Explore Grand County

Your guide to the best of Colorado's mountain playground — from Rocky Mountain National Park to hidden fishing spots, hot springs, and everything in between.

Why Grand County?

Colorado's Premier
Outdoor Destination


Grand County is the backyard for every R&D Adventure trip. Whether you're casting a line on Gold Medal waters, hiking through wildflower meadows, or soaking in natural hot springs after a day on the trails, there's something here for everyone in the family.

Browse Campgrounds →
🏔️ RMNP Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
🎣 25% of Colorado's Gold Medal fishing waters
🥾 600+ miles of trails
💧 1,000+ acres of alpine lakes
⛰️ 14,000+ feet of elevation
🌡️ 50–80°F summer temps
The Crown Jewel

Rocky Mountain National Park


Rocky Mountain National Park trail with mountain views

One of America's most visited national parks is right in your backyard when you camp with us.

🛣️
Trail Ridge Road

One of the highest continuous paved roads in North America, reaching 12,183 feet. Eleven miles above the treeline.

🏞️
Bear Lake

Iconic alpine lake with easy trail access and stunning mountain reflections.

🦌
Wildlife Viewing

Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, marmots, and more roam freely through the park.

⛰️
Longs Peak

Colorado's northernmost 14er at 14,259 feet — a bucket-list summit.

💡
R&D Adventure Pro Tip: The Grand Lake entrance (west side) is typically much less crowded than the Estes Park side. Several of our serviced campgrounds are just minutes from this entrance — you'll beat the crowds every morning.

⚠️ Timed entry reservations may be required May–October. Check nps.gov/romo before your trip.

Fly-Fishing Paradise

Fishing

Grand County is home to 25% of Colorado's Gold Medal Waters — some of the best trout fishing in the American West.

🏞️ Rivers

Colorado River

Gold Medal water with trophy brown and rainbow trout. Sections near Granby offer exclusive "beat" reservation fishing.

Fraser River

Excellent fly-fishing for brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Accessible points along the Fraser River Trail.

💧 Lakes & Reservoirs

Lake Granby

One of Colorado's largest reservoirs at 7,000 acres. Rainbow trout, lake trout, and kokanee salmon.

Grand Lake

Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake. Great for lake trout and mackinaw.

Williams Fork Reservoir

Known for trophy-sized northern pike and lake trout in a more remote, peaceful setting.

🎣
Local Guides: Fishing With Bernie and Winter Park Flyfisher offer professional guided trips and instruction for all skill levels.

📋 Colorado fishing license required. Get yours here →

Hit the Trail

Hiking & Trails

From easy lakeside strolls to challenging summit climbs — Grand County has 600+ miles of trails for every skill level.

EASY Family-Friendly
Adams Falls Trail

0.6 mi RT · Beautiful waterfall near Grand Lake

Monarch Lake Loop

4 mi loop · Flat lakeside trail, mountain views

Fraser River Trail

Varies · Paved multi-use, Fraser to Winter Park

Coyote Valley Trail (RMNP)

1.0 mi RT · Moose-spotting in the Kawuneeche Valley

MODERATE Some Experience
East Inlet Trail

6.8 mi RT · Grand Lake to Lone Pine Lake

Columbine Lake Trail

9.4 mi RT · High alpine lake near Tabernash

Mount Flora Trail

3.0 mi RT · Continental Divide views

Continental Divide Trail

Varies · Iconic long-distance trail sections

CHALLENGING Experienced Hikers
Byers Peak

7.2 mi RT · 12,804 ft summit — 360° panoramas

Lone Eagle Peak

12 mi RT · Starts at Monarch Lake, remote alpine

Mount Ida (RMNP)

9.4 mi RT · Above-treeline summit via Trail Ridge

Longs Peak

14.5 mi RT · 14,259 ft — Colorado's northernmost 14er

Get on the Water

Water Activities


Grand County's three major lakes and rivers make it a water sports playground all summer long.

🌊
Whitewater Rafting

Class I–III family-friendly runs on the Upper Colorado (Pumphouse to Radium) or Class IV–V thrills in Gore Canyon.

🛶
Kayaking & Canoeing

Grand Lake, Lake Granby, and Shadow Mountain Lake offer peaceful paddling.

🏄
Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Flat water on Shadow Mountain and Grand Lake — perfect for all ages.

Boating & Sailing

Lake Granby has multiple marinas, boat ramps, and 7,000 acres of open water.

🏖️
Swimming

Grand Lake Town Beach is a family favorite on warm summer days.

Rafting Outfitters

MAD Adventures Liquid Descent AVA Rafting & Zipline Colorado Rafting Co.
Christopher Mullinex Water Rescue Fund Logo

⛑️ Water Safety

Christopher Mullinex Water Rescue Fund

Grand County's lakes and rivers are beautiful — but respect the water. The Chris Water Rescue Fund supports water rescue equipment, training, and public education so everyone can enjoy our waterways safely.

Learn More — Chris' Water Rescue
Kayaking on a mountain lake in Grand County Colorado
Mountain biking on trails in the Colorado Rockies
Mountain Bike Capital, USA

Mountain Biking


Grand County boasts 600+ miles of trails — from lift-served downhill at Winter Park to scenic cross-country rides through alpine meadows.

🏔️

Trestle Bike Park

One of North America's premier lift-served downhill parks at Winter Park Resort. 40+ miles of trails from beginner-green to expert double-black. Open June–September.

🚡

Granby Ranch

Lift-served downhill plus cross-country trails for all skill levels — a great option for families.

🌲

Idlewild & Devil's Thumb

Premier singletrack near Winter Park and scenic high-meadow rides at Devil's Thumb Ranch.

🚴

Fraser River Trail

Easy, paved multi-use path for casual riders and families connecting Fraser and Winter Park.

Open Road Adventures

Scenic Drives

No trip to Grand County is complete without experiencing the stunning alpine roads and scenic byways.

🛣️

Trail Ridge Road

48 miles · RMNP

Highest continuous paved road in North America at 12,183 ft. Eleven miles above treeline with tundra views.

Open late May – mid-October

🏞️

Colorado River Headwaters Byway

69 miles

Follows the Colorado River through Grand Lake, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, and Kremmling.

Year-round access

⛰️

Berthoud Pass

30 miles · 11,315 ft

Dramatic high-altitude mountain pass — the scenic gateway from Denver into Grand County.

Year-round (conditions vary)

🌄

Cottonwood Pass

15 miles

Quiet, scenic route connecting Winter Park to Hot Sulphur Springs through rolling valleys.

Seasonal access

Saddle Up

Horseback Riding &
Western Experiences


Channel your inner cowboy in genuine Colorado ranch country.

🐴
Trail Rides

Guided horseback rides through alpine meadows and mountain forests — available near Grand Lake and Granby.

🏡
Devil's Thumb Ranch

Full-service guest ranch with guided rides, fine dining, and Western experiences in Tabernash.

🏕️
Winding River Resort

Horseback riding near the RMNP entrance — great for combining with a camping trip.

🤠
Summer Rodeos

Catch bull riding, barrel racing, and more at the Flying Heels Arena (Granby) and High Country Stampede (Fraser).

Horseback riding through mountain meadows in Colorado
After-Adventure Recovery

Hot Sulphur Springs
Resort & Spa

The perfect way to end a day of adventure. This historic resort features natural, chemical-free mineral pools with temperatures ranging from 98°F to 112°F.

🕐 Open Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📅 365 Days Open year-round
🌡️ 98°F – 112°F Natural mineral pools
💆 Spa Services Massage includes pool pass
Visit Website → 📍 Hot Sulphur Springs, CO · (970) 725-3306

Walk-in only · No pool reservations needed · Late entry discount after 8:15 PM

Hot springs mineral pools surrounded by mountain scenery
Tee Time at 8,000 Feet

Golf

The thin, high-altitude air means your drives fly farther up here. Enjoy championship courses with stunning mountain backdrops.

Pole Creek Golf Club

Tabernash

27-hole championship course with stunning mountain views — one of Colorado's best.

🏌️

Grand Elk Golf Club

Granby

Craig Stadler-designed 18-hole course with elk sightings and panoramic mountain views.

🌲

Grand Lake Golf Course

Grand Lake

Scenic 18-hole course near the lake — play surrounded by pine forests and mountain air.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Golf Granby Ranch

Granby

Accessible, family-friendly course perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

Summer Calendar

Events & Festivals

Grand County comes alive in summer with music, rodeos, and mountain-town celebrations.

🎵 Music & Concerts

Event When Where Details
Blues From The Top Late June Winter Park Marquee blues festival at Rendezvous Event Center
Winter Park Jazz Festival Mid-July Winter Park Annual jazz celebration, 40+ year tradition
High-Note Thursdays Weekly, Jun–Aug Winter Park Free weekly outdoor concerts — a local favorite
Music & Market Weekly, Summer Granby Live music + farmers market at Polhamus Park
Concerts in the Park Weekly, Jul–Sep Grand Lake Free Wednesday evening concerts in Town Park

🤠 Rodeos

Event When Where Details
Granby Rodeo Weekends, Jun–Jul Flying Heels Arena, Granby Junior and open rodeo — bull riding, barrel racing, and more
High Country Stampede Saturdays, Jul–Aug Fraser Themed Saturday night rodeos with live music
Middle Park Fair & Rodeo August Kremmling Annual county tradition — pro rodeo, 4-H, livestock shows

🎪 Festivals & Community Events

🎨 Arts & Crafts Fair

Grand Lake · 2nd weekends of Jul & Aug

Local artists and craftspeople showcase their work in Grand Lake Town Park.

🦬 Buffalo Days

Grand Lake · Mid-August

Parade, live music, and a buffalo BBQ celebrating the town's frontier history.

🎆 Fourth of July

County-wide · July 4th

Fireworks over Grand Lake, parades, and celebrations in every mountain town.

📅
Farmers Markets: Shop local produce and handmade goods at the weekly Granby Music & Market and Kremmling Farmers Market (Thursday evenings, June–August).
Explore the Towns

Mountain Towns

Each town in Grand County has its own personality, charm, and adventure waiting.

🏔️

Grand Lake

The western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Charming boardwalk town with shops, galleries, and lakeside dining.

🌲

Granby

Friendly, laid-back crossroads of adventure. Great food, rodeo culture, and easy access to Lake Granby and the ANRA.

⛷️

Winter Park & Fraser

Colorado's favorite ski town transforms into a summer mountain biking and music festival hub.

🤠

Kremmling

The quieter, more rugged corner. Gateway to world-class fishing on the Colorado River and remote reservoirs.

♨️

Hot Sulphur Springs

A tiny town with a big draw — the historic hot springs resort. Perfect for soaking and scenic drives.

Where to Eat

Local Dining — Our Picks

From lakeside fine dining to casual boardwalk pizza, Grand County has a restaurant for every craving.

🍖 Sagebrush BBQ & Grill

Texas-style BBQ, bison burgers, ribs, and a family-friendly atmosphere. A Grand Lake institution.

🍷 Historic Rapids Lodge

Fine dining on the river — elk medallions, filet mignon, and a riverside patio. Make reservations.

🍺 Rockies

The town's only beer garden with live music, creative American food, and a vibrant patio scene.

🌴 One Love Rum Kitchen

Caribbean flavors in the mountains — blackened mahi-mahi tacos, rum cocktails, and island vibes.

☕ Blue Water Bakery

Breakfast, brunch, and excellent coffee with views of the lake. Perfect morning start.

🍕 Grand Pizza

Casual boardwalk pizza — grab a slice and stroll through downtown Grand Lake.

🔥 Firefly Pizzeria

Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies on a shared outdoor patio. Seasonal — check hours.

🥧 Miyauchi's Snack Bar

Hidden gem — comfort food and homemade pies. Their huckleberry pie is legendary.

🧱 Brickhouse 40

Creative American cuisine, specialty cocktails, and a cozy rustic-chic vibe in one of Granby's oldest brick buildings.

🥩 Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon

Devil's Thumb Ranch — ranch-to-table dining with Wagyu beef, an elegant atmosphere, and mountain views. Reservations recommended.

🍽️ Deno's Mountain Bistro

An extensive wine list, aged grass-fed beef, and a diverse menu from casual small plates to refined entrees. A Winter Park staple.

🍸 Dean Public House

Creative, seasonally changing menu and craft cocktails in a historic setting. A charming post-soak dinner spot.

💡
Tip: Many restaurants are seasonal or have limited summer hours. Call ahead or check online before heading out — especially for fine dining spots like Rapids Lodge or Ranch House.
Plan Ahead

Weather & When to Visit


Season Temps Best For
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) 50°F – 80°F Camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, biking
🍂 Fall (Sep–Oct) 30°F – 65°F Leaf peeping, fewer crowds, fishing
❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar) 5°F – 35°F Skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing
🌸 Spring (Apr–May) 25°F – 55°F Early hiking, wildflowers (late May)
🏕️
Peak camping season: June through mid-September. Book early — campgrounds fill up months in advance!

Quick Tips for Your Trip

☀️
Sun is Intense

At 8,000+ feet, UV exposure is much stronger. Pack sunscreen and sunglasses.

🧥
Layer Up

Mornings can be 40°F even in July. Bring layers and a light jacket.

🐻
Bear Country

Use bear-proof food storage at campgrounds. Never leave food in your tent.

🔥
Check Fire Bans

Conditions change rapidly in summer. Check local restrictions before starting a campfire.

🚗
RMNP Reservations

Check timed entry requirements before your trip — they may be required May–October.

R&D Adventure · Grand County, CO

Ready to Experience
Grand County?

"You book the site, we bring the suite."

Browse campgrounds, pick your RV, and we'll deliver it fully set up so you can start exploring from day one.

📞 Questions? Call us at (720)760-4276

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover our most popular and comfortable RVs, handpicked for amazing travel experiences.

How old do I need to be to rent an RV?

24 years old of with valid identification.

What is your cancellation policy?

Full refund available for cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the booking. Cancellations within 14 days are subject to a $200 fee up to 24 hours before the booking.

Do I need to tow the RV?

No, we deliver the RV directly to your campsite!

Do I need to rent a campsite first?

Yes, You must have a campsite or RV location booked prior to renting our RVs.

Can I rent extra equipment?

Yes! We offer a wide variety of equipment for convenience, comfort, and outdoor activities.

Do you allow pets?

Yes! Pets are welcome, with a $50 fee per pet due at check-in.

Have more questions?

Call us at 720-760-4276

Let's Adventure

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