6 Must-Dos in Grand County
Crank Up the Adventure in This High Country Getaway
Grand County is an expansive, vacation-rich destination celebrated for its adventure and authentic Colorado heritage. Punctuated with historic towns like Granby, Grand Lake, Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Winter Park and Fraser, the region is a favored high-country getaway bejeweled with natural treasures like Grand Lake (the state’s largest natural lake), Rocky Mountain National Park and the headwaters of the Colorado River.
Considerably more awaits. Here’s a six-pack sampler of what you and your family will discover this summer:
1. 2014 Ride the Rockies: Located less than an hour’s drive from Denver, Winter Park is an active participant in this year’s big-time bicycle tour involving 2,000 cyclists and more than 100 volunteers. Watch for this exciting annual multi-day extravaganza, which wheels its way through the locale’s scrapbook-enticing scenics on June 7-8, 2014. playwinterpark.com/ride_the_rockies
Photo: Chris Duthie
2. 12th Annual Blues From the Top Celebration: Starting with a free concert at Hideaway Park, Winter Park’s grand fandango is among the state’s most favored blues music events. This year’s scheduled headliners include The Healers, Ana Popovic, Tommy Castro & the Painkillers, Larry McCray and others. June 27-29, 2014. playwinterpark.com/blues_from_the_top
3. Grand County’s July 4th Celebrations: There are 1776 reasons (or more) to feel proud and patriotic in Grand County, especially on Independence Day. Pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, make ready the Nikon and watch the sky-painting displays at Kremmling’s Fire Up the Cliffs celebration or the jaw-dropping fireworks over Grand Lake. July 4, 2014.
Photo: Chris Duthie
4. Rocky Mountain National Park: One of America’s great national wonders, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts almost 266,000 acres, 150 lakes, more than 350 miles of hiking trails and America’s highest continually paved road (Trail Ridge Road). Indulge your inner Robert Frost and experience mesmerizing Timber Lake, the rigorous eight-mile trek to Haynach Lakes, or the spectacular 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak. nps.gov/romo
5. Grand Lake is Colorado’s Largest Natural Lake: Aptly named, Grand Lake is renowned for its challenging winds and überscenic mountain vistas. The lake sits 8,366 feet above sea level (Grand Lake Yacht Club is the world's highest registered yacht anchorage), which suggests you may never again sail a higher body of water. Bonus tip: Don’t miss the popular pastime of moose spotting at the lake’s outlet. townofgrandlake.com
6. Golf Colorado’s High Country: If you like hitting the long ball, you’re going to relish the thin, high-altitude air of Grand County. Up here, golf balls travel further and spin less, two seductive, big-smile benefits for golfers of all abilities. Among the area’s revered courses are Grand Elk Golf Club, Grand Lake Golf Course (a favorite respite for moose) Golf Granby Ranch and the wickedly fun Pole Creek Golf Club in Tabernash (pictured below).
For additional information about Grand County go online to www.visitgrandcounty.com.
RELATED LINKS
Colorado Springs Compels Adventursome Travelers
5 Reasons To Visit Colorado's Western Slope
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Durango resident Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com
