairs to Moffat Station restaurant and brewpub. 81699 U.S. Highway, Winter Park; 866-726-5151; winterparkhotel.com

Alpine Resort Properties

Whether you’re looking for long-term group lodging or a weekend family vacation rental, Alpine Resort Properties can help. The company’s easy to use Web site makes it simple to search for a townhouse, condo, single-family home or cabin near Winter Park Resort and downtown Winter Park, Granby and Fraser. It’s also a great resource to help plan all of your winter and summer activities. alpineresortproperties.com

Iron Horse Resort

Located near the base of Winter Park Resort, each of Iron Horse Resort’s well-appointed and spacious condominiums include a gas fireplace, private balcony or deck, full kitchen, satellite television and refrigerator with icemaker. May through November, rates for a deluxe studio start at only $95 per night and two- bedroom, three-bath condos start at $170. 101 Iron Horse Way, Winter Park; 800-621-8190; ironhorse-resort.com

Wildhorse Inn

Owners John and Chris have created a warm, rustic and charming retreat that’s the quintessential luxury bed and breakfast. Let them pamper you in a cozy room or secluded cabin. County Road 83, Fraser; 970-726-0456; wildhorseinn.com

Winter Park Vacation Rentals


No matter the size of your group or your price range, Winter Park Vacation Rentals will place you in the perfect house, town house or condominium for your Grand County vacation. 800-926-4386; wpvr.net

 

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Grand

The Steamboat Grand offers 327 guest rooms, suites and condominiums along with countless amenities. Dine at The Cabin Restaurant and Lounge for high mountain contemporary cuisine with a European flair, or try Chaps, a Western themed bar and grill chock full of cowboy paraphernalia and photography. There’s also a full-service fitness center, day spa and year-round heated swimming pool. 2300 Mt. Werner Cir., Steamboat Springs; 970-871-5531; steamboatgrand.com 

Sheraton Steamboat Resort


With the world-class Steamboat Resort in its backyard, the Sheraton Steamboat Resort offers standard guestrooms or multiple bedroom condominiums with great views of Mt. Werner and Steamboat Springs. Take advantage of a several outstanding dining options and Sol, the resort’s luxurious day spa. 2200 Village Inn Court, Steamboat Springs; 970-879-2220; starwoodhotels.com/Sheraton 

 

Where to Dine


Grand County

Ranch House Restaurant

Nestled into the Ranch Creek Valley on 5,000 acres just below the Continental Divide, the Ranch House Restaurant is part of Devil’s Thumb Ranch and serves up scratch-made organic dishes like brown sugar, bourbon and rosemary rubbed rib eye. 530 County Road 83, Tabernash; 800-933-4339; devilsthumbranch.com 

Untamed Southwest Grill and Pub

Combining fresh ingredients and a touch of creativity, chef Alberto Sapien dishes out coastal Mexican fare that’s become a Winter Park favorite. In August, the three-year-old restaurant, which also has a location at Grand Elk Ranch and Club, will open the Wildcreek Brewing Company. 78491 US Hwy 40, Winter Park; 970-726-1111; untamedsteakhouse.com 

Rapids Restaurant

Opened in 1915, the Rapids Lodge and Restaurant is considered one of the most romantic getaways in Grand County. Dine by the Tonahutu River and enjoy regional cuisine, like the Rapids’ Tournedo, a grilled filet mignon topped with crimini mushrooms, pancetta and Gorgonzola cream sauce. 209 Rapids Ln., Grand Lake; 970-627-3707; rapidslodge.com

Caroline’s Cuisine

Located at Soda Springs Ranch, Caroline’s Cuisine serves up tasty appetizers like smoked salmon grill bruschetta and entrees such as veal piccata and a variety of grilled steaks. 9921 Hwy 34, Grand Lake; 970-627-9404; sodaspringsranch.com 

 

Steamboat Springs

Café Diva

At Café Diva, creative cuisine pairs with an impressive wine list for a memorable dining experience. Let owners Paul Underwood, Kate Rench and Beth Fadel tantalize you with their delectable creations. 1855 Ski Time Square, Steamboat Springs; 970-871-0508; cafediva.com 

Three Peaks Grill

With the only raw bar in Steamboat Springs, Three Peaks Grill is a favorite hangout for tourists and locals alike. The restaurant also serves “turf” classics like a rancher’s ridgeline filet, New York Strip and top sirloin, and “surf” entrees such as North Atlantic salmon, grilled ahi and Rocky Mountain trout. An extensive wine list ensures the perfect pairing to any meal. 2165 Pine Grove Rd., Steamboat Springs; 970-879-3399; threepeaksgrill.com

Cottonwood Grill

Make yourself comfortable in Cottonwood Grill’s intimate dining room and feast on Asian-inspired delights like Sake Chilean Sea Bass, Thai pork tenderloin and Peking duck. 701 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs; 970-879-2229; cottonwoodgrill.com

 

Things to Do


Grand County

Visit a Dude Ranch

For all you city slickers wanting an authentic Western experience, visit one of Grand County’s many Dude Ranches. Try your hand at horseback riding and cattle herding at the Bar Lazy J, Aspen Canyon, C Lazy U, King Mountain, Drowsy Water or Latigo Ranch. dude-ranch.com

Fish the Fraser and Colorado Rivers

Excellent and knowledgeable guides are available, offering trips on private waters throughout the area. 

Take a Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Let Grand Adventure Balloon whisk you away for an un forgettable ride. Enjoy bird’s eye views of the Continental Divide and Fraser Valley. You’ll find it’s OK to get carried away! 

*For additional information on lodging, dining, activities and attractions and a calendar of events, visit grand-county.com

 

Steamboat Springs

105th Cowboys’ Roundup and Days and Fourth of July Celebration

The three-day celebration of Western heritage includes a pancake breakfast, parade down Lincoln Avenue, cattle drive and Ranch Horse Competition and Ranch Rodeo. For more information contact the Steamboat Springs Visitor Center at 970-879-0880

34th Annual Art in the Park

More than 140 artists show off their works in West Lincoln Park. There will be free entertainment and a variety of refreshment stands. July 12-13. steamboatspringsarts.com

5th Annual Wine Festival at Steamboat

Sample more than 800 wines, brews and spirits from around the world along with delicious treats from the area’s top restaurants. July 31-August 3. steamboatwinefestival.com